Cambodia 2014

Transitions to a new normal!

This past week has been a week of leaving our home in Oskaloosa, Iowa and starting up a home in Battambang, Cambodia for the time we hear God calling us here...

Where do we start, well of course a long flight over the tundra of which we do not see. We had a bit of an interesting 14 hour flight the gentleman in the aisle seat chose to sleep most of the 14 hours, a deep sleep so Ed and I had to crawl over him; as whatever he took to sleep took hold or maybe he normally sleeps that soundly...but getting out is one challenge; but getting back in, if you care to imagine us stepping on his arm rest going over him to the middle seat... hopefully a video was not being taken I am certain it was not pretty; but you do what you have to do!

Ok after a few nights in different hotels we found a furnished apartment, after much looking like international house hunters :) we decided a furnished apartment was the wisest choice and nice is an understatement for the area, so we feel extremely blest! I have an oven and a clothes washer WOW!!!
A big thank you to Borith our TukTuk driver who knows where everything is and is pretty awesome at interpreting for us.

We acquired our bicycles for current transportation, we will see if we upgrade...daytime is challenging in itself; but nighttime can be downright dangerous!

We have started with English classes again, this year working with a class in pronunciation, I know that in itself is a big word. But it is so different for the Khmer to pronounce our language, so pray we may teach with clarity! We are excited for this opportunity, it totally opens doors for building relationships and sharing about Jesus! This all happens on the YWAM base so we are free to teach about Jesus, in fact for those who are not familiar with the Youth Center it was established to teach English, Computer skills, guitar or whatever gifts those currently on base are blessed with. Approximately 400 youth come to the Youth Center each weekday, and one of those days is set aside as God day; so we teach world religion, how to read the Bible, Bible stories and relationships. This is an amazing opportunity!

We have renewed old relationships and starting already to build new ones! Sharing meals with new friends and old.

A big thank you to Beth and Casey Dierking for help in phones and internet, Beth you did awesome talking to the Apartment staff, even they were impressed as we were! You go girl!

We have a dear friend whose Grandmother died this past week, we were able to attend a memorial supper with her and her Muslim family; thank you Rina your family is so loving, compassionate and caring we understand your pain in the fact that they do not recognize Jesus as their Savior. It was a very humbling experience thank you for sharing that with us!

So many people here have never heard of Jesus..."Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they WILL LISTEN." Acts 28:28
In Exodus God asked Moses " Who makes a persons mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say." Exodus 4:11 &12

Yesterday in church our friend Hocoun (I probably murdered that, he is from Norway) gave the message one statement he made sticks with me...It's not the thought that counts, it's the deed! He said if I told my wife "I thought about bringing you flowers tonight." do you think she would be impressed?  No not so much; but if I came home with flowers...then she would be impressed. Just like us if we think we should do something; God wants us to follow thru and as He states all through the Bible HE will go with us every step of the way!

This morning at Monday morning base worship Rady Huch spoke on working together to further the gospel, going to the nations! The importance of how about 7 years ago this base was started with 5-6 people now the staff is close to 70, the majority are Cambodians, and God is calling the Cambodians to go to neighboring communities and nations to share the gospel.

So follow through, do what you know God is speaking to you about he promises never to leave us or forsake us! He didn't say it would be easy street, but what path He chooses for us...HE walks with us each step.

Serving His Servants,
Ed and Mary Rozenboom

Rothana and little sister

Grandmother's grave Mosque in background

Supper with family

Us respectfully in Muslim headdress

Women preparing the supper

Monday Base Worship - Awesome start to the week!