Time is like the sand flowing through an hour glass - so fast and never pausing.  This was the 4^th annual meeting that I have attended since I started serving in Cambodia.  There are lots of changes in people, places, ministries and events.  However God's blessing and grace never change in midst of the ever-changing environment.

A new venue

We had the meeting at the Prek Thei FM church as usual, but this time Prek Thei Church has new premises, which are more beautiful and comfortable than before.  God is gracious to provide this new place for our church through another Christian organization.  The pastor and congregation are so excited to worship there, and they look forward to extending the building if the church grows continuously.

The maturity of the delegates

Actually, it is not easy for our delegates to understand the procedures of the meeting because most of them are villagers.  ‘System' is quite a difficult thing for them to follow, such as the statistics issues, voting processes (with nominations), submission of reports and the like.  However, we thank the Lord that there have been improvements every year.  Now our report book is more systematic and well-typed by the help of the local staff.  In addition, the pastors, leaders and delegates are more active now to express their ideas; it was a wonderful time in that we could really ‘talk' and exchange ideas instead of being just a formal meeting at which to listen and raise hands to pass motions.  

The ministries and human resources

Reflecting on the reports and sharing, we find out what the difficulties are in accomplishing our goals like church growth, training of pastors, or developing new ministries:  the lack of local leaders and missionaries who can focus in one area.  Usually each leader or missionary needs to take up more than 1 position, sometimes even 4 positions, during the election of committee members.  May God have mercy on us and send more of His servants to the huge harvest field where the workers are few.

Over the past 4 years, Pastor Derek Ho and Polly Ho have come to be present for the annual meetings.  At the same time, they also encourage us and let us know that we are not alone, because many brothers and sisters in Hong Kong, the States and other places are very supportive of our ministries.  We also have a dream that one day the mission district will become an annual conference.  It will mean that they have become independent in areas of leadership and maturity.

Prayer points

1. For the new members of respective committees of the Mission District, so that we can work with one heart and mind.
2. For a lady who is a member of the piglet raising scheme in Kampot - she is irritated by an evil spirit.  Her husband sought the fortune teller and told her that it was because she did not offer respect to her late father.  May God's power conquer the dark power of Satan and grant us the bravery to confront evil.
3. Thank the Lord that our church planter, Barnabas, has been dismissed from the hospital and he is recovering well.
4. Our team sees the need to pray and fast with the local leaders.  May God grant us the strength and perseverance to seek God's kingdom and fulfill His Will.
5. For the renovation work at the Phnom Penh church, including the construction of the study room, fixing the wall around the property, and the like.

Davis Lam