Since I began the piglet raising project, I have received many emails, letters, cards and greetings all related to 'PIGS' . It seems PIGS have become my icon in your mind. I may need to start something different in order to 'delete' this perspective.

The piglet scheme in Kampot village began in September and has been going for over a month now. There were 8 piglets that died within the first month, mostly due to sickness or because less healthy ones were purchased. We conducted the first meeting with the participants on September 30. There were about 32 participants who attended the meeting. One of the agenda items was about money matters ¡V what to do when a piglet dies within the first month. I thank God because I am able to learn something new and can improve our scheme more effectively in the future.

Training of the leaders of the Development Committee

Before the meeting, I visited the village with Isaac to see how the pigs were doing. At that time there were 6 pigs that had already died. We discussed the situation with the leaders and understood that they had some conflicts with some of the participants too. Our focus is on holistic ministry rather than just business. Thus, we encouraged them not to be frustrated (even one leader' s pig had died too) or angry with the members. It is easier to say that than to put it into practice, so we needed to 'adjust' the policy so that both parties' relationship would not worsen, and to allow them to relieve their grievances through praying and reconciliation. I could foresee some more conflicts may come because of their role conflicts, but it lays a good channel for communication and discussion. I intend to provide continuous training for the leaders, because it is also a core factor in sustaining development not only in livelihood but also the leadership. I have discussed this with Isaac, and we will prepare some Bible lessons for them regularly, in addition to the regular meetings.

Trust-building ministry

There is always the tension between grace and discipline. Sometimes, we may focus on accountability from the people and use many protective measures. However, without trust, it is impossible for people to believe that we really want to help. Even with the policy that we set when a piglet died within the first month, that they didn' t need to pay back the money, we thought they did not have the money to pay back and tried to be 'gracious.' However, some members were able to sell the dying pig! So we discussed with the leaders and we all thought they could pay back half of the money into the scheme (actually in the policy, we did not mention this point). Thus some conflicts arose. On the other hand, another member' s pig was dead and he could not sell the pig. However he borrowed money to pay half of the cost back to us, which we never expected. After the meeting with the committee leaders, we decided to stick to the rule that no matter whether they could sell the pig or not, they don' t need to pay us anything back. However, for those who could sell the pig, we encouraged them to buy another one on their own. Thus, we could still stick to the policy but settled the differences in various situations (but of course with cost). Throughout the process, we used lots of time and effort to consider the pros and cons for alternatives. Ultimately, trust is the crucial element so that we could face the difficulties together.

Something else more than pigs

During the regular meeting with the members, Isaac chaired the program and even told some jokes to ease their tension. Bible sharing is one of the main ways to cultivate their faith in God. When we told them about the decision, they understood fairness and mutual help is important. Not only would we help them in the betterment of living, they also need to help us by doing their best instead of being dependent on our help. After the meeting, they also helped in planting the rice sprouts at our church land. What a marvelous and joyful fellowship - everybody had big smiles on their faces. I think this is the picture we long for - that Christians are united to help and support each other no matter what circumstances arise.

There' s still a long ways to go but we' re sure God' s care and grace never will forsake us.

Prayer points

• The 8 families whose pigs died - may God grant them faith and joy even in tough times
• That Isaac will have wisdom to prepare and lead the project with God' s guidance
• We are looking for a new office and dormitory for the girls
• My adjustment to my new Khmer tutor (he talks quite fast)
• Our new VISA, Michele needs prayer for her health - her eyes hurt and she gets lots of mosquito bites - and the heavy workload