Thanks For Your Prayers

Hello everyone --

Thank you all for praying for Pastor Bob. As you can tell from the picture, he is back home and glad to be enjoying the nice and cool weather of springy Wooster. Please continue to pray that he will be able to get back to a normal schedule. And make sure you ask him about how his trip went. I am sure he will have a story or two to tell you.

Thank you again for all those who contribute faithfully to the ministries of Wooster Grace both here and abroad. Last Saturday we celebrated a milestone -- we completed our 3,000th oil change since that ministry was started in our church. This is a ministry to single moms and seniors who cannot afford or are no longer able to do this kind of work. We also put a wheel chair access ramp in the home of a little girl who is wheel chair bound due to multiple illnesses. The whole house was built largely with funds from Wooster Grace. In addition to that, we did the mulching and cleaning outside the headquarters of the Pregnancy Care Center and gave hundreds of dollars worth of free gas cards at a local gas station in Wooster.

Thanks to you, 30 children are now safely living at "Grace Place," Battambang and more will be rescued soon. Our missionaries, Kevin & Jill Kane, are extending the work of the Gospel to some remote villages in Cambodia. Like them, we have missionaries in 14 different countries bringing the hope of the Gospel to thousands who never heard of Christ before. There are many other things like that I could point to -- examples of God's work through our church -- but I will stop here before I'm accused of bragging... Well my bragging is for My God, not for men. All praise to Him!

We definitely serve a great God!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org

Home

Good ... Well - I'm not sure if it's morning or evening!

I'm sitting in the LA airport waiting for the flight back to Cleveland! I'm exhausted but my heart is full of gratitude for what God has accomplished on this trip.

Our final night in Thailand featured another visit to the orphan homes where we played, worshipped, hugged, talked and enjoyed the love of the children and staff. No words can describe that experience! The worship of the children at their evening chapel was so rich!! Two little girls just kept hugging me as our team prepared to leave ... once again... I was deeply touched.
The evening concluded with a dinner to honor Tutu, the AH country director in Thailand. We said our final good-byes for our 30+ hour trip home!

God has answered your prayers! Thanks so much! I wish I could tell you the impact this trip has had in my life! God knows ... and thanks so much for praying!

Yours Because HIS,

Pastor Bob

Somewhere Over the Pacific...

Hello everyone!

It's Sunday, May 10th, after church, and Pastor Bob is flying somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. Please, pray for him and for Dr. Campbell, as they make the long trek home. Tonight, Lord willing, Pastor Bob will catch a flight in Los Angeles, at 11:20 p.m., headed to Cleveland, and will arrive at Cleveland Hopkins at 6:41 a.m. Please pray for safety and rest as he returns and gets into a normal schedule after being away for a couple of weeks in a different culture and time zone. Continue to pray for the impact of this trip in our church.

Thanks for all your prayers and please continue to pray for our children in "Grace Place," Battambang. And if you would like to find out how to contribute toward the sponsorship of the next 10 children, please contact Jeana Harley at jharley@woostergrace.org.

Thank you also to all the ABF Communities and individuals who contributed to make this trip possible. As you can see from these updates, your contributions have been invested wisely for the sake of the Gospel. On behalf of Pastor Bob, thank you for your generosity.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

A Ceremony for the Ages

Photo by John McCollum

Greetings, everyone, from the wonderful & exotic world of Chiang Mai (home of elephant, tiger and snake shows, and the most adorable orphan children from the hill tribes of Thailand).

Last night, our team headed for Doi Soket orphan home #1 for a special awards ceremony for the children. We enjoyed baked chicken and “sticky rice” prepared by the cook for the orphan home, then joined the children for the ceremony (and what a ceremony!!).

The night began with at least an hour of energetic, vivacious, Christ-honoring worship as the children “sang their hearts out” (again – think the “Best of VBS with Pastor Randy”). I loved it as the kids sang “God gave me my eyes, ears, nose, etc...” One cuddly three-year old sat on my lap for most of the of the time until I realized she had wet her pants :-) .. Hmmmm... Oh well – anything for the cause! Those shorts headed for the laundry today – I promise!

I had the privilege of speaking to the children and used Jeremiah 29:11, as I did in Cambodia. Each of the orphan homes then provided special music. Two little children (couldn't have been more than 7 years old) quoted the books of the New Testament, the Lord's prayer, the Beatitudes, Psalm 1 and probably a few other sections I didn't recognize in Thai.

