The General Board of Global Ministries began work in Vietnam in 1998 when a team traveled to visit Vietnamese Christians and learn about their lives and ministry.
The Revs. U and K Van To are United Methodist Vietnamese-American pastors who feel a strong pull to their homeland and its people. They returned to Vietnam in 2002 to help bring the church alive.
Vietnam Volunteer Possibilities:
Vietnam is open for teams to help in educational programs.
Missionaries
Ut To
The Rev. Ut To is a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church assigned to Southeast Asia along with his wife, the Rev. Karen Vo-To, also a GBGM missionary.
Ut trains Christian leaders in developing new congregations and nurturing Christians in the region. “I believe that through my teaching and example, I will prepare students for their future work as preachers, teachers, and pastors,” he says, “and through my witness many new congregations will be established.” Ut has served in Southeast Asia since 2002.
Reflecting on the experiences that led his to this assignment, Ut says he worked to nurture Christian groups in Southeast Asia that wished to be United Methodist while he chaired the Vietnamese National Caucus in the U.S. from 1997-2001. He also visited Southeast Asia several times to explore the possibility of establishing congregations there. “When I returned from our first mission trip to Southeast Asia, I believed that God wanted me to go to the region to be a missionary,” he recalls.
An ordained elder of the Detroit Annual Conference, Ut served ten years as associate director of the Vietnamese United Methodist Ministry of the Michigan Area before he was commissioned as a GBGM missionary. During that period, he also served on the Detroit Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Board of Global Ministry. In addition, he has served as vice-president of Union College of California and academic dean of Vietnamese Bible College in Europe, based in Germany.
Ut holds a BRE degree in pastoral studies from Tyndale University College and an MDiv degree from Ontario Theological Seminary, both in Toronto. He completed his DMin degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA, and a PhD from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN.
Ut and Karen have two adult children, An To and David To. David has served as youth pastor of Chapel Hill UMC in Farmers Branch, TX, since 2004.
Make an online donation to: Ut To #14175Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 14175Z
Last update: 7/08
Karen Vo-To
The Rev. Karen Vo-To is a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church assigned to Southeast Asia, along with her husband, Rev. Ut To, also a BGM missionary.
Karen trains Christian leaders her work focuses on recruiting women to study for pastoral ministry. She works with a women's support group to encourage them to “reach their full potential in Jesus Christ; to promote fellowship among women at the national level; to provide vehicles of communication for women, listening to and offering solutions for the women's needs; and to present the whole gospel to the whole person,” she says.
Rev. Vo-To also serves as coordinator for the Women's Ministry. She sees the objectives of her work as "serving the needs of battered women, victims of sexual abuse and harassment, the homeless, imprisoned women, and those who are struggling with substance abuse while providing job training to the umemployed and food for the hungry." Serving in Southeast Asia since 2002, Karen is also involved in church planting.
An ordained elder in the Detroit Annual Conference, Karen served four years as an associate pastor at Cass Community UMC in Detroit. During that time she served on the Commission on the Status and Role of Women and the Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee. For four years she was president of Vietnamese United Methodist Women on the national level.
Attending Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Canada, Karen earned a BRE degree in pastoral studies. She earned her MDiv from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
Karen and Ut have two adult children, An To and David To. David has served as youth pastor with Chapel Hill UMC in Farmers Branch, TX, since 2004.
Make an online donation to: Karen Vo-To #14174Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 14174Z
Last update: 7/08
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thailand Initiative Information
In October 2006, Global Ministries commissioned the first United Methodist missionaries to Thailand in South East Asia. The Rev. Michael W. Morrissey, Jr., and the Rev. Sherri Tabaka-Morrissey (left) now serve as pastors and teachers at God's Purpose Church, a congregation in the city of Chon Buri, an hour outside of Bangkok, Thailand's capital.
God's Purpose Church ("Pradumri" in Thai) began in 1999 as a house church. It became a congregation in 2002 and today has an average Sunday worship attendance of more than 100. The church has active Bible and fellowship groups. It hopes to become the base of a network of local churches and ministries in Thailand, where Christianity is growing.
"This is an exciting mission development," the chief executive of the mission agency said of the assignment of the Morrisseys to Thailand. The Rev. R. Randy Day added that "the planning has been careful and Michael and Sherri are the right people for this venture in faith. They are committed and energetic."
