Cambodia has so many national holidays! At the beginning of November was the King's Birthday and Water Festival. NGO's (Non Governmental Organizations), like World Relief, are required by law to recognize all national holidays. To take advantage of this long holiday (at least four days), World Relief schedules the Project Leader's Family Retreat at this time each year. On a rotating basis, each Partner Church sponsors the retreat. This year, the hosting church was Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. Bent Tree sent an amazing team of 13 people to run the retreat! I was so blessed by the time I got to spend with them
[On our way to Koh Kong with coffee in hand!]
We were quite a sight as we traveled around Phnom Penh in a mini bus!They planned an amazing retreat with separate programs for adults, teens, and children--all based on scripture from the book of 1 John. They offered break-out sessions on topics such as Christian Men's Leadership, Love Languages, How to Lead a Bible Study, and Marriage Intimacy. There were also fun things like Jewelry Making, Lego Time for kids, and Beauty Spa (lots of pretty, painted nails!).
[My sneak peek at someone's notes during the session on Leading a Bible Study.]
In the midst of running around and taking care of little things, I did get to sit and enjoy some sweet worship and teaching time. It was so refreshing to spend time with fellow believers and "retreat" a little from daily life. I was also able to take some time to reflect on these past 7 months and all that God has done in my own life.
[On the beach preparing for baptisms.]
A very special event during the retreat was witnessing the baptism of three young believers. Victor Jue, 12 years old, accompanied his parents on the retreat team. (He served by ministering to the staff kids and led the popular Lego session!) Victor wanted to be baptized in Cambodia--and was!--and an invitation was extended to anyone else. Two young Cambodian women (daughters of staff) were also baptized in the Gulf of Thailand. It was a special time for everyone!
[On our way to Koh Kong with coffee in hand!]
We were quite a sight as we traveled around Phnom Penh in a mini bus!They planned an amazing retreat with separate programs for adults, teens, and children--all based on scripture from the book of 1 John. They offered break-out sessions on topics such as Christian Men's Leadership, Love Languages, How to Lead a Bible Study, and Marriage Intimacy. There were also fun things like Jewelry Making, Lego Time for kids, and Beauty Spa (lots of pretty, painted nails!).
[My sneak peek at someone's notes during the session on Leading a Bible Study.]
In the midst of running around and taking care of little things, I did get to sit and enjoy some sweet worship and teaching time. It was so refreshing to spend time with fellow believers and "retreat" a little from daily life. I was also able to take some time to reflect on these past 7 months and all that God has done in my own life.
[On the beach preparing for baptisms.]
A very special event during the retreat was witnessing the baptism of three young believers. Victor Jue, 12 years old, accompanied his parents on the retreat team. (He served by ministering to the staff kids and led the popular Lego session!) Victor wanted to be baptized in Cambodia--and was!--and an invitation was extended to anyone else. Two young Cambodian women (daughters of staff) were also baptized in the Gulf of Thailand. It was a special time for everyone!
[One of my favorite photos from the week:
Victor Jue with his parents (on the right) and Marganne from church.]
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Katie, I was so blessed to be a part of this and also to know you better. Your heart for the Lord and for serving others is not only apparent, but also contagious. I hope to see u again in December!
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