Blessed beyond Measure

We are incredibly blessed by the people who come to Cambodia and sow into the lives of our Khmer family and to both David and I.  Last week Roy Hitchman shared about Lainey and his recent time in Phnom Penh and we are eternally grateful for them both.  We met Roy & Lainey over a Skype call almost 3 years ago and hit it off straightaway; they are a couple who love people and passionately care about helping people navigate their relationships.   They speak honestly and from their own experiences, and also bring humour as they minister to single people, engaged couples, married couples and parents.

We want to thank Paul Hudson, Elim’s International Missions Director, for seeing the need to have Roy & Lainey as a vital part of the Elim missions family.  Over the last few years they have helped us prioritise our time better; we were always helping others who were going through difficult circumstances and spending time ministering to those around us, but this resulted in us starting to neglect each other.  We appreciate their advice and are thankful for monthly skypes where they keep us accountable to the adjustments we have put in place to protect our marriage and give us a healthy family life.

Our Khmer family have also benefitted so much from getting to know Roy & Lainey over the past two years.  When they arrived in September  it was encouraging for them to have individuals and couples thanking them for the advice they had received last year and how their lives were better.  They carried out some follow up counseling sessions and we are grateful to those who initiated spending time with Roy and Lainey as they demonstrated how much they care about their marriage and family life.

We cannot stress enough how valuable the ministry Roy & Lainey have and we whole heartedly recommend them to everyone.  They are trustworthy and confidentiality is their middle name!  If you want to find out more either individually or would be interested in them visiting your church  check out their website:http://hitchedtogether.com

Roy & Lainey, thank you for having a piece of Cambodia in your heart; for loving us all and embracing the Khmer culture with respect and dignity.  You demonstrate the love of Jesus in your actions, and have compassion for everyone who you come in contact with.  Thank you for pouring out and investing into the lives of so many here; we know you are enjoying the sweet reunion with your daughter Beth and doggy Guthix.  Bless you both as you continue to serve the Lord and we look forward to catching up firstly over skypes and then in person next year in the UK.

In this week’s blog we also want to honor a very special lady who we have the privilege of knowing.  We first met Betty Jenkins, from New Zealand, through our friend Julie 6 years ago and we are so thankful to God for bringing this dear lady into our lives.  Last night we had the awesome honour of hosting Betty’s 80th Birthday Party in the Elim centre.  Her birthday is not until December but this occasion has been planned for a couple of years.  Betty has been visiting Cambodia for over 20 years, usually once a year and sometimes even two times.  She has come using her nursing experience and more recently connects with missionaries and provides pastoral care checkups and always offers advice and words of wisdom.  We always look forward to the time we share together and we have learnt so much from this legend of a lady!

It was wonderful to join with Khmer and expats last night who have known Betty over the years and been blessed to work alongside her.  Betty was honored in words from the hearts of people who love her. David & Chamnap MC’d the evening with Julie & Jill ministering in song, Dren made a debut appearance playing the guitar and singing, Bruce Taylor delivered a speech recounting memories over the years and bringing humour on how Betty is not a typical lady in her 80th year.  Betty, thank you, for being the legend that you are.  I know, I speak on behalf of many who know you, that I hope to have even a fraction of the energy, fun, zeal, passion for life, service for God that you have at 80 years.  Retirement is a word you don’t know and we wish you God’s abundant blessings as you continue to serve Him both in Cambodia and New Zealand.

In closing we want to send a special message to David’s Dad Walter who celebrated his birthday this week.  It is hard being away from loved ones when special occasions take place but we are thankful for Skype and we enjoyed our chat while Walter was enjoying an Ulster fry with Sandra.  Walter we both love you so much and thank God for you; praying God’s richest blessings over you this year and in the years to come.  We will join you for a fry next time we are together!