Meeting New Friends

This past weekend we were invited to Peterborough Ontario to visit with and meet Joel Reimer and his bride to be Avin Houghland, as well as Ian and Tiffanie Rowley.  These two couples have been along a similar journey and calling on their lives as Ashley and I.  Joel has been serving and planting Churches in Poi Pet over the past few years, and Avin has been serving in Thailand through Imagine Thailand.  Ian and Tiffanie will be moving forward into Global Workers positions in Cambodia in Jan 2012, so excited for them.  Being able to connect and pray with them for only a few hours, really inspired us and solidified our calling.  It was an amazing time hearing and sharing what God has planed for his Kingdom in Cambodia.  These couples have been through the similar process of appointment, and will be preparing for deployment as fundraising blessings move forward.  We are so excited to have met our team to be. 
Tiffanie and Ian, Joel and Avin, can't wait to do his will, with such strong and inspiring  love for the Cambodian Kingdom.

Missionary Profile for Ian and Tiffanie Rowley
http://www.paoc.org/donate.aspx?mID=322

Missionary Profile for Joel and Avin Reimer
http://joelreimer.blogspot.com/

Our Ministry Proposal

This is what we see ourselves doing while serving in Cambodia. This is a preliminary vision and we are not closed to any suggestions that might fit the structure of how we can be effective to the Kingdom.

Ministry Proposal

Farm

· Organic farm in a location that allows for ministry to rural Cambodians; in walking distance to a village

· Enough land to allow for free range cattle, field crops (rice/corn) & several gardens

· Ministry could include practical applications such as a sewing house, biodigestor to supply electricity, English classes

Guesthouses

· Guesthouses would be multi purpose used for individuals who could come & stay to work on the farm for a period of time learning organic practices, animal husbandry & sustainability and also for short term missions teams or missionaries from other countries to stay in while they are awaiting their visas

Outreaches

· A tenth of the “harvest” will be given to the local church to be used as needed for needy families in the community

· Breakfast program for local village children

· English classes both for individuals that are working on the farm & locals from the village

We see ourselves living in community with people; sharing our home & our lives. It is as equally important for us to be edifying to the local Christians that come along side of us as it is to be a witness to the lost that we are living amongst. We hope to partner with others that can help with growing the farm & teaching sustainable practices. One thing that was suggested to us from a contact in Cambodia that is already in the organic industry was to market our produce to local restaurants & businesses. This would help in cutting down the operating costs of the farm.

Why Cambodia??

God has given me a clear vision of all nations knowing God and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe in being kingdom minded and sharing the gospel to those who have not heard of this free gift of salvation. I have been given a second chance at life, and I know its is Gods will for my life to share my testimony and life with those of the Cambodia nation. So how do you share your faith?

I believe it is Gods will for our life to live with the Cambodians in relationship and community, and share our lives with them. Through these relationships and at the right time we will share our faith with our friends. We will share our love for our heavenly father with our friends, and through these relationships we know God will see others come to love him just as we do. We are all called to higher living and calling in Christ. We want to step out and say "Yes Lord, we will go" use us and open doors so we can go to live in Cambodia and serve you, and be the light, the example that so many Cambodians are seeking. If they are not seeking, then we want the opportunity to cross paths with them, to be in reach, so that the Holy Spirit might guide them into our lives.

Why am I at my current job?

Lots of people might ask me why I am working where I am. This is why.

I am so blessed to have been given a job that has enabled me to spend time with my family and have weekends off to be able to attend and be involved in our Church. I have come to see my job as a means to an end. I no longer am searching for a career; God has put in my heart a clear vision for our lives in Cambodia. God re assures me everyday with signs that this is where I am to be.

This job does not provide me with much of an income, however I do have the ability to earn more through bonuses. I have full faith that all bonuses are a gift from God to be used to glorify God and expand his Kingdom. This $12.00hr pays for the basic needs for our life, but the bonus I can earn, can bring my income to 15-20 and hour. Since I have started this job, God has blessed me each month with more than enough. 

Most people would see that this job does not offer me much of an opportunity to improve the lifestyle of my wife and children. I will say that this job has given me a larger ability to trust in God in all I am and do, as well as to have faith each week that not one aspect of this job is me, but is God through me, using me in a situation to allow himself to be glorified and trusted.

It is very clear that God has orchestrated this moment in time for my life. Our call is to be missionaries in Cambodia. We have full assurance that our calling for Cambodia is now, and in the transition we still have to work as we prepare for our calling. I am here at a call center for a season while God prepares the way for Cambodia. My prayer each day, is that God might be glorified through the work and gifts he has given me. God is preparing my mind, body and soul, and each day I am that much closer to God as well as his calling on my life for Cambodia.

Prov 30:7-9

Father, give me only what I need.  I am blessed to be living paycheck to paycheck.