Sophie in Cambodia

Newsletter March 2024

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36 v 5 & 7

This year has got off to a busy and fruitful start. Who can believe we are nearly at the end of March already?

One of the highlights of the last 2 months was the recent baptismal service that we had at church. 9 people got baptized, with one girl making her decision to get baptized after she had watched the other candidates. It was extra special for me as 4 of the people who got baptized were our Befree girls. To stand beside them as they publicly declared their faith and love for Jesus was a gift from God. I love journeying alongside these ladies in Befree and it's an extra privilege to journey with them in church as they grow and develop in their relationship with God.

Our English classes continue to go well and the students are faithful in coming to study. Recently we took them out for spicy noodles as a way to connect outside of the classroom. All the students and teachers enjoyed the time together. We also had another youth service at our church. Some of the English students came to this and also some of the young guys who have joined the football ministry. We played games together and the young people heard about God. They had the opportunity to ask questions about God as many of them are not believers.

Please keep praying for this group of young people as God has already begun a significant work. One of the most exciting things to share is that our English teacher who has been helping Pastor Sarak and I teach classes gave his life to Jesus. He had moved from the province to live at our dorm programme in Phnom Penh and he started to help us teach and then wanted to join our church services. After deciding to follow Jesus he wanted to get baptized at our recent baptism service. It was special for Pastor Sarak to be able to baptize him.

Last month I had the chance to visit Oddar Meanchey province again. Even though it is nearly a 9-hour long trip to get there by bus, I am always so grateful to be in this special place. It has become my home away from home and I am grateful for the relationships that God has been building there. During this most recent trip, I preached at the local church there and was encouraged to see what God is doing in the village areas surrounding the church. We also had a special evening where the key female leaders were invited to the church to stay overnight. We made food together and worshipped. prayed for each other and I shared a short encouragement, It was a special time for us all and I look forward to the next time I can go back to Oddar Meanchey and visit my brothers and sisters at the church.

During this trip, I also had the joy of being a bridesmaid at a Khmer friend's wedding in Siem Reap province. I had only ever attended the evening events of weddings before in Cambodia. This was a wonderful way for me to experience the full Khmer wedding. There were 2 days of celebrations and ceremonies. As bridesmaids, we had 4 different outfit changes - including hair and make-up changes. Keziya and Se La the groom and the bride had more than 10 outfit changes. It was a wedding full of love, joy, colour and new experiences for me.

At the start of the month we had a team from Northern Ireland visit us at Elim Cambodia. Carryduff Elim sent us 5 wonderful individuals who loved and showed kindness to me and the cambodian people. It was special for me having a team from home with us. I loved the banter and fun from home (I have missed the Northern Irish accent). We had a special time together and God did many significant things during their week with us. One of the highlights of the week was when one of the team members invited the 3 tuk-tuk drivers who had driven us to church that day to come and sit in on our church service. This was their first time at church. On that day, Dren one of our church elders was preaching. Before Dren worked at the church he used to work as a tuk-tuk driver full time. One of these men recognized Dren and was amazed to see him preaching and leading at the church now. What a wonderful connection and witness for God!

Prayer Points

• Please continue to pray for myself and our church leadership team as we seek God and lead Elim Phnom Penh Church.
• Pray for my weekly bible studies with Khmer ladies. God continues to work deeply in their lives and mine through his precious word.
• We have a team coming next week from New Zealand to join Elim Cambodia. Please pray for their safe travels and time with us.
• Keep praying for our girls in the Befree programme. For continued freedom in their lives.
• Next month it will be the biggest Khmer holiday in the year. We will celebrate the Khmer New Year holiday Many people will travel back to their home provinces to visit families. Please pray for safety and well being for everyone during this time.