The night concluded a bit abruptly (after 3 hours!!) as a storm blew out the electricity! Never fail, however, Tutu, the enterprising country director, used candles, flashlights, and headlights to provide enough light so the children could receive food prizes and be recognized for special achievement in school, Scripture memory and character development.

Photo by John McCollum

One 7 year old girl, who spent the entire time with me at the elephant show the previous day, gave me a good-night hug that wouldn't quit! That did it! I'll never forget her smile! Just before we left, the electricity returned, and we said good-bye for the evening.

Tonight – we head to the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai for another taste of the culture. I'm told it's much like shopping in many “old cities.” Just about 36 hours before we start the long trip home.
Please keep praying for our safety, health and effectiveness! Especially pray that neither Dr. John nor I get sick before our flights. The Bangkok airport uses a thermal imaging devise to determine if prospective passengers are sick and running a fever. I get the feeling we wouldn't be allowed to travel if that were the case. We would like to come home as scheduled!

Yours because HIS,

Pastor Bob

Dr. John Campbell, M.D., Diagonosis Pastor Bob

[Blogger's note: I am posting here an e-mail from Dr. Campbell. As you know, he has been Pastor Bob's guide throughout this trip. I like John's unique sense of humor and heart felt sincerity for the children of Asia's Hope. We're very thankful for his leadership during this trip and we are very proud of our partnership with Asia's Hope in the work of the Gospel.]

All is well in Southeast Asia!

What a fantastic trip to this is turning out to be. Recall that the primary mission of this trip was to introduce my former pastor, Bob, to be ministry of Asia's Hope in Southeast Asia. Though the trip is not yet complete, I can unequivocally declare that it has been a success! Pastor Bob has been impressed with the scope of the mission here, the manifest evidence of God's handiwork, the countries of Cambodia and Thailand, and last but certainly not least, the faith and spirit of these people. I believe I can say (from a medical perspective) that pastor Bob has come down with the affliction called, "the Cambodia bug." I heard him say several times, "I will be back."

We moved the venue from Cambodia to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Arriving in Chiang Mai airport we were greeted by a delegation from the orphan home. Each of us received one of the bouquets the girls are holding; I don't believe I have ever received such a bouquet of flowers in my life. The children are dressed in their traditional tribal colors and costumes. The older children are standing in the background just as beautiful but too embarrassed to be photographed. Picture getting off an airplane, walking through the door, to be greeted by a sight such as this. (Time to reach for the handkerchief, again.) This is a posed picture, the real one included 11 similarly dressed children standing with smiles on their faces, anxious awaiting our arrival. Of course that was quickly followed by hugs, giggles, and laughs. Knowing these kids, I knew that this was not a performance -- they were sincerely glad to see us. (Note to self: again be reminded -- this is what it's all about. These kids ARE Asia's Hope.)

On the flight, Bob was feeling a little bit under the weather. Following the arrival reception, I saw him shaking his head saying, "another answered prayer." I asked him about his comment and he said that he had been on the plane praying for a little encouragement of spirit. Like you said, "another answered ."

One of our activities was a trip to "The Elephant Show." At first blush what seems to be just another tourist trap, quickly becomes a spectacular display. I learned yesterday that all elephants in the country of Thailand are considered property of the King. Elephants have some sacred significance and value in the culture. Being property of the King (who is greatly revered by the Thai people -- and the longest reigning monarch) elephants are treated with great awe and respect. Standing in front of the towering beasts yesterday I say I can certainly understand the awe part!

Anyway, somehow someone has figured out how to train these beasts to do tricks, just like your household friend, Fido. We saw elephants dancing, bellowing, taking a bath, completing a performance with a bow and curtsy to the crowd, playing soccer and scoring goals, giving one of the trainers a back massage, playing darts, and perhaps most spectacular of all -- painting a beautiful, easily recognizable picture, using multicolor paints and a paintbrush held by their trunks. I don't know how they do it!

Totally awesome! (I'm sure this is a dated expression; the younger readers' advice on what is a currently acceptable way to say the same thing, would be welcome.)

Well... the trip is trying to close. We have two more days and Thailand, during which we will play with the kids some more, experience an old-fashioned pig roast (complete with the slaughter and preparation of the page), a business meeting or two for me, and then my least favorite part of the trip -- packing to go home.

Yes, the trip has been a success. As usual, it is successful in more ways than we anticipate. As we are thanked by these beautiful people for our ministry to them we see again and again, through teary eyes, that we are the ones who have been richly blessed and will be taking more blessings home with us than we carried over to leave with them. Another mystery of God's economy.

