Sports Pavilion /Covered Playground

The local contractor had finished the work on January 16, 2006, and we settled the final payment according to our contract agreement.  The contractor provided a 3-month-post-completion maintenance guarantee period if there were any defects due to their liability. Unfortunately, on March 1 the pavilion collapsed because of heavy rain and wind in the vicinity.  Not a single column remained standing, and the whole construction was like a smashed pie.  We immediately called the agent and the contractor to examine the situation.  The contractor felt very sorry about the damage, and he was willing to rebuild it, but he also requested more money to do the work in a stronger way.  We refused to pay any extra money because it was his responsibility to ensure the quality.  We did agree to reduce the size of the pavilion to 25m x 15m.  The Trustee Committee also proposed another alternative that he could pay back part of the money and we wouldn't have him do the reconstruction. However, he fled from his responsibility and ran away so that we could not contact him.  Actually, it is typical of Cambodian contractors to run away if they cannot fulfill their promises.  We once thought of asking the police to handle this issue, but found out that it would be more complicated, as the police will ask for money, and they may do something illegal in the process of investigation.  Hence, we kept trying hard to send letters to the contractor's address and wanted to settle the case with him 'peacefully.' 

In the meantime, we are still working hard on it.  We learned a lesson from the collapse, and also we praise God for His protection because the collapse did not cause any fatalities or damage to the neighborhood.  The Trustee Committee is helpful in seeing how we can rebuild in a proper way.  In monetary terms, we lost US$14,500.  We may be able to use the 'debris' for some minor construction for other churches or sell it for some cash.  However, God is gracious and merciful.  We have experienced the support and concern of the brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Their prayers and financial support is our strength to face the hardship.  There is still a long way to go, but surely God will guide us every step in future.

Permanent Store Room

With the construction work commencing, there was a need to have a storeroom to keep the machines and equipment for building and maintenance work.  The law and order in that area is not the best and the fencing near the pond is not strong, so intruders can easily break in.  Some came to steal anything like the steel water containers, iron bars and even the fruit off our trees.  Our field supervisor, Pastor Joel, organized some villagers to build a storeroom behind the custodians' quarters where our church planters dwell.  The work was completed in September 2006, and the building also serves as a temporary storeroom for some of our mission property (even a pick up truck).  God is wonderful to provide all we need.

Prayer points:

1. The follow-up of the contractor to settle the issue in mutual agreement
2. The financial need of the construction
3. That the Trustee Committee has the wisdom to plan and implement the project in future
4. The safety of our church planters who watch over the land