Pastor Bob leaves Wooster Grace

Pastor Bob Fetterhoff left Wooster Grace to travel with Jim Pike & Roger McManus to visit the people we support in Cambodia & Thailand. Their travels, pictures, and stories are on Pastor Bob's blog.

Pastor Bob highlighted one ministry in Siem Reap, Cambodia--White Dove Ministries in a blog post. Please read more about this ministry from an earlier post. You can watch a five minute video of the ministry to capture an overview of what this ministry does--rescue girls from the sex trade industry.

White Dove is a ministry of YWAM dedicated to helping girls get out of prostitution. Rescued girls live in community with other women at the White Dove Center where they learn about Jesus, get counseling, start healing, and receive instruction to learn a trade to support themselves so that they can be free from the lure of prostitution as an income.  Many girls arrive uneducated. Some are illiterate. Yet God is glorified when one girl chooses to leave the sex trade and to start a new life in Jesus. A great post overviewing the ministry and contact info is by Rachel Harman on her blogpost.

Director of White Dove Ministries & Pastor Chhom

We thank God that Pastor Chhom of the Siem Reap (Cambodia) Grace Brethren Church has partnered with this ministry to develop fully devoted followers of Christ from the ladies rescued from the sex slave industry. All praise to God!

Team is home!

The team is back in Wooster!

I praise God for their safe return. May God help them adjust to our time zone and to work through the culture shock of what has happened while they were away.

Please keep them in prayer for the next week as they recalibrate their lives to life back home. It's not easy to encounter a BIG world, to expand your vision, and then to resume life as it was. Life will be different now. May the Lord be praised with their new commitments to develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

A couple comments/and pictures from FB from the team:

"Back home safe and sound, praise God for such an awesome opportunity and great time with the 2012 Team Hope Asia Trip! Missing my new friends in Cambodia & Thailand... ready to sleep in my nice warm bed =)  Thank you for all who prayed for me on my trip it was greatly appreciated! The Lord was able to do many awesome things threw our team (Carlin Tiano)."

"Great, not only am i in cleveland with sandals on and it's snowing, I just realized i left my jacket in Korea (RAD)."

Steve Knight changed his profile picture.

"Wow" by Traci Schar

Wow! This has been one time-warped illusion. It’s hard to keep all my thoughts straight. It feels like one month’s worth of activities is happening in a day. Today we spent the day with the GROW children. They are so very special and cared for. They are group of wonderful children. So fun and crazy like their mom, Faa. We gave them the “American experience,” by taking them shopping in a mall. Something they never had the opportunity to do previously. 

We started a mural on the walls of the new art room. As we were leaving an imprint on the walls here, I couldn’t help wonder if we too would leave an imprint on the children here. Well, I can’t speak for the children here, but I have most definitely been imprinted by them. Upon arriving at Grace Place, Battambang, I felt like I was meeting relatives for the first time. I was welcomed in the same manner, just like when we opened our home to one of our foster children and they become part of our family. This is how the children there made me feel. 

Now, I knew it was going to be that way with our sponsored child, Heng. We have pictures and have been praying for him for a long time. But, I got that feeling from every child here. It so hard to even talk about because my heart aches when I think of all the children’s faces. How could I get such a close connection in such a short period of time? I think God is breaking my heart for my future. The love from these children is amazing- praying for us as “Mummy and Daddy.” What a blessing to sponsor these little angels.

Traci Schar 

My name is Traci Host Schar and I am the wife of Charlie N. Schar. Together we have 2+ sons, Gavin (age 8) and Logan (age 4). The + is because we are foster parents, and for the past year, we have at least one more extra son in our home.  I am looking forward to going on this trip because I want to meet in person and hug another son, Heng Ny Seang.  He is one of the orphans we sponsor and he lives in Cambodia.  I have compassion for hurting children everywhere and want to help anyway I can.  I also have a heart for missions, which makes this trip super exciting for me, because it is my first mission trip!  I pray that God will use me to show His compassion to His children everywhere.  I pray that God will show me where He wants to lead me next.  God willing, I hope this will be the start of many more mission trips, maybe even long term. 

Pastor Bob makes it to SE Asia

Pastor Bob Fetterhoff is in Cambodia with Jim Pike & Roger McManus. Read his first post on his blog. Please keep this team in your prayers too.

Pray for the team returning. They are in the middle of a thirty-hour odyssey as they come home. Ask God to help them adjust to our time zone, adapt to what has happened here, and to try to share what God has done in them with passion, grace, and tact. 

I glorify God for His work through us to impact the peoples of the world for Christ!

We need time! By Jim Rhea ("Stretch")

There is a time for every season….but does it have to be this time?                                                                


Hello from the other side of the world!  I will “try” to share about my experience so far. My excitement of being here with the team is high, but the opportunity to be with the children I’ve bonded with is so much greater. 