I thank you for your part in this ministry, your encouragement of me and your support in prayer and finances. I hope that you have received encouragement and blessings in return as a result of your involvement. If you haven't received them yet, I can assure you that "the check is in the mail."

God Bless.

John

Bob on the move in Thailand

Bob, playing with one of the orphan boys in Thailand. In the background you see the darkness and the last gleamer of sun light, a sign of relief after a hot day.

Dr. Campbell, Bob and John McCollum, trying on the typical male apparel of the Karen people, one of the hilltribes from which orphan children are rescued.
Bob at the elephant show, aka Kevin Kane's dancing school :)

Bob, giving away candy... the kids just love it.

Bob with Tutu Bee, Asia Hope's Director in Thailand, a woman of fiber and faith.

Kids having fun singing at the orphanage in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Thanks for the pictures, Tutu! Please, keep praying for Pastor Bob!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

"I like the king too!"

[Blogger's note: I've included a short clip of the children from one of Asia's Hope's orphanages in Thailand. I got this video when I was there last May. I am sure Pastor Bob is interacting with some of the same children.]

Greetings from Thailand or SIAM – setting for the “King and I” musical!

Actually – the current King of Thailand is the longest reigning monarch in Thai history and just celebrated his 59th anniversary. He's deeply loved by the people – much like the late King Hussein of Jordan. Of course, if you speak or write against the king in this country, you could be imprisoned ... so I think he's a pretty great guy, too!! :-)

Dr. John and I arrived yesterday afternoon following two connecting flights from Phonm Penh. We were WARMLY GREETED by Tutu, the AH country director, and 11 orphan children representing four tribes from the five AH orphan homes here in Thailand. They were dressed in their tribal costumes, looked ADORABLE, and presented us with bouquets of beautiful, white carnations & orchids. Once again – I melted when I saw them!

We connected with John McCollum (AH executive director) at our hotel and immediately headed for the three orphan homes in Doi Soket. Again – I was very impressed with the dedicated directors and staff I met in each location as we played with and hugged each of the children. As darkness fell and we headed for the last of the three homes, we spotted a man lying in the road (!), waving his hand. We stopped, discovered he was drunk, helped as best we could, and learned that he is drinking because his mother died recently ... another reminder that the only answers for the issues of this life are spiritual!

Today was another UNFORGETTABLE experience! We met all the AH orphan children at an ELEPHANT SHOW, which was a great treat for the kids (big and small!). We fed the elephants bananas and sugar cane and watched them kick balls (the Browns could use them!), paint (no – I'm not kidding!), and dance (now I know where Kevin Kane took dancing lessons :-)

Two little girls hung onto me throughout the entire experience. They sat on my lap, hugged my neck and took pictures with my camera! Quite a morning!

This afternoon – I'm catching up on e-mail and preparing for a great night. The children have an
“awards ceremony” to recognize their accomplishments in school, Scripture memory and character development. Should be special!

I have assured the AH staff wherever I go that we are praying for them, love the children, and will support them in days to come.

This country is 97% Buddhist, so the opportunity to introduce these children to life in Christ at an early age is remarkable!

Thanks so much for praying for our health, safety and effectiveness! That means more than you know!

Yours because HIS,
Pastor Bob

[Blogger's note: after Pastor Bob sent this e-mail, he sent another quick one in which he said, "Wish I could be with you today! But I'm praying this is a wonderful day turning the hearts of people to pray for our nation!! Nice to know God is not bound by oceans!!See you soon - Lord willing!" Pastor Bob. Phil. 1:3.]

Driving and Praying

[Blogger's note: It's 1:00 a.m. in Cambodia and hopefully Pastor Bob and Dr. Campbell are sound asleep now, but they will be awakened soon to go to the airport in Phnom Penh and catch that flight to Thailand. I am sure they would appreciate our prayers. If you are visiting this blog, make an extra effort to leave a message. You can leave one as an anonymous user and write your name at the end of your message. I've included a very short video clip from my last last trip to Cambodia last summer. It will give you an idea of what it is like to "drive" in Phnom Penh. Sorry, no water buffaloes, that's more out in the country side. Enjoy!]

Hi, again, everyone from Phonm Penh –

Kevin Kane and I just returned to the city following an all-day trip from Siem Reap. We had a great time of fellowship despite the (sometimes) nerve-wracking experience of watching our driver avoid whatever happens to be in the road while we’re doing about 50 mph.