English teaching volunteer: Ban Nong Puen Tak School, Songpeenong, Amphur Gaengkrajan, Petchaburi Province. Teaching English in Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary classes. Creating any learning supporting activities, i.e. sports, games, singing, music, etc. Term of volunteer service should be during the semesters, which are from May to October and from November to March. No stipend is paid but housing is provided by the school director.
Missionaries: Michael Morrissey
The Rev. Michael Morrissey, missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, is serving in Thailand along with his wife, Rev. Sherri Morrissey.
The Morrisseys are the first United Methodist missionaries assigned to Thailand and are serving as co-directors of National Ministries for the Board of Global Ministries in Thailand. They are responsible for planting new congregations and mercy ministries as well as training United Methodist pastors and leaders for credentialing and ordination.
Michael is an elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, and served as pastor, with his wife, of College Heights United Methodist Church, Elizabethtown, KY, before his ministry in Thailand. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and lived in San Diego before moving back to the Boston area, where he was part of a Baptist congregation.
Rev. Morrissey felt the call to mission while studying at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, in the early 1980s after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois. He and Sherri married while both were at Moody and together entered the Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, with the goal of becoming Baptist missionaries. However, they found that they were not Baptist, but Wesleyan in theology. They joined The United Methodist Church and were ordained in the Kentucky Conference.
The Morrisseys have three sons, James and Michael, who are grown, and Anthony, age 18. They have one grandchild.
”The Lord used the inspiring lives of missionaries, missionary kids, and professors to impress upon me the tremendous need for the Gospel and for justice ministries around the globe. The Lord has blessed us as we have sought to be a blessing to internationals who dwell among us wherever we have lived. We are excited about the opportunity to serve in our calling.”
Make an online donation to: Michael Morrissey #15122Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 15122Z
Last update: 12/08
Sherri Morrissey
The Rev. Sherri Tabaka-Morrissey, missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, is serving in Thailand along with her husband, Rev. Michael Morrissey.
The Morrisseys are the first United Methodist missionaries assigned to Thailand and are serving as co-directors of National Ministries for the Board of Global Ministries in Thailand. They are responsible for planting new congregations and mercy ministries as well as training United Methodist pastors and leaders for credentialing and ordination.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a Roman Catholic family, Sherri felt the power and presence of God at an early age and accepted Christ while attending a summer camp. By age 18 she knew the call to serve God vocationally and entered Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, where she met and married Mike. Sherri also holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois.
Attending South Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, each graduated with Master’s of Divinity degrees. Convinced by the power of Wesleyan theology, they became United Methodists and clergy members of the Kentucky Conference. Sherri has done doctoral studies in preaching and pastoral leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. Her ministry includes mediation and conflict management, victim advocacy and crisis intervention.
The Morrisseys have three sons, James and Michael, who are grown, and Anthony, age 18, as well as one grandchild.
”From a very early age I was drawn to mission. I recall writing for information on missionary service when I was still a child. From the time of my conversion I’ve also had a strong sense that people ought to know Jesus…Cross-cultural ministry is our [Michael’s and my] passion—reaching people for Christ and developing Christian leaders.”
Make an online donation to: Sherri Morrissey #15123Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 15123Z
Last update: 12/08
God's Purpose Church ("Pradumri" in Thai) began in 1999 as a house church. It became a congregation in 2002 and today has an average Sunday worship attendance of more than 100. The church has active Bible and fellowship groups. It hopes to become the base of a network of local churches and ministries in Thailand, where Christianity is growing.
"This is an exciting mission development," the chief executive of the mission agency said of the assignment of the Morrisseys to Thailand. The Rev. R. Randy Day added that "the planning has been careful and Michael and Sherri are the right people for this venture in faith. They are committed and energetic."
English teaching volunteer: Ban Nong Puen Tak School, Songpeenong, Amphur Gaengkrajan, Petchaburi Province. Teaching English in Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary classes. Creating any learning supporting activities, i.e. sports, games, singing, music, etc. Term of volunteer service should be during the semesters, which are from May to October and from November to March. No stipend is paid but housing is provided by the school director.
Missionaries: Michael Morrissey
The Rev. Michael Morrissey, missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, is serving in Thailand along with his wife, Rev. Sherri Morrissey.
The Morrisseys are the first United Methodist missionaries assigned to Thailand and are serving as co-directors of National Ministries for the Board of Global Ministries in Thailand. They are responsible for planting new congregations and mercy ministries as well as training United Methodist pastors and leaders for credentialing and ordination.
Michael is an elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, and served as pastor, with his wife, of College Heights United Methodist Church, Elizabethtown, KY, before his ministry in Thailand. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and lived in San Diego before moving back to the Boston area, where he was part of a Baptist congregation.