These precious ones who pray for me every day, who communicate their love in words and actions that frankly are overwhelming... Do you know what they want from me? It’s the same thing that I want. TIME!
                                                                                                                                                                                                         We are now in Thailand but my most of my heart needs to catch up with me. For me it seems that we we're only there a few hours. To be asked to stay longer and to return every time is very emotional. There was a line in a song that said “All I ever wanted was someone to care for me, someone who’d always be there for me,even in my darkest hour”. Pray with me that I will not  let them down. 


From Wiang Pa Pao, where we have already had a wonderful day with these little ones, may God alone lead us in His way. Now it is time to go. 


Stretch

Hi, I'm Jim Rhea or "Stretch" to many of you. It is a great joy and privilege to be on this team representing the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. I live in the country, love outdoor activities--hiking, motorcycling, the mountains, God's creation. I came to Christ as a nine year old and He has led me to serve in areas that often involve youth or as I like to say, "foundational ministry". This is exactly what we will be about on this journey, i.e. widows, orphans, those truly in need. Pray for us that God will be honored.

We are at Grace Place, Thailand!

Hello everyone,

I am borrowing someone's aircard to get online. Connection is slow and it is expense, so I will be brief. Thanks for the prayers. We arrived in Wiang Pa Pao, home of Grace Place, Thailand, yesterday early afternoon. The children were waiting for us. As I type this, I can hear them outside playing and having a great time with our team. It is a bit past 8am here and the team is just finishing serving them pancakes. Contrary to the Cambodia kids, who kept coming back for more until there was no more left, the kids here weren't too crazy about the pancakes.But they did enjoy it and had a great time.

Please keep praying for the general health of the team. Stomach issues are still a problem, though imodium has done the trick for several of our team members. Everybody is in good spirits. There is a great amount of cooperation among team members and we are having a blast with the kids here.

It's a bit chilly here today (we are up in the higher elevation of northern Thailand), so we changed our plans a little. We are taking all kids and staff to a chinese buffet for lunch today. That will be a first for the children and it will give the staff a little break. Then we will go together to Hot Springs, where natural hot waters will restore our bodies and minds to perfect health. :) The kids will have fun especially since it will not be cold water. After we return today we will look at the products the widows make here and buy some things from them, then we will have dinner, enjoy worship together and distribute the gifts so many of you sent to your children. It will be a busy day.

Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Before we go to Grace Place, Thailand

Hello everyone,

Today represented a bit of change in the crazy schedule our team has been keeping. We were able to spend time with the eight G.R.O.W. children under Sumitra (Faa)'s care. The girls had a makeover and the boys carried sand to the playground. Everyone joined in the work and the fun that came later on -- throwing balloons with a sling shot, taking pictures, swimming, shopping with the kids, eating ice cream and eating some of the best food we have eaten so far, courtesy of Beam, Faa's assistant.

But tomorrow it is back to the insane pace again as we head north to Wiang Pa Pao, where Grace Place, Thailand, is located. We will be riding on the back of trucks and sleeping in the "Bamboo Hilton." More later, but you will have to stay tuned because we will be without Internet for a couple of days.

Several of our team members are still dealing with some stomach related issues. I am feeling better but still lacking energy from little sleep. I am hoping I can resume running pretty soon, I haven't been able to for two days in a roll.

God's blessings on you all and keep the comments coming. We read them every day.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Ah Thailand, my home away from home, thoughts from Renee Shilling

Why would you not want to live in a land that literally means "beautiful?" I cannot think of one good reason; unless of course you don't love orchids, elephants, and coconuts. But before I dig into the details of today, I must update you on some team anecdotes.

Tuesday en route to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat): Pastor Ivanildo offered people some dried cranberries as he does every time that we're on the bus. As he poured some cranberries into my hand, a red bug started crawling out from among the cranberries and up my arm. A red bug! REALLY?! Had it not crawled up my arm when it did, it would've gone straight into my mouth with the cranberries! In a fit of panic, I squealed like a little girl, and the cranberries and bug went flying out of my hands. Pastor Ivanildo reminded me that people eat those bugs in Cambodia. Yes, but ALIVE?! Unfortunately for everyone else, the reaction was too quick to capture on film. I, for one, am grateful!

Wednesday at a street corner in Phnom Penh: And today's Black Market Special (ding, ding, ding), Moto License Plates! Please, come here. I sell for good price! Would you like blue? Green? How 'bout yellow or red? Need I say more?

On a more serious note, one of our team members had trouble passing through security. Mike has a battery powered breathing machine that security would not allow him to take on the plane. While Ivanildo went to intervene, I felt prompted to pray for the situation. Ivanildo told security that Mike was disabled and he needed the apparatus while he was traveling. Security finally allowed Mike to carry his battery. Praise You Jesus!!!