I suppose I wouldn't really know how to pray for Kevin and Jill if I hadn’t experienced this drive … complete with bicycles, motos, WATER BUFFALO, cattle (and skittish calves), trucks loaded with anything (including people on top of anything) … all who give absolutely no thought to the idea of “right of way.” Praying for safety for Kevin and Jill as they travel is not an insignificant request (remember – he was hit while stopped on his moto and suffered a broken shoulder about a year and a half ago).

Kevin spent most of the trip briefing me on the intricacies of ministry in this country and his specific responsibilities with the micro-enterprise efforts related to our Cambodian ministry partners.

Tonight we’ll have dinner with Dr. John Campbell, Savorn, Kevin and me to debrief our trip a bit.

We have an early wake-up call for our trip to Thailand tomorrow. Please keep praying for health, safety and effectiveness! Especially pray for good flights and our connection through Bangkok tomorrow. I value that more by the minute!

YBH – Pastor Bob

Of Temples and Men

Pastor Bob, receiving a gift from "Grace Place" director, Yun Vannak

Greetings, today, from Siem Reap, Cambodia – home of one of our Grace Brethren Church Planters working with Kevin and Jill Kane –

After breakfast, Kevin and I said good-bye to the rest of our team for this trip to Siem Reap. Kaillie Dravenstott will stay in Cambodia and Thailand for the next four months as an intern with Asia’s Hope. She’ll also be working with the Kanes in Battambang during some of that time. Kailie almost feels like an adopted daughter to Roxanne and me, so saying “good-bye” to her was very hard since I won't see her until she returns to Wooster! John Campbell had additional work with AH in Battambang, so we plan to connect again in Phonm Penh tomorrow, Lord willing.

Kevin then introduced me to about a dozen “foundation layers” who are working with 40 house churches in the Battambang/Siem Reap area. Many of them indicated they lost family members during the terror reign of Pol Pot. Some of have lost children to disease. I read Philippians 1:1-11 with them and encouraged them in the great work God has given them. What a precious group of men! Again I could hardly express my prayer to God because I was so moved by their dedication. (I’ve said tears too many times in these reports – but you get the idea!).

After our morning meeting, Kevin and I traveled about 3 hours to Siem Reap where we viewed the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. A visit to Cambodia would be incomplete without at least a brief study of this impressive display of temples dating as early the 11th century AD. Once again I was reminded of how mankind desperately seeks to fill the “God-shaped vacuum” in some way ... any possible way. But no way bring contentment until we place our faith in the One who said, “Ï am the way....”

Tomorrow – we make the 6 hour trip to Phonm Penh for debriefing with John & Savorn, the AH country director. Please pray for our safety on the road. You never know when a moto, water buffalo or spooked calf with suddenly appear in the middle of the road.

Thanks so much for praying! Please keep it up – especially for health and safety tomorrow!

Yours because HIS,

Pastor Bob

Phil. 1:3

Heaven on Earth

Hi, Everyone!

Well – it’s Sunday afternoon here in Battambang. We’ve experienced one HIGHLIGHT after another throughout this trip. Today was no different!

The day began with a 4 a.m. wake-up call from sirens close to our hotel. I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I went to the front desk and learned about a fire that consumed a structure across the street. Four girls (ages 17-20) died in that fire… a graphic reminder of how eternity hangs in the balance for every person … in Cambodia or any place in the world. Since Jill Kane learned more about the family situation at breakfast, I'm sure Kevin and Jill will do whatever possible to minister to the grieving families.

This morning, our team traveled about 15 minutes to the property which houses the 5 Asia’s Hope orphan homes. Again … I wasn’t fully prepared for what I experienced. About 170 children, AH staff and neighbors were packed into the main room of Orphanage #1 for their morning worship service.

Talk about a CELEBRATION!! This was the “Joy of the Lord”at its best! (Think Pastor Randy and “The Best of VBS”!). The children from each orphan home performed a dance/vocal to a praise song they memorized this week. Sure wish I could move like that!! Well … maybe not. I might hurt something! It was a taste of heaven to hear them sing, “Lamb of God”in Khmer. I thought of the glimpse of heaven experienced by the Apostle John when people from every tribe, nation, people and tongue gather around the throne to worship Christ! Whew! Can’t even write this without tears!!

I preached from the story of Esther and described how each child could have great beauty, great opportunity and great faith – just like Esther. Even though the children are learning English, Savorn, the AH country director, translated for me again, so the children could understand in their own language. At the close of the service, I prayed with children who might want to receive Christ.

