A Dream is Born

Hey everyone:

I am at the PP airport now. Melissa's flight was delayed leaving LA so she did not make her connection. However, I have confirmed that she is on a flight with a different airline that arrives at 11:35 a.m. local time, so all is well. Praise God that she was able to get on a different flight being at an international airport overseas...

                                                                          
I just spoke with RAD and the team is about half an hour away from PP. They did manage to rise early and according to RAD all is well. They will have a treat this morning, as they will have lunch at a shopping center that has Kentucky Fried Chicken as well as "Lucky Burger," the McDonald's of Kampuchea.

                                                                          
I don't know when I will have a chance to say this again but I have been very impressed with how well this Four 14 team has worked together. Everyone, without exception, has been so cooperative, so willing to help, so intent on being a blessing to each other and especially to the people we meet and have the chance to serve in the Name of Jesus.

                                                                            
I must also say that Kevin and Jill Kane have been a HUGE blessing to our team. I don't know what we would have done without their logistical and cultural expertise, as well as their "get it done" attitude. During dinner on Sunday, the leader of the Grace Brethren team here in Cambodia ask to speak to thank our team for coming to Cambodia and loving the Cambodian people. Kent Good then made a point of thanking us for sending the Kanes to Cambodia. He said that they are outstanding missionaries for their ability to relate and love the people and their expertise of the culture.

In fact, when Jill was delayed coming to dinner yesterday, I overheard Kent's wife, Becky, say, "Oh, don't worry, she is probably leading someone to the Lord." In fact, I was so happy last night at the outreach to see all the students from Jill's English class show up. Jill was standing outside, as some of her students were too shy to come in without seeing her, and she was counting how many were coming. She stopped counting at 28 because they kept coming. Jill has more than 70 students, which she teaches for free, and she filled an entire side of the auditorium and some on the other side with them. What a beautiful example of passion for those who are outside of Christ that is. I was blessed to witness it!

Pastor Dave and I were standing on the back as we took in with delight what was going on during the outreach. We both remember the early days when he used to do outreaches in restaurants, similar to the ones we did yesterday. Back then, we were the show. Last night we realized that our kids from the homes ARE the show. They presented music and skits, their own band led worship and we played a supporting role. Seeing this filled our hearts with joy. It is as if the dream of seeing outstanding Cambodian people leading their own country to Christ is within grasp. I have no doubt whatsoever that many of the very children who were presenting last night and their friends who were sitting all across the auditorium, will one day become missionaries, evangelists, business leaders and outstanding leaders in their country. And it all started because God first planted a seed in Pastor Dave's heart, then a few other people dared to join in to make this dream come to.

And it is a good dream, one that we wish not to wake up from. All glory to Jesus!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org