I enjoyed hearing the first impressions of my teammates as we arrived in Chiang Mai. "It's a lot different than I expected." "It's more developed than I expected." "This looks like a nice place to vacation." Well I say it looks like a nice place to live! And apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so! We picked up a stowaway at the train station by the name of Brenden Miller; maybe you know him. He is checking out different ministry opportunities for him and his wife in this part of the world.

As I walked through the night bazaar, I was reminded of why my heart breaks for this country. Young, beautiful girls dressed for success -or at least for the night. The men that they're with are so dirty. Don't these girls see what I see in them? The potential to be so much more than a one night stand? Why do women easily fall into the trap of finding their self worth in such creepy men. It disgusts me to see such degradation in this world. It really takes Genesis 3:16 to a whole new level. It must sear the heart of God.

Because of one woman's desire to protect innocent children at risk of such exploitation, G.R.O.W was founded. Faa is a young woman after my own heart, and the ministry that she is providing to 8 at-risk children inspires me. We had an opportunity to eat dinner and have a worship service with the children. Please continue to pray for the GROW ministry with the wisdom to make several decisions with expansion.

Thank you so much for your prayers, and continue to do so. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement in our obedience to carry out the great commission. God bless you!


Renee Shilling:

I LOVE people. I love how diverse we all are, and I love learning about the cultural and religious background. My favorite people in the world are children, specifically my nephews, Jonathan, Logan, and Gabriel, and my niece, Cadence. Jesus encourages us all to have faith like a child. We can all learn so much from their teachable minds and vulnerability to trust.

I am a musician, and have had the privilege of playing trombone in the Church Orchestra, and participating in the Bell Choir. My greatest musical joy is leading worship in the four14 band. I love worshiping a risen Savior, and want to lead a life that worships him. My desire is to see others develop that same passion of worshiping the only true God.

"Leading the Angels in Worship" by Ed Tirakis

Imagine that you walked into heaven and one of the first jobs you were assigned was to lead the angels in worship. That was my dilemma on Sunday. As we entered the Asia's Hope compound we were met with the usual crush of smiles and laughter and 30 plus voices shouting "Hullo D'ddy! Hullo Mu'mmy!"

Just getting off the bus is an event. While trying to avoid stepping on little toes, two sets hands quickly take your right hand and forearm, two more sets take your left hand and forearm. Another set of hands grabs you from behind and you are immediately relieved of any baggage you might have had. Meanwhile anyone who is left is hugging you from the front. You have to shuffle your feet because you can't move any faster and you don't want to step on anyone. I got led into the Team Hope Pavilion and seated on the boys side of the room, meanwhile Diane was led to the girls side of the room. As the music started, I was surrounded by children smiling warmly at me and then they began to sing. I'm telling you this was a moment I won't soon forget. The children on either side of me were were gently caressing my arms and then the worship started.

Every tear in my eyes immediately left my face. I looked over at Diane and she had lost her composure. I have never felt so welcome, so special, so honored as I did in that moment and it occurred to me that I was getting an earthly glimpse of what heaven is really like.

I had been preoccupied with so many things. What song was I going to sing? Would they have a music stand? Would there be a microphone? Would the guitar be in tune? The kids were only concerned with two things. Worshiping God and serving our team. All the details I was concerned about immediately became irrelevant in light of these little ones' love and care for us. These kids worship like they do everything, passionately, purely, and with unadulterated energy! I have been leading worship for over 20 years. I have led countless thousands in worship in that time but this day I wasn't there to lead them in worship. They were leading me. My little offering of a song that morning while politely welcomed by them, was really the least important thing that happened that morning. I've struggled to put into words what being with these kids is really like and how one can become so attached to them in such a short time. Diane and I were left unable to process our time with these kids because it is so sweet and so bitter all at the same time. I heard this quote today during my study time.

"Beauty is unbearable. It drives us to despair because it offers us, for a moment, a glimpse of an eternity that we desperately want to stretch out overall of time." (Albert Camus)

As I watched the angels worship God this day I caught for a brief moment a beautiful glimpse into an eternity that I did not want to end.

Ed Tirakis

I am the Laboratory Manager at Wooster Community Hospital. I have thought about going to Cambodia and Thailand for a few years now but always saw too many reasons not to go. God worked on my heart, and now I desire very much to go and be with the children we are trying to help through Team Hope. My goals for the trip are the following:

1. Show God's love to all the kids.
2. Connect with Ry Vith, our sponsored child.
3. Learn how Team Hope can help these little ones and save more kids.
4. Help out in whatever ways I am able, i.e. lead worship.
5. Learn more about the culture of Cambodia and Thailand. 

"Leading the Angels in Worship" by Ed Tirakis

Imagine that you walked into heaven and one of the first jobs you were assigned was to lead the angels in worship. That was my dilemma on Sunday. As we entered the Asia's Hope compound we were met with the usual crush of smiles and laughter and 30 plus voices shouting "Hullo D'ddy! Hullo Mu'mmy!"

