End of August 2026 Update
Cambodia can fill you with joy or break your heart. This month, ours was shattered.
On a Monday, we were training ten hand-picked leaders for next year's Ministry Essentials Training Program; on Wednesday, one of those leaders was struck by a motorcycle, and by Friday, he had died from a massive head injury. A stunned widow, four children (the youngest is three), and a bereft ministry were left to mourn.
In the three days of Joshua's hospitalization, we learned some harsh truths about the Cambodian medical system. At the Emergency Room of the brand-new government hospital to which he was transported, there were over 100 patients in one large, partitionless room, their families hovering in the hallway, waiting for a doctor to look at their loved one. They dared not leave. Each time a test or medical procedure was needed, a doctor emerged, explained the need and the cost…and collected the fee for it up front. That included surgery; if they couldn't pay right then, the patient was left untreated. On our second visit, Joshua's family was sleeping in the hallways, not eating, saving their funds for any needed procedures. On Friday, when he died, the total hospital bill had to be settled before they could retrieve his body.
We were part of Joshua’s funeral journey, traveling with the casket, flowers, and family three hours into the country to his parents' home for burial: the whole town (about 150 Buddhists), and 60 believers who had driven in attended. Peter was privileged to preach a Gospel message, complete with an altar call, to an amazingly open audience. They had likely never heard the story of Jesus before, and many hearts were remarkably open to His call.
In the midst of this anguish, our LORD has been quietly working, bringing about numerous miracles of provision; Joseph’s widow and children WILL be permitted to remain on the compound and continue the ministry: the hospital and funeral debts have been settled; a replacement motorcycle was purchased; and provisions were made for gas, school uniforms, and books for all four children for months. There are many of you who, upon hearing this story, sent funds to help with these needs, for which we are deeply grateful.
And the rest of our leaders press on, freshly reminded that the harvest is ripe and the workers few, that life is fragile here, and there is a desperate urgency to introduce Cambodians to the One who changes Death to Everlasting Life.
Despite our loss, we have many things for which to give thanks this month:
1) The wonderful response from individuals and churches alike to lessen Joshua's widow's burden,
2) 21 Days of Prayer in which the LORD gave us His peace about several thorny issues,
3) The continued faithfulness and diligence of our pastors in so many countries. Their influence continues to expand, and several are now self-supporting, which is the goal,
4) Continued excellent participation in our Pastor's Training Zoom sessions and expansion to other audiences,
5) Increased clarity as we work towards structuring the CMEPT (Cambodian Ministry Essentials Training) for next year.
Thank you, as always, for standing with us — not just in the celebrations, but in months like this one. Your gifts, your prayers, and your willingness to grieve alongside a family you've never met are humbling. Joseph’s widow and her four children are not walking alone, and neither are we.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." — John 11:25