Rev. Morrissey felt the call to mission while studying at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, in the early 1980s after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois. He and Sherri married while both were at Moody and together entered the Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, with the goal of becoming Baptist missionaries. However, they found that they were not Baptist, but Wesleyan in theology. They joined The United Methodist Church and were ordained in the Kentucky Conference.
The Morrisseys have three sons, James and Michael, who are grown, and Anthony, age 18. They have one grandchild.
”The Lord used the inspiring lives of missionaries, missionary kids, and professors to impress upon me the tremendous need for the Gospel and for justice ministries around the globe. The Lord has blessed us as we have sought to be a blessing to internationals who dwell among us wherever we have lived. We are excited about the opportunity to serve in our calling.”
Make an online donation to: Michael Morrissey #15122Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 15122Z
Last update: 12/08
Sherri Morrissey
The Rev. Sherri Tabaka-Morrissey, missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, is serving in Thailand along with her husband, Rev. Michael Morrissey.
The Morrisseys are the first United Methodist missionaries assigned to Thailand and are serving as co-directors of National Ministries for the Board of Global Ministries in Thailand. They are responsible for planting new congregations and mercy ministries as well as training United Methodist pastors and leaders for credentialing and ordination.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a Roman Catholic family, Sherri felt the power and presence of God at an early age and accepted Christ while attending a summer camp. By age 18 she knew the call to serve God vocationally and entered Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, where she met and married Mike. Sherri also holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois.
Attending South Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, each graduated with Master’s of Divinity degrees. Convinced by the power of Wesleyan theology, they became United Methodists and clergy members of the Kentucky Conference. Sherri has done doctoral studies in preaching and pastoral leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. Her ministry includes mediation and conflict management, victim advocacy and crisis intervention.
The Morrisseys have three sons, James and Michael, who are grown, and Anthony, age 18, as well as one grandchild.
”From a very early age I was drawn to mission. I recall writing for information on missionary service when I was still a child. From the time of my conversion I’ve also had a strong sense that people ought to know Jesus…Cross-cultural ministry is our [Michael’s and my] passion—reaching people for Christ and developing Christian leaders.”
Make an online donation to: Sherri Morrissey #15123Z.
Additional Information:
Missionary Support Code: 15123Z
Last update: 12/08
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cambodia
Coordinator: Mike Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Methodist School of Cambodia
Location: Phnom Penh
The work possibilities are expanding and adding a fl oor above the present facilities. Work would
include column construction, block and cement work. Educational opportunities with the students and/or local pastors are possibilities, if qualifi ed instructors wish to participate. The Methodist Church is growing in this Buddhist country. There is much brokenness in the country as a result of the Civil War. As we reach the children, we can best turn the country into a thriving community. Cambodia is one of the new initiatives of the General Church. It is a young church – 15 years old. The school began with kindergarten and 13 children. As the children age, new classes are started. Now there is a need to expand the school as it has over 300 children. The school is rated as one of the top schools in the country. The team will be situated in a nearby hotel with noon meals at the school. Other meals will be at the hotel or nearby restaurants. Cambodia is a hot country. Precaution must be taken to keep as cool and hydrated as possible. Approximately 5 days of the team time will be to explore the country’s historical sites and the Methodist Mission of Cambodia.
Team 6 March 6–19, 2010 W. Overcash $2,700
Team 7 March 18–April 2, 2010 B. Buchanan $2,700
Laos
Coordination: Mike Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Laos Samphang Methodist Center Location: Vientiane
Lay floor tile; install wood ceiling and electrical wiring. Other possibilities include English with children and youth, leadership training and Bible women training for women if qualified persons are on the team. The Methodist Church is growing in this Buddhist/Communist country. There is much brokenness in the country. As we reach the children, we can best turn the country into a thriving community. Construction and education possibilities in Laos include general construction and English Language and Leadership Training. The team will be fed Lao foods with a cook provided. No low-cut dressing, kissing or hugging in public. No preaching or distribution of Christian materials or Bibles. Curfew after 11:30 p.m. Team size limited to no more than 6 by the government.
Team 24 Feb. 10–24, 2010 Cher Lue Vang $3,000
Philippines
Coordinator: Michael Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Ethnic Center, Metro Manila Location: Manila
Work with ethnic minorities and “special needs individuals” in construction of a center and educational possibilities in the Metro Manila area. Other educational contact with children possible. The Methodist Church in the Philippines is a vibrant church, growing to meet the needs of the people. It is now a “sending” church, sending missionaries to other countries.