Just getting off the bus is an event. While trying to avoid stepping on little toes, two sets hands quickly take your right hand and forearm, two more sets take your left hand and forearm. Another set of hands grabs you from behind and you are immediately relieved of any baggage you might have had. Meanwhile anyone who is left is hugging you from the front. You have to shuffle your feet because you can't move any faster and you don't want to step on anyone. I got led into the Team Hope Pavilion and seated on the boys side of the room, meanwhile Diane was led to the girls side of the room. As the music started, I was surrounded by children smiling warmly at me and then they began to sing. I'm telling you this was a moment I won't soon forget. The children on either side of me were were gently caressing my arms and then the worship started.

Every tear in my eyes immediately left my face. I looked over at Diane and she had lost her composure. I have never felt so welcome, so special, so honored as I did in that moment and it occurred to me that I was getting an earthly glimpse of what heaven is really like.

I had been preoccupied with so many things. What song was I going to sing? Would they have a music stand? Would there be a microphone? Would the guitar be in tune? The kids were only concerned with two things. Worshiping God and serving our team. All the details I was concerned about immediately became irrelevant in light of these little ones' love and care for us. These kids worship like they do everything, passionately, purely, and with unadulterated energy! I have been leading worship for over 20 years. I have led countless thousands in worship in that time but this day I wasn't there to lead them in worship. They were leading me. My little offering of a song that morning while politely welcomed by them, was really the least important thing that happened that morning. I've struggled to put into words what being with these kids is really like and how one can become so attached to them in such a short time. Diane and I were left unable to process our time with these kids because it is so sweet and so bitter all at the same time. I heard this quote today during my study time.

"Beauty is unbearable. It drives us to despair because it offers us, for a moment, a glimpse of an eternity that we desperately want to stretch out overall of time." (Albert Camus)

As I watched the angels worship God this day I caught for a brief moment a beautiful glimpse into an eternity that I did not want to end.

Ed Tirakis

I am the Laboratory Manager at Wooster Community Hospital. I have thought about going to Cambodia and Thailand for a few years now but always saw too many reasons not to go. God worked on my heart, and now I desire very much to go and be with the children we are trying to help through Team Hope. My goals for the trip are the following:

1.      1. Show God’s love to all the kids

2.      2. Connect with Ry Vith, our sponsored child

3.      3. Learn how Team Hope can help these little ones and save more kids

4.      4. Help out in whatever ways I am able, i.e. lead worship

5.     5. Learn about the culture of Cambodia and Thailand.

Th

tHThanks for praying for me!

The "injury list" for January 11

Steve Knight: fever, stomach issues, lying down on the back of the bus for most of the trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

Ed Tirakis: fell while playing with the kids at the State Orphanage. Bruised knee. Walking gingerly.

Renee Shilling: congested, rough ride on the back of the bus.

Pastor Ivanildo and Kelly Stewart: sore throat. Hate it, that's usually a sign that I am getting a cold. Ouch!

Jim Rhea: stomach issues, exhausted and heart broken over leaving the kids at Grace Place, Battambang.

Everybody else: sleep deprived and longing for the children we just left, while longing for home in the U.S.

Thanks for your prayers. We leave for the airport at 7:00 am tomottow morning and would appreciate if you remembered to pray for us. It is the middle point of our trip and we all need to get better.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Listening to Jesus from the heart of Diane Tirakis . . .

My name is Diane Tirakis and I am the wife of Ed, mother of Will, who is 6, and Lydia, who is 8. I am currently a stay at home mom, which is the best job I’ve ever had! I have been a runner for 9 years and began Team Hope in 2009 after God burdened my heart for the children of SE Asia. I traveled on my first mission trip as a junior in high school to the Dominican Republic and have desired to travel in a missions capacity since. I have since prayed about being able to visit SE Asia, especially to have a chance to meet the precious girl that our family sponsors in Cambodia and the amazing boys that Team Hope sponsors in Thailand. I feel certain that God has more to do through Team Hope and it is my prayer that He will give us direction for how we can rescue more children.


A Country of Contrasts

Hello from Siem Reap, Cambodia! We have finished another great day today, though most of us are still grappling with emotions from our time with the children of Grace Place Battambang. Today we took about a 3 hour bus ride to the city of Siem Reap. Approaching the city, we passed a “country club,” the first of those we’ve seen here! Then, began another day of great contrast. There are large, sprawling, Las Vegas style hotels lining the streets (well, not quite Las Vegas) and more modern shopping than we’ve seen. This is because Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat which is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, thus attracting a great deal of tourism. Among these hotels remains the extreme poverty we’ve seen everywhere on our trip.

We spent our day today visiting the ruins of the temples of Angkor Wat (google it to learn more!). These were built over a period of 600 years around the 9th century for Hindu gods. They are unbelievably large and beautifully detailed in the carvings and writings. What struck me was the amazing amount of work, time and cost to build something to gods that would never answer, never speak, never bless. Even today, within many of the inner chambers, people were lighting incense, making offerings to gods and ancestors. I even saw people shedding tears as they did this. I wanted to tell them that I know the One and Only. Jesus. He answers, He speaks, He blesses. He is alive!

