MCCRACKEN REPORT FROM CAMBODIA

Mike and Joan in Camodia!

Svay Kang well!

Symean teaching children!


Kompong Preah group!


Recently, Mike McCracken (who is the leader of our mission team) and his wife Joan represented Grace Church at a summit in Cambodia. Below is Mike's report to me after they returned:

Scott, Here is an overview of our trip after the summit.

Joan and I were able to attend the monthly meeting with the Cambodian Ministry Partners (CMP’s). Ten of them, including Symean, Samoeun, and Heng, were in attendance and shared about their ministry over the last month and prayed for each other. The meeting was held at the Battambang Ministry Training Center which is a three story building used for multiple ministries throughout the week.

Saran, a CMP, took Joan and I to Svay Kang to see the well project first hand. This is a development project we have been involved with. The well is providing water to many people in the village and surrounding areas. The village leadership is responsible for maintenance and making sure it stays accessible to everyone. Saran leads worship in Svay Kang every week and is encourage by the benefits this well is providing to the community and he is thankful for the opportunities it has created for him to share Christ.

Sunday was one of Joan and my busiest days. I wasn’t sure we would get it all in but we did. After breakfast at a noodle shop we rode to Kampong Preah to visit a church that Symean is planting. At this location Symean leads the children’s ministry and his partner Seng leads the worship with the adults. Joan and I were impressed with the leadership of these men. Symean has also encouraged and assisted several families to start small businesses; mushroom raising, frog raising, and a fish pond. “Nothing significant happens outside of prayer”. Scott, how many time have I heard you say those words? I truly believe that prayer for small groups like the one in Kampong Preah is the only way they will grow into a self sustaining church that will reproduce. The challenges and obstacles are large. I believe Lititz can make a difference by praying for these people and their maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:9-14).

After a quick bite to eat at Kent and Becky Good’s, Joan and I jumped on a dirt bike and rode to Phnom Sampeau. Several years ago Joan and I co-lead a team that helped build a chapel in this area. We were warmly greeted and attended their worship service.

I could go on and on with details form this trip. We had many opportunities to build deeper relationships with the missionaries serving in Battambang and Phnom Penh. We were also able to visit and encourage the Cambodian Ministry Partners and some of their families. Joan and I were blessed by this trip.

Mike, for Mike and Joan