Team 33 August 2–15, 2010 Ariel and Mike Collins $2,700
Coordinator: Mike Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Methodist School of Cambodia
Location: Phnom Penh
The work possibilities are expanding and adding a fl oor above the present facilities. Work would
include column construction, block and cement work. Educational opportunities with the students and/or local pastors are possibilities, if qualifi ed instructors wish to participate. The Methodist Church is growing in this Buddhist country. There is much brokenness in the country as a result of the Civil War. As we reach the children, we can best turn the country into a thriving community. Cambodia is one of the new initiatives of the General Church. It is a young church – 15 years old. The school began with kindergarten and 13 children. As the children age, new classes are started. Now there is a need to expand the school as it has over 300 children. The school is rated as one of the top schools in the country. The team will be situated in a nearby hotel with noon meals at the school. Other meals will be at the hotel or nearby restaurants. Cambodia is a hot country. Precaution must be taken to keep as cool and hydrated as possible. Approximately 5 days of the team time will be to explore the country’s historical sites and the Methodist Mission of Cambodia.
Team 6 March 6–19, 2010 W. Overcash $2,700
Team 7 March 18–April 2, 2010 B. Buchanan $2,700
Laos
Coordination: Mike Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Laos Samphang Methodist Center Location: Vientiane
Lay floor tile; install wood ceiling and electrical wiring. Other possibilities include English with children and youth, leadership training and Bible women training for women if qualified persons are on the team. The Methodist Church is growing in this Buddhist/Communist country. There is much brokenness in the country. As we reach the children, we can best turn the country into a thriving community. Construction and education possibilities in Laos include general construction and English Language and Leadership Training. The team will be fed Lao foods with a cook provided. No low-cut dressing, kissing or hugging in public. No preaching or distribution of Christian materials or Bibles. Curfew after 11:30 p.m. Team size limited to no more than 6 by the government.
Team 24 Feb. 10–24, 2010 Cher Lue Vang $3,000
Philippines
Coordinator: Michael Collins 704-322-9653 mcollins@wnccumc.org
Orientation: TBA
Project: Ethnic Center, Metro Manila Location: Manila
Work with ethnic minorities and “special needs individuals” in construction of a center and educational possibilities in the Metro Manila area. Other educational contact with children possible. The Methodist Church in the Philippines is a vibrant church, growing to meet the needs of the people. It is now a “sending” church, sending missionaries to other countries.
Team 33 August 2–15, 2010 Ariel and Mike Collins $2,700
Thursday, February 26, 2009
UMVIM Teams needed in China
UMVIM teams needed this summer in China. Teams should consist of 10-20 members, and trips typically last two weeks. The following slots need to be filled: June 15-30, July 1-15, August 1-15, and Auguest 15-30. Teams will spend about half their time teaching English and visiting orphanages, and the rest of their time visiting mountain villages and taking supplies to those in need.
At-cost expense is $30 per day, per team member, and includes bus, hotel, meals, water, translators, local transportation, gifts, supplies, and materials. For more information, please contact Peter Bowling at mailto:peterbowling@hotmail.com.
At-cost expense is $30 per day, per team member, and includes bus, hotel, meals, water, translators, local transportation, gifts, supplies, and materials. For more information, please contact Peter Bowling at mailto:peterbowling@hotmail.com.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Healthy Hands, Happy Feet!
Stung Meanchey Municipal Waste Dump is located in southern Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The dump itself covers about 100 acres, or almost 6 hectares in a part of the city with neighboring slums. It is nicknamed “Smoky Mountain” because of the miasma of smoke that the dump constantly gives off. It is literally on fire; the waste creates methane as it rots and the methane burns. In monsoon season and throughout much of the rest of the year, the surrounding area is swamped and the children live and play in heavy offensive smelling water.
Thousands of people, including hundreds of children who live and work there, sort through the garbage in order to meet the basic needs for survival. Most work in these conditions with little or no footwear or gloves. While we work to change this survival method, we can provide work shoes, boots, and gloves to help protect their hands and feet in such horrific conditions. Clara Biswas is a missionary with GBGM of The United Methodist Church serving the ‘poorest of the poor’ at the dumpsite. She brings ‘hope to the hopeless, light to those who are in the dark, Christ to the poor and shares the love of God.’ She would be very grateful to share your advance gift to make a difference in the lives of these little precious ones.