After the worship service, we passed out cokes which I bought for all the kids to enjoy! You’d have thought I gave them $100! But, best of all … I discovered a new tradition for us in Wooster! The kids from our orphanage massaged my feet, legs, shoulders and arms as I sat in front of a fan! I recommend our pastoral care committee implement this practice following 3rd service each Sunday!

The hardest part of the trip so far??? Saying good-bye to our orphans this afternoon with the promise of our continued love and support. More tears.

We joined Kevin and Jill Kane for a delightful lunch at a restaurant near their home. Tonight – it’s live TV via Skype to our church services in Wooster! This should be exciting … stay tuned!

Tomorrow morning, Kevin will introduce me to the Cambodian church-planters in this area when they conduct their monthly prayer meeting, then we travel to Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! The heat and humidity are oppressive, but God is giving us special strength to deal with it.

YBH -

Pastor Bob

Photos of "Grace Place" Dedication

[Blogger's note: I want to thank Savorn Ou, Asia's Hope country director for Cambodia, for sending me these pictures. I can't even imagine how long it took for these files to be sent because I know how slow the Internet connection is in Battambang. Thanks, Savorn. Hope you will enjoy these.]


Pastor Bob getting "the treatment" -- who said suffering for Jesus couldn't be fun??



The official ribbon cutting cerimony


The staff of AH Singing

The "dignataries," sitting in front, including the little girl Pastor Bob and Roxanne sponsor

Receiving gifts... oh the generosity of the Cambodian people


Speakin to the children, with Savorn translating. Yun Vannak, "Grace Place" director, pointing out Pastor Bob's family's picture on the wall. Other pastors also have their pictures on the wall.

A new life verse -- "candy will cover a multitude of linguistic sins..."

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

A Hope and a Future

Greetings, everyone, from our Battambang Internet Café!

I couldn’t e-mail yesterday because our team spent the day driving to the airport to pick up two additional members, then driving 5 hours to Battambang from Phenm Penh. Nothing unusual … unless … you consider WATER BUFFALO on the road UNUSUAL. Our driver dodged all kinds of creatures (WB’s, cattle, & dogs), stalled vehicles (marked on by the Cambodian version of an orange cone – branches), and pedestrians (who don’t believe in “looking both ways” since it would be Buddha’s will for their wrongdoing, if they got hit...)

We met Kevin and Jill Kane, our missionaries, at the hotel upon arrival in BB, where they shared how God brought them to faith and led them to Cambodia through Wooster Grace. For all who have supported them directly or through the ministries of our church, we are privileged to be associated with these committed servants of Christ. Together, they are building relationships with the lost, discipling new believers, training leaders and teaching English classes. God is using them to make a significant impact for him in this part of the country.

I wasn’t prepared for what I experienced this morning, however. When we arrived at the site for our orphanage dedication, we were swarmed by dozens of children who hugged and loved us. The property provides the space for five Asia’s Hope orphanages and was decorated with a stage, tent, balloons, signs, and bunting. The dedication of our orphanage was a VERY BIG EVENT for our orphans and their leaders.

During the program, the orphans from each home sang and danced to either a traditional Cambodian song (complete with costume) or worship chorus. This 2-hour service featured music, dancing, preaching, praying and Scripture reading. I shared from Jeremiah 29:11 about how these orphans have a hope and a future because God knows them, created them and loves them.

Tonight it was … TIME TO PARTY!! Cambodians love a good party so ours featured music, dancing, and fireworks. After about 45 minutes of dancing, I tried to join the kids. When I started dancing, the generator quit working … so the party ended! Not surprising, the way I dance!

The highlight of the day for me, however, was meeting the 5-year old adorable girl, named Vin Seang, whom Roxanne and I sponsor. She just arrived at the orphanage from the Cambodia-Thailand border within the last week. (See picture above).

Please continue to pray for us. Tomorrow I preach at the morning worship service on the stories of Esther and Jephthah, who also had difficult family backgrounds.

I’ve been bothered a bit by stomach issues, so I very much appreciate your prayers for strength and health for all of us! God listens when His people pray!!

Yours because HIS,

Pastor Bob

"Pre-11th Hour"

[Blogger's note: It's about noon on Saturday and I've been anxiously waiting for pictures from the dedication of "Grace Place" in Battambang, Cambodia. Meanwhile, I received this e-mail from Dr. John Campbell, a former member of our church and associate director of Asia's Hope. Read it and enjoy his take on how the trip with Pastor Bob has been going so far. You will also enjoy a first description of how the dedication went].

