Cambodia is a Buddhist country; however, as a result of the economic reform in recent years, people are enjoying more religious freedom.  As we remember the birth of Christ, churches in both urban and rural areas are hosting different events to celebrate Christmas.

Early in December, due to visa issues, the Wilkins had to return to the United States. Prior to their departure, the missionary team gathered at their home to celebrate Christmas. We sang traditional hymns, shared Christmas memories and praises.  Pastor Wilkin also showed us pictures of Christmas cards that he drew as a child. We enjoyed all kinds of delicious food which includes turkey, sushi, Christmas cookies and pumpkin pie, etc. To conclude, we exchanged Christmas gifts.

In the Phnom Penh FMC, college students spent a lot of time to decorate the sanctuary, and then invited their friends to join in the Christmas celebrations. These guests are curious of the Christian culture and the origin of "Christmas." This is a great opportunity to reach out to them. The college students performed a play, which was recorded by a local gospel organization.  The play is about the birth of Jesus which is based on Luke Chapter 2.  Pastor Daniel, our youth pastor, then shared a message on the meaning of the birth of the Savior. After the service, they had fellowship over Cambodian style hamburgers and drinks.

Pastors from the village churches meet with the missionary team on a regular basis.  We also celebrated Christmas together. Grace Margin helped us meditate on the role of Jesus Christ during His first coming by raising 10 questions from the gospels.  This gave us a lot of reminder and encouragement.

In different villages, the churches celebrated Christmas as part of the Sunday service. In the Prekap church, their service was led by the youth. The service was well attended by local villagers and some members who don't attend regularly.  After the service, they enjoyed "love feast" (i.e., potluck) together. May the Holy Spirit help these villagers to get to know the great love of Jesus Christ, so they can come to taste the Grace of God soon and their life will be filled with true abundance and hope!

I cherish every Christmas celebration that we have here but at the same time, I miss my family and church brothers and sisters back home during this Christmas season. May we share the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior with those around us during this joyous Christmas season no matter where we are!

~ Merry Christmas and Salvation to All ~

Thanksgiving:

1. Thank the Lord for giving me a group of faithful and godly prayer warriors; they grow with me on this journey of missions.

2. Thank God for his protection of my body, and soul throughout the year.

Prayer request:

1. Pray for the Wilkin family who got pick eyes recently.  Pray that they will have full recovery and everything goes well with their visa application back in the U.S.

2. The short term mission trip of the Baptist Church from Hong Kong.  They will arrive in Cambodia at the end of this month.  Pray for all the preparations and a safe trip.
3. Miu Ling Lee's father, who had a minor stroke recently; pray for God's healing, both physically and spiritually.  He is not a believer yet. Miu Ling is a coworker from Hong Kong.

4. Pray for the wisdom and memorization skills to learn Khmer, the Cambodian language.

5. Pray for my older daughter and her husband who work in Beijing.  Pray also for my younger daughter who has asthma.  Please pray for that she will be healthy and strong spiritually.

Christina

Mailing Address P.O. Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia