Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)
A few months ago, we realized that we needed some extra-curriculars to prevent going stir-crazy. Admittedly, there were times when we felt tempted to hide at home or only spend time with people we knew well. But we were fortunate to be able to find a local ballet class and swim lessons for the kids. Carol also started exercising weekly with a group of Cambodian and Thai moms. Through these activities, we started to meet many new parents; some are foreign expats and some are local Cambodians. As we reflect back, we realize what a blessing it has been that God has been opening doors for us to make new meaningful connections.
Fourth position
Some of the parents we met are like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ who have a missional heart for reaching the lost as well. We’ve been able to learn from each other, encourage one another in ministry work, and even explore better ways to partner in future endeavours. When we befriend local Cambodians, we are encouraged that some are faithful Christians, although the majority do not know Jesus yet. Kevin’s Khmer teacher is a Christian and he has invited us to visit his church this weekend since churches are allowed to meet again. He wants to introduce us to some Vietnamese Christians in his congregation. We are trying to be wise in taking every opportunity to have meaningful conversations in order to deepen these relationships.
Teaching Cambodians how to play SPOONS.
In Carol’s exercise group, one of the Thai ladies who is a devout Buddhist, asked for prayer when she was experiencing extreme chest pains and difficulty breathing. Carol and her Thai Christian friend prayed for the woman in Jesus’ name and by the end of the day, she had no more pain. At the hospital, all her tests and x-rays were all-clear. This Thai woman is interested in studying the Bible now. We want to praise God and give thanks for His divine and awesome ways. God has brought people in our lives to help us in friendship, ministry and to grow in love for the sake of the gospel.
We also want to shout with glee because our kids were able to physically return to school today! This has been an answer to prayer after about 6 months of online school. As many of you know, it is extremely exhausting to juggle kids schooling from home and adult work responsibilities. Sometimes Mackenzie would fall asleep in front of the screen during online class. Marcus gets easily distracted by his friends sending him chat messages during lessons. Meanwhile, Carol continues to teach discipleship classes in Vietnamese once or twice a week. Kevin is mentoring a young man and continuing with formal Khmer language studies. We are looking forward to having more productive grown-up time sans kids.
Discipleship 
Mentorship
Praise Items:
- Thankful we are able to find extra-curricular activities for the kids and Carol. (Kevin is content fixing old broken computers in his free time)
- Thankful God has been opening doors for us to befriend many new parents in the city.
- Thankful kids have returned physically to school this week.
Back to school
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that Carol’s Thai friend will begin studying the Bible and she will find truth in Jesus.
- Pray that God will open doors for us to meet more Vietnamese Christians that can potentially be leaders in the ministry.
- Pray that the kids will adjust well to strict social distancing rules and masks needing to be worn at all times at school.