Takhmau church has undergone lots of changes during recent years.  The congregation moved from a non-Christian's home to an old house that we rented as a meeting place in 2004.  Brother Barnabas became the church planter to pastor the congregation under the supervision of Pastor Joel and Grace, and his family also moved from Prek Thei village to live in the Takhmau church premises.  We conducted an English Class to reach out to the young people in the area and Pastor Grace also taught a music class there.  After the Sunday worship, Pastor Grace taught Sunday School for all the young people.  There were few adults to attend the church but Brother Barnabas visited the young people's parents in order to build up good relationships with them.

Unfortunately, the daughter of the landlord was not happy with the Christians.  She always made trouble for the church and wanted us to leave.  Ultimately, we found another place near the vicinity in 2005.  It is a very nice place, but expensive (US$190 a month).  In addition, since Pastor Joel had taken up the role as the Field Supervisor of the Mission, he and Grace are very busy visiting different churches and helping with various ministry needs.  Brother Barnabas had to take up the main roles of teaching and preaching. 

Recently, lots of tragic things happened to the church family.  A teenage girl named Lika died of sickness.  She was a very committed Christian and served the church fervently.  However, her parents and grandmother were not pleased about her conversion to faith in Jesus.  When she passed away, her family blamed the church and missionaries and said that her conversion caused her death.  Pastor Grace was deeply hurt because she loved Lika like her daughter.  Also, some parents of the young people don't let their children come to the church.  The size of the congregation has dropped from 40 something to less than 20.  Nevertheless, God is gracious because He has moved some of the young people to receive Bible training.  May God use them to revive the church and encourage Brother Barnabas to serve with perseverance.  Later, the church needs to find another place to move, in order to save some resources for the outreach.  May God have mercy on us so that we can proclaim His Good News no matter where we are.

Prayer points:

1. May Brother Barnabas and his family have strong faith and servants' hearts
2. That the young people can build up a healthy spiritual life through learning the Bible and living out their faith
3. For the leadership training of the young people and outreach to the neighborhood
4. May God add people to the church