Would you be willing to “Walk in Their Shoes” by contributing any generous gift amount today? Contributions for this specific project can be made to the Cambodia Initiative, #00230A. Donations can also be made online at givetomission.org or by telephone at (888) 252-6174. 100% of your gift will go to the ministry you choose. For more information, feel free to contact UMVIM, Jackie White, at (704) 497-3387. She is available to speak at groups or churches about life-changing mission trips to Cambodia.
Thousands of people, including hundreds of children who live and work there, sort through the garbage in order to meet the basic needs for survival. Most work in these conditions with little or no footwear or gloves. While we work to change this survival method, we can provide work shoes, boots, and gloves to help protect their hands and feet in such horrific conditions. Clara Biswas is a missionary with GBGM of The United Methodist Church serving the ‘poorest of the poor’ at the dumpsite. She brings ‘hope to the hopeless, light to those who are in the dark, Christ to the poor and shares the love of God.’ She would be very grateful to share your advance gift to make a difference in the lives of these little precious ones.
Would you be willing to “Walk in Their Shoes” by contributing any generous gift amount today? Contributions for this specific project can be made to the Cambodia Initiative, #00230A. Donations can also be made online at givetomission.org or by telephone at (888) 252-6174. 100% of your gift will go to the ministry you choose. For more information, feel free to contact UMVIM, Jackie White, at (704) 497-3387. She is available to speak at groups or churches about life-changing mission trips to Cambodia.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Cambodia: Newsletter from Esther and Nick
Dear Friends of Cambodia,
We bring you greetings from Cambodia where we continue to witness Gods faithfulness. We were blessed to have had the opportunity to host a Medical Team from Louisiana Conference. When we stepped off the bus at the church in Kampong Chhnang on the second morning of our medical mission, we were overwhelmed but not surprised to see that the size of the crowd had nearly doubled since the day before. Without cell phones, word still travels quickly. Among the crowd whod gathered to see the American doctors was an old man and his wife whod set up on their mat at the churchs entrance rather than in the waiting area with the rest. The wife was steadfast in her position at the doorway of the sanctuary-turned-examination room, where her reclining husband, whom she spoke for, would be seen as a priority.
Soon, Dr. Edgar Feinberg was ready to see her husband inside. It took the doctor under the right arm and another volunteer under the left to walk him in and sit him at the table. He had great difficulty holding himself up and he smelled of urine. With the assistance of his wife and a translator, Dr. Feinberg learned that Hom Pen, age 72, had become progressively weaker over time. By examination, he was found to be anemic and was suffering from jaundice. His firm liver suggested a possibility of scorosis as well.
Without the resources to run tests for an official diagnosis, the doctor explained his condition as the dropsy, a label given in such cases to a variety of internal illnesses that could be anything from an infection to cancer. More specifically, he offered an educated guess that Hom Pen suffering was caused by organ dysfunction. Dr. Feinberg later explained to us that with proper funding and equipment available in his practice back in the United States, this condition would be more definitively diagnosable and treatable.
However, in this situation, Hom Pen would most likely live 10 more months. Dr. Feinberg did not give this sobering news to the couple, but with the help of the translator, helped them understand the seriousness of his illness and the best ways to help him rest and minimize any pain. While the translator labored through these explanations, Pens wife held Ericas arm tight. We dont know whether it was for physical support, emotional support, in any sort of gratitude, or just because shed never seen an arm so white in her life. No matter what the reason, she was getting something out of that moment, with her lame husband, the fast-talking translator, the mysterious American doctor, and white arm holding her up.
Over the 5 days this team spent in the rural communities of Kampong Chhnang province, the six doctors saw about two thousand patients. Some needed antibiotics for infections, a pair of eyeglasses or a tooth pulled, and were sent home healed. Others were identified as suffering from treatable illnesses and were referred to the provincial hospital. And some left like Hom Pen. Regardless, each patient whod heard of these doctors from America had come to the church and received blessings. They were cared for individually, walked to the pharmacy, and were given their medications. Team members engaged them in a bell choir, drew their portrait, and played with their children. They were prayed with and prayed for. Above all, they went home with the memory of a time at the local church that folks from far away had cared about them as brothers and sisters in Christ, and shared His gentle care and joy with them and their community.
We want to thank you so much for helping make it possible for us to continue sharing Christ's love to our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. It is through small, repetitive gestures of a visit, attentiveness, gentleness, a touch, a hug and genuine care that Christ's love crosses language, cultural, and generational boundaries to meet us at our point of need. Every donation, big or small, helps make this continually possible. Your generous and selfless contribution to your brothers and sisters in Christ is going to help build His kingdom in Cambodia, one day at a time.