The most difficult part of the day was to navigate through the throngs of people, mostly children selling trinkets, books and jewelry in an unrelenting manner. We had been advised to smile at them, say “thank you” but move along and largely ignore them so as not to be swarmed. Contrast. We just came from a place of pouring our every ounce of attention on children. Children who, if it had not been for Grace Place would be these very children selling goods to tourists for $1. The children we saw today were vacant. Their eyes were empty as the followed us repeating the same few phrases again and again. One little girl followed me all the way to our bus barefoot. She had no shoes. She just stared. This beautiful place, these beautiful people, so much poverty and need. Contrast. The children of Grace Place are lively, their eyes light, their smiles wide. They are thriving in the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. There are so many more children who need the chance to know Him.

Contrast this beautiful place of ancient history with Steve and Carlin planking. We seem to draw attention wherever we go!

Tonight we finished our evening enjoying dinner with the Pastor of Grace Brethren Siem Reap and the founders of White Dove, a ministry to young women leaving a life of prostitution. Our time with them was short, but inspiring to know that people from all parts of the world are following the Holy Spirit as He calls them into ministry. They are people of passion. We are becoming people of passion.

And we're also finding out that planking isn't half bad either:)Thanks for your partnership in prayer with our team. Lydia and Will, Mom and Dad love you and can't wait to see you!!

Back in Phnom Penh

Hello everyone,
We made it  back to Phnom Penh -- the longest bus trip ever. We arrived in a city that never sleeps because they have to stay awake for the crazy traffic on the streets. Everything is so crowded and seemingly small. The congested traffic in and around the city prolonged the trip by about two hours.

I didn't share this with the team but yesterday I witnessed a motorcycle crash on a busy street in Siem Reap. One guy simply rammed on the other and wiped out on the side of the road, pieces of his bike flying everywhere. Thankfully, both guys got up and drove away on their bikes, apparently with no scratches.

After arriving in Phnom Penh, we ate a late lunch at Lucky Burger, the closest you will get to a McDonald's here in Cambodia. We were so tired and hungry so it was good to get some food. A couple of our team members are sick so we ask you to pray for a quick recovery.

After arriving at the hotel, we went to the State run orphanage on the outskirts of the city and visited with about 150 children and staff at a facility I have been ministering at since 1999. More about that later, hopefully, but you need to know that the time with the kids there was outstanding, our team did extremely well and Kellie gave a wonderful testimony.

I have to go, but imagine about 120 kids opening the first Bible they've ever seen and learning how to turn it to John !4:6. RAD brought Kellie's message home with a bang.

Blessings,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

In Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hello everyone,

We spent the day in Siem Reap. I am sitting at the hotel lobby, having just finished a meeting, and am trying to gather up courage to get up the six flights of stairs to go to my room. I have fallen asleep white typing at least two times. Everybody else is in their room. They are exhausted. Pray for a good night's rest, and our long six-hour bus trip to Phnom Penh tomorrow. We're are tired but thankful; healthy but not without the occasional stomach blues.

Keep praying!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

A Day Like No Other...

You would think that after many times saying good-by to our kids at Grace Place, you manage to control your emotions and things get a little easier. Well, not really.

Today was one of those days our team will never forget. This day will forever mark the time in our lives when our love for our kids was sealed with a sense of deep sadness. So often love is labored in pain and sealed in sadness. People swear eternal love in times of war and go on into the night without knowing what the future will bring. We, on the other hand, tasted the sweetness of love in a moment of separation after only a few days, so few the math of love doesn't add up. How can you love so deeply in such a brief span of time. Maybe it is because of a bond stronger than love itself unites us.

This was indeed a day for the history books. Our team cooked pancakes for the children... hundreds of them, non-stop, for a couple of hours. The kids were so fun to watch, especially as they kept coming back to the line to get more. Love is also sealed in the company of food and this would be proven true again later in the day as we took the kids and all the stuff to eat at their favorite restaurant -- an all you can eat buffet that lets you pick and cook the food you want to eat, right there on your own table. Our children were so well behaved and they have perfected dining to an art.

In the afternoon, we divided the team between several units of recreation, art, hair and nail make over, and filling water balloons for a different kind of war that was to be fought later on. Love thrives in the midst of merry-making. And time does fly when you are having fun.

Our parting was sad but it was also rich. We sang with the kids back at Grace Place. RAD led us on a candlelight moment, and then we released lanterns into the dark Battambang sky (Mr. Steve's idea). We also prayed for each of the children in small groups and asked them to pray for us. And then we extricate ourselves from their embrace, hoping they don't catch a glimpse of the adults balling like little children, but knowing full well that their love will always remain more than a glimpse, a blossoming flower that refuses to die.