Greetings!

Well, it's not exactly the 11th hour... maybe only 10:30...

Pastor Bob and I have arrived safely in Cambodia, and are having a great time. The weather is hot and humid, punctuated by nearly daily rain showers. The rain is not as bad as it could be or has been in the past for which I'm grateful. The food is superior, the fellowship sweet, the mosquitoes and cockroaches only a small bother, and the blessing of seeing old friends again is immeasurable. Kind of gives new meaning to the saying... "Suffering for Jesus". No, we're not truly suffering.

So far the trip has been a resounding success; thanks no doubt in large part to your prayers. The basic objective of this trip was to introduce my friend and former pastor, Pastor Bob, to Asia's Hope work here in Southeast Asia. Let me tell you... he has been introduced.

It would be hard to decide what the high point of the trip so far has been. I guess it would have to be time spent with the 152 precious, smiling, loving, hugging, giggling, inquisitive orphans under the care of Asia's Hope in Cambodia. It reminds me of that old beer commercial (sorry for the reference) ..."life doesn't any better than this". Amen.

Anyone over the age of 30 will remember the time of the Vietnam War, the national unrest, and endless newsreels of soldiers and jungles and death. But our worst fears and nightmares pale in comparison to the nightmares of Cambodians during that time. For these people, theoretically uninvolved in the conflict, suffered daily at the hands of both of the opposing sides of the Vietnam conflict. And in the late 1970s, as if this wasn't enough already, the nation suffered under the brutal communist rule of the Khmer Rouge. This "revolution" resulted in the genocide of 1 1/2 to 2 million Cambodians. Anyone over 30 in the country of Cambodia can tell a story of their struggle for survival, of family members and friends who did not survive, and chronicle the horror experienced by all.

We visited the Toul Sleng genocide museum in Phnom Penh. Right in the middle of the city is the former high school which in 1975 was converted to a torture and prison facility for the Khmer Rouge. Enemies of the revolution were tortured in unimaginable ways (vividly and graphically displayed at the museum) in order to extract a fabricated confession which would "allow" the authorities to put them to death. It is a sobering monument to the pinnacle of man's inhumanity to man.

Today, we experienced the opposite... the glory and grandeur of God's hand at work. Asia's Hope and Wooster Grace Brethren Church dedicated the opening of Grace Orphan Home in Battambang, Cambodia. This home opens with 30 beautiful children who will experience a future far different from that which they were destined for before coming to Asia's Hope. After a time of worship, singing, and celebration, Pastor Bob, myself, and Savorn (our country director) cut the ribbon dedicating this facility to God's glory and the future of the children it will house.

Tonight, all 152 children residing in our five orphan homes in Battambang, the staff, and our team will celebrate with a party of roasted marshmallows, dancing, and fireworks. I have been to one of these celebrations before, and I can tell you it is a real treat. To God be the glory.

So in a few short days, we have seen the worst man can stoop to and the nobility man can aspire to when working with God! Quite a trip.

It is a real privilege to be able to be a part of this grand work. I hope you're able to share vicariously with me and get a taste of this as well. Of course, you can always come the next time...

A final note... Lord willing, Bobbi and I will be returning in September for a ministry of encouragement. (I really hate to ask this, but...) if the Spirit moves you to share in the financial support of our ministry through Asia's Hope, we would welcome your contribution. If you're so inclined, support can be mailed to me (check made out to Asia's Hope) or directly to the Asia's Hope office with a note that this is for "John Campbell's trip fund".

I remain grateful to you for your encouragement, prayers, and financial support, and I'm glad you can share in this journey with me.

In His Service,

John

Pastor Bob is in Battambang!

Hello everyone!

Pastor Ivanildo typing. This morning I spoke with Pastor Bob via Skype (actually saw him on the webcam). It was pass 10:00 p.m. and he was still soaking wet with the heat. He arrived safely in Battambang, where he is now, meeting with Kevin & Jill Kane, our missionaries to Cambodia, and getting ready for "Grace Place" dedication, which starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (8:30 p.m.) Friday night our time.

Lord willing, and I ask all of you to pray for that, we will all be able to connect with Pastor Bob via Skype this Sunday morning in all of our services. It will be exciting to see him and hear him and find out about how the dedication went.

Please remember that we have 10 new children who need sponsorship still. If you want more information, please contact Jeana Harley (jharley@woostergrace.org).

Thank you so much for all your prayers.

Stay with God,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org