Thank you for helping us to strengthen the astounding work that God has began in Cambodia.
In Christs Amazing love!
Nicholas, Esther, Erica, Jeanette, Nicole and Michelle.
Missionary Advance # 13959Z, 13077Z
We bring you greetings from Cambodia where we continue to witness Gods faithfulness. We were blessed to have had the opportunity to host a Medical Team from Louisiana Conference. When we stepped off the bus at the church in Kampong Chhnang on the second morning of our medical mission, we were overwhelmed but not surprised to see that the size of the crowd had nearly doubled since the day before. Without cell phones, word still travels quickly. Among the crowd whod gathered to see the American doctors was an old man and his wife whod set up on their mat at the churchs entrance rather than in the waiting area with the rest. The wife was steadfast in her position at the doorway of the sanctuary-turned-examination room, where her reclining husband, whom she spoke for, would be seen as a priority.
Soon, Dr. Edgar Feinberg was ready to see her husband inside. It took the doctor under the right arm and another volunteer under the left to walk him in and sit him at the table. He had great difficulty holding himself up and he smelled of urine. With the assistance of his wife and a translator, Dr. Feinberg learned that Hom Pen, age 72, had become progressively weaker over time. By examination, he was found to be anemic and was suffering from jaundice. His firm liver suggested a possibility of scorosis as well.
Without the resources to run tests for an official diagnosis, the doctor explained his condition as the dropsy, a label given in such cases to a variety of internal illnesses that could be anything from an infection to cancer. More specifically, he offered an educated guess that Hom Pen suffering was caused by organ dysfunction. Dr. Feinberg later explained to us that with proper funding and equipment available in his practice back in the United States, this condition would be more definitively diagnosable and treatable.
However, in this situation, Hom Pen would most likely live 10 more months. Dr. Feinberg did not give this sobering news to the couple, but with the help of the translator, helped them understand the seriousness of his illness and the best ways to help him rest and minimize any pain. While the translator labored through these explanations, Pens wife held Ericas arm tight. We dont know whether it was for physical support, emotional support, in any sort of gratitude, or just because shed never seen an arm so white in her life. No matter what the reason, she was getting something out of that moment, with her lame husband, the fast-talking translator, the mysterious American doctor, and white arm holding her up.
Over the 5 days this team spent in the rural communities of Kampong Chhnang province, the six doctors saw about two thousand patients. Some needed antibiotics for infections, a pair of eyeglasses or a tooth pulled, and were sent home healed. Others were identified as suffering from treatable illnesses and were referred to the provincial hospital. And some left like Hom Pen. Regardless, each patient whod heard of these doctors from America had come to the church and received blessings. They were cared for individually, walked to the pharmacy, and were given their medications. Team members engaged them in a bell choir, drew their portrait, and played with their children. They were prayed with and prayed for. Above all, they went home with the memory of a time at the local church that folks from far away had cared about them as brothers and sisters in Christ, and shared His gentle care and joy with them and their community.
We want to thank you so much for helping make it possible for us to continue sharing Christ's love to our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. It is through small, repetitive gestures of a visit, attentiveness, gentleness, a touch, a hug and genuine care that Christ's love crosses language, cultural, and generational boundaries to meet us at our point of need. Every donation, big or small, helps make this continually possible. Your generous and selfless contribution to your brothers and sisters in Christ is going to help build His kingdom in Cambodia, one day at a time.
Thank you for helping us to strengthen the astounding work that God has began in Cambodia.
In Christs Amazing love!
Nicholas, Esther, Erica, Jeanette, Nicole and Michelle.
Missionary Advance # 13959Z, 13077Z
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Laos Advance Projects
As Missionaries to Laos, we are asking for your financial support. Please select one of these vital mission projects. Your prayers and financial support are vital to the success of the Southeast Asia Mission church, “Laos District”.
(1) Covenant relationship advance Tsuchue #15073Z, or Joua # 15074Z
(2) Congregational Development # 14927A, (3) Church building #14926N, (4) Women children & youth ministries #3020470, (5) Seed project #3020462, (6) Undesignated project #00239A
(1) Covenant relationship advance Tsuchue #15073Z, or Joua # 15074Z
(2) Congregational Development # 14927A, (3) Church building #14926N, (4) Women children & youth ministries #3020470, (5) Seed project #3020462, (6) Undesignated project #00239A
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