I wish I could tell you more about this day but I have been up for 19 hours now and can't keep my eyes open anymore.

Sorry for the predictable letters on "page" and no image. Next time.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade  

"Kelliessential"

                We've got a pretty busy schedule tonight with a dance party, ice cream and barbecued egg social and presenting sponsor gifts to the children so I’ll just be covering the events of this morning. Wow, where to start?

                We met with the Kanes this morning for breakfast at a noodle shop. Just in case Mike was not humiliated enough with the “Mary Magdalene” picture, I thought I’d share a funny incident from our meal. The napkins here are very small and thin, more like a sheet of toilet paper. Mike was eating his soup (yes, soup for breakfast , when his napkin dropped into his bowl. He didn’t notice this until he mistook it for a noodle and tried to eat it (with a chopstick). He might have invented a new recipe, but I don’t think we’ll see him on Iron Chef any time soon, but we will forever tease him about eating “napkin soup.”

                On a more serious note, we had a church service with all the Asia’s Hope children today. There are six other homes here besides Grace Place so there were many children. There was lots of enthusiastic singing and dancing. Jim and Diane gave testimonies and Pastor Ivanildo gave a message. The service was held in the pavilion that was built with money raised by Team Hope. Just being in that pavilion gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that God would allow me to be here. So many times, we never see the fruits of our labor. We plant or water, but we don’t see the harvest. Today I had the joy of being in this place, worshiping our Savior with these sweet children who used to be faces in photographs, but who were now little bodies snuggling against my shoulders and continually smiling at me.

                One goal of mine for this trip was to bring all of you along with me in spirit. This morning I wanted to grab your hand, point at that pavilion and shout, “Look at what God as done through you!” Sometimes we feel so small. We think that we don’t have much to offer to God that can amount to anything big. Today I saw with my own eyes how He can take little offerings and multiply them into something great. To everyone who has run or walked in the Team Hope events, all those who gave money to support them, and the ones who cheered the runners on and offered up prayers for endurance and protection against injury, look at what those offering s have accomplished! We are small on our own, but Christ has knit us together into one body that can do incredible things through His power!

Guest author's bio: "My name is Kelly Stewart. I was born and raised in Wayne County. I graduated from Wooster High School, Wheaton College, and Walden University.

I have been married to Jeff for 12 years and have two children, Riley, age 6, and Colin, age 4. I taught 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade at Apple Creek Elementary for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I am the nursery coordinator at Grace. I enjoy antiques, crafting, and playing with my kids.

I decided to go on this trip because God's call to care for orphans is something that weighs heavily on my heart. I want to find out what more God would have me do to carry out this command. I am so excited to be going on this trip. I can't wait to spend time with the children, to fellowship with these sweet little souls, and to learn what God would teach me."

Dinner time on Sunday night...

Dinner tonight at Piazza Hand and then we off to Grace Place for a celebration with all the homes including ice cream, traditional Cambodian dance, some fireworks, and then it's Christmas in January as we humbly try to pass on all the love from the people of Wooster Grace as we deliver sponsor gifts. And then to culminate the night... we will be spending the night with the kids at Grace Place and then in the morning, we are cooking breakfast American style with pancakes all around! Thanks for all the comments we cherish them at dinner time as mail from home.

Thanks for being here with us through the prayers you are offering on our behalf.

Thinking about today from the eyes of Carlin Tiano...

"Putting today into words is more difficult than I thought it would be when I was asked to write the blog for today. Between the bus ride that felt like an earth quake simulator that rattled my brain, to stepping off that bus and being greated by a group of children with open arms was quite a roller coaster both mentally and physically. When I exited the bus, the first face I saw was that of my families sponsored child waiting to hug me It didn't feel like we were meeting for the first time, but rather that I was reunited with a little brother.

Though I only have spent a few hours with these kids, I feel a very deep connection with them. Now I really know what this trip is all about, it is real. I see the outpouring of love from these kids as a true blessing and I wonder whom is ministering to whom? We played with balloons and they had such a blast making hats and animals! It was Kelly's Birthday today so we surprised her with a cake, and as Cambodian tradition would have it, the cake ended up being smashed and smeared all over the nearest friends face!

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be here bringing all the love that our church has to share with our family from Grace to our family in Cambodia. And most of all, I'm so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to experience and grow and deepen my heart for how big He is, and how awesome it is to be a part of the family of God. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support of our team and of me. My name is Carlin Tiano, that's my story and I'm sticking with it!"

We are here! Off to meet the kids at Grace Place Cambodia:)

Street Walking in Phnom Penh

It's 5:30 am here in Phnom Penh, and RAD and I are slowly getting up to welcome the new day. I am getting ready to go on my morning walk/run (today I am going to the river front, by the Mekong River) and RAD is getting ready to put on the John Tesh radio show as we both need a lot of intelligence for what lies ahead today.

It is a solid six hours to Battambang from here on our blue bus, which doesn't go fast but gets us there safely. Our bus driver is our friend of many trips, Khandy, who is a believer and a very fun person to be around. He has a very loud laugh and is a big fan of a nice joke. We will have a very busy day ahead but at the end of our trip what waits us is more than worth the effort.

Today is a special day for another reason I will tell you later. Cannot tell you know because it is a surprise. But if you come back in the next day or so, you will read about it, perhaps with some pictures to illustrate it.

Walking along the busy streets of downtown Phnom Penh yesterday allowed us to see this country with a bird's eye view. We stopped to chat with children who were in school -- they were so adorable, using the English they know to greet us with many smiles. We peaked at a little boy and a little girl from a distance, who were sitting side-by-side with their arms around their shoulders, talking in each other's ears, smiling and not having a care in the world. What a contrast this was to the stark surrounding of the classrooms where they sat -- dark, virtually no bright colors on the wall, and from a distance what appeared to be very little educational resources.

Outside though, it is the daily grind of people trying to make a living. Small repair shops line the streets, with workers sometimes doing their work right on the sidewalk. Uneven sidewalks, by the way, seem to be the perpetual reminders that nothing is at appears and nothing seems predictable in this country.

Except, that is the love that awaits us from our kids at Grace Place, Battambang. That you can predict, you can take to the bank, and I am starting to feel it right now as we get ready to get on the "Khandy express."

Thank you for investing in the lives of these precious little ones on the other side of the ocean. And thank you for giving us a chance to represent you here.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade 

Thoughts from the team. . . . Mike Ohlsen

Greetings! Just a quick moment to say thanks for the prayers of God's people and especially as many of you leave even a short post for members of the team. Today we enjoyed your "thoughts from home" while we shared lunch with some of our Cambodian family. Just watching the faces of the team as they hear words from folks at home communicated clearly once again to me the value of our two way communication in the lives of the team.

Each day along the way we'll be spotlighting one of the team members so that you might get to know them better and how to pray more effectively as well as how the Lord is impacting them along the way.

Today you get the chance to meet Mike Ohlsen, and just wanted to say thanks for allowing me the priviledge of reprensenting the fine folks of Wooster Grace here in Asia.

Blessings,
RAD

Hi. I’m Mike Ohlsen. I am married, have two married children and two grandchildren. I am very excited about going back to Asia. My heart was opened up after the trip a year ago. I look forward again in using my talents to help others and spread God’s love.

Here are Mike's thoughts for today, Friday, January 6th:

"As you know the team arrived safely in good health and sprits. The nice arrival time gave the team a chance to unwind and have a midnight snack before turning in. The first day in Cambodia has given the team a chance to bond with an early morning Temple walk. Pastor Ivanildo helped guide the walk explaining the do's and don’ts of Cambodian culture. Following this was a team breakfast. Nothing like starting the day off with pork rice noodle soup instead of a nice bowl, of Oatmeal, good old Cheerios or Special K. Pastor RAD then gave a good devotional to the team mentioning that there are still 1.5 billion people who need to hear ab9ut Christ. That's like taking the record attendance of the 1980 Super Bowl held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - 103,985 people and to get to 1.1 billion you would have to fill that stadium, with that many people, 10,578 times! We've still got plenty of work to do.

The first stop today was the Russian market. Pastor Ivanildo had to purchase a number of items for the G.R.O.W. house. Some items were purchased by the team before heading to the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields where the silent cries of a tragic time still cry out from the walls, the photos and the ground of those killed during that awful time in Cambodian history.

After a quick trip back to the hotel to freshen up we embarked on a sensory overload of cultural experience as the team traveled by TokTok to our dinner destination.

We closed out the night praying for our early morning trip tomorrow to Battambong where everyone is clearly excited to be able to see our kids and freely distribute the many, many hugs that were packed in our bags from so many of you.

Thanks for praying and sending us to be here,

Mike

P.S. Mary Magdelene doesn't have anything on me!"

We are in Cambodia!

This will be a quick post to let everyone know that we arrived safely in Phnom Penh. It's past 2 am now and we are all nicely placed in our hotel rooms. I need to try to get some sleep but how can I when RAD got Dave Coz and Billie Holiday on? Seriously... No, don't get me wrong. I like that stuff!

We have an early morning start later and a busy day ahead, visiting Toul Sleng (the genocide museum here) and the killing fields. Please pray for stamina for the whole team. It will be hot and sweaty.

Thanks for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

We are off to Asia!

In a couple of hours I will be heading to church where our team will be congregating not for a service but for an adventure. We will all be wide awake, full of exciting and nervous energy, as we head to Cleveland and then to South East Asia, a first time experience for several on our team and a life-changing experience for all of us.

As always, we will blog here as often as possible and we would appreciate your prayers and thoughts on our behalf. And please please, leave comments. This blog is often the only source of news the team members have. It is our lifeline back to the U.S., so please keep those comments coming!

To help you follow us, here is our tentative schedule for our trip:

SE Asia Winter 2012 STM Team Hope Trip Tentative Schedule

Key

PP – Phnom Penh      WPP - Wieng Pa Pao

SR – Siem Reap        GPT – Grace Place, Thailand

GPB – Grace Place, Cambodia CM – Chiang Mai

Wednesday, January 4th  2:30am  Meet @ Wooster Grace, leave for CLE at 3:00 Thursday, January 5th Arrive in PP @ 10:20 pm Spend the night @ the hotel Friday, January 6th 8:00am Street walk with Pastor Ivanildo 9:00 Breakfast and Team meeting at the hotel  10:00 Toul Sleng (Khmer Holocaust Museum) and Killing fields 2:00 Lunch 3:00-5:00 Free 5:00 – 7:00 Visit AH homes in Prek Eng 7:30 Dinner 8:30 Team Debrief @ the Hotel Saturday, January 7th 6:00 Walk (optional) 7:00 Leave by bus to Battambang (breakfast and lunch on the way) 12:00 -12:30 Arrive at the TEO hotel 2:15 Load up for GPB 2:30 – 8:00 Spend time with children at GPB                   Dinner and evening program 8:15 Load up for TEO 9:00 Snack and Team Meeting @ the Hotel Sunday, January 8th 7:00 Breakfast (@ Noodle shop with Kevin and Jill Kane) 8:00 Worship Service with all the children 12:00 lunch with GPB staff 1:30-2:45 Free Time, possible prep work for mural 2:45 Leave for Ministry Center 3:00 Service @ The Minister Center (Kanes) 5:00 Dinner 7:00 Party at GPB to deliver Sponsors’ gifts 10:00 Spend the night @ GPB Monday, January 9th 6:00 Walk (optional) 7:00 Cook breakfast 9:00 Serve Breakfast for children and staff 10:30 Back to the TEO 10:30 – 11:30 Free time 11:30 Team Meeting @ the TEO 12:00 Lunch 1:30 – 5:30 Projects with children @ GPB 6:00 Dinner 7:30 Farewell Party and Ice Cream @ GPB 9:00 Pack for SR Spend the night @ the hotel Tuesday, January 10 5:00 am Leave for SR 8:30 Breakfast @ hotel in SR 9:00 – 3:00 Tour Angor Wat and other sites 5:00 Meet with local GBC pastor in SR and hear about ministry to current and former prostitutes 8:30 Team Meeting @ the hotel in SR Wednesday, January 11 7:00 Leave for PP 12:00 Arrive in PP (lunch at the Thmorda) 1:30-3:30 Free 3:30 - 4:30 Luggage Prep 4:30 Leave for State Orphanage 7:00 Dinner 8:00 Team Meeting @ the hotel Spend the night @ the hotel in PP Thursday, January 12 7:00 Breakfast 8:00 Leave for PP airport 10:00 Leave for CM 2:05 Arrive in CM 4:00 Check into hotel in CM 5:00 Team Meeting 9:00 – 11:00 Night Bazaar Spend the night @ the Hotel Friday, January 13 6:30 Walk (optional) 8:00 Breakfast & Team Meeting 9:00 Leave for G.R.O.W. home 9:30 – 4:00 Projects @ the G.R.O.W. home 5:00 Swimming & Dinner with G.R.O.W. children 9:00 Night Bazaar (optional) Spend the night @ the Hotel Saturday, January 14th 6:30 Walk (optional) 9:00 Breakfast & Team Meeting 10:00 Leave for GPT in WPP 11:30 – 1:00 arrive @ GPT and mingle, get settled 1:00 Lunch 2:00-6:00 Projects @ GPT 6:00 Meet Widows 7:00 Dinner 8:00 Fireside service 9:00 Team Meeting Spend the night @ GPT Sunday, January 15th 7:00 – 9:00 Cook Breakfast 9:00 Serve Breakfast 10:30 Worship Service with GPT staff and children          Distribute Sponsors’ gifts 12:00 Pack, hang out with children 1:00 Lunch 2:00 Travel to CM 4:30 Service and dinner with College Students 6:45 Travel to Sunday market 11:00 Back to the Hotel, spend the night there Monday and Tuesday, January 16th 6:30 Walk (optional) 7:00 Breakfast and Team Meeting 8:00Travel to Faa’s village        Return to WPP and spend the night there Tuesday, January 17th 8:30 Breakfast and Team Meeting 9:30 Leave for Water Park with GPT children (possible) Spend the night @ Hotel in CM Wednesday, January 18 8:30 Leave for Doi Sothep, Team debrief there Leave for the CM airport @ 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 19 Arrive in CLE @ 5:30 pm Thank you again for your prayers!  Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade