Rewards Unlimited

 Greetings on a warm Sunday afternoon in Battambang!

The blessings and opportunities we have/receive from living in Cambodia, how do we put that in words...

We were able to attend the YWAM Conference with people from
 43 Nations, two weeks spent listening to those who have pioneered new bases, their experiences of walking with God and sharing who He is to those who have never heard. Stories of countries who thought they could only receive missionaries, but now are sending missionaries to other countries.

During this time we also experienced the graduation of students from the University of Nations Battambang! It was such a thrill to watch these young men and women receive their hard earned  diplomas. Pictured on the right are the graduates with the YWAM Founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham, the Cunningham's are 10 years older than us and continue to serve in a very active capacity as servants of Lord and Savior and great example to us, there is much to be done! Loren spoke continually about those who do not have a Bible yet, how there are 1,776  Bibleless languages yet in this world! They are working with Wycliff and many others to end Bible poverty!

The next week was teacher training for the next session of English classes that YWAM has at the Youth Development Center or as we refer to as YDC! Those who staff YDC had valuable teaching skills they shared with us!

Next is the actual teaching, we lead Conversation Classes from 4-6 pm, we are working with University Students and some who have graduated and have their own businesses but their desire is to improve in conversational English.

Our goal is to challenge them and learn from them as well, our cultures are so different, so we continually learn from our students they are gracious and kind! Challenging them but also instilling who they are- gifted people who have so much to share with others in their village, city and country! That God created each of them just as they are and also gave them the desire to learn and continue to grow as individuals!

We have been to some of their businesses and our goal is to see what they do, and learn from them about their lives.

This past week one of our visits was to the young man who works at the apartment we live in. He works nights as the front desk attendant, overseeing and tending to the needs of those who live here. He and a friend were challenged to help the children in their village, so they built a school where they now teach English to the primary students in their village!

These two young men, poured the cement, built the buildings, built the desks, bought books and all the necessary supplies, and hired teachers! Amazing initiative! So awesome to see!

He then invited us to see where he lives and farms, so of course! That is part of who he is that is important, each person God created is important that we want them to know! So we saw what was once a rice field  but now they have dug what will be a pond, to add to the field dirt so it will no longer flood as a rice field should. He and Ed talked about having the soil tested so he plants a crop that can thrive in the soil he has, hopefully a crop that can be in demand so he can provide for his family.

We walk alongside many people who have chosen to serve God
by moving to another country, or this is their country, and they
want to share who Jesus is and what He has done in their lives.
And those who just haven't personally met Jesus yet but have a servant heart, we pray for the day the Holy Spirit opens their hearts and minds to who Jesus really is!

We made a quick trip to Phnom Penh for a wedding last weekend, it was fun, a good time, our trip back home a bit hot and windy as the air conditioning went out of our car! Actually it went out before we got to PP but we chose to wait to fix it in Battambang and the two young ladies who rode with us were gracious enough to put up with the heat also! Thanks Rina and Sorona!!  This week another wedding! You might get the idea we work with a LOT of young adults! We do! They keep us young!



This weekend we joined SOMD (School of Ministry Development) on and outing to a lake close to Battambang! It was delightful! The cool water, the hammock in the shade the food and fellowship were fabulous! Thank you SOMD!

So we are two ordinary people who are here because we want to encourage, challenge, share, serve! Often we are overwhelmed by the needs of many; but so encouraged when we see those who chose to build a school, or write a book, or go to another country to share the gospel!

But we are constantly encouraged by others, we are frequently challenged by circumstances, people share their lives and stories and bless us beyond what we could ever hope for!

God bless each of you who take the time to read this blog! We covet your prayers for us and our people here and our family back in the states as they too face their own challenges!  We thank God for the internet so we can still connect!

May the good Lord bless and keep you!
Ed and Mary

Battambang 2017

Hello from Battambang Cambodia!

We arrived a week ago, are settling in to a new apartment, same complex, and we didn't move on up we are actually on the second floor instead of the fourth floor, but we did move to the east side instead of the west side...enough of the Jefferson's, to those old enough to understand my pun!

We came with colds so took a bit of time to relax, rest and refresh! Attended part of a Cambodian wedding ceremony, but weren't able to attend all but were thankful to share parts of Bunry and Sally wedding celebration! So beautiful!! The bride, the ceremonies,

all have meaning! We attended the fruit walk where the groom and guests bring food gifts to the bride and her family! And we finished that part with a wonderful meal!

When we left last year we sold our car, at arrival this year after hiring Tuktuk's for a week and riding bicycle's in this crazy traffic, we bought a car again! When we started coming to Battambang, traffic consisted of a lot of bicycles, Tuktuk's, some motors and a few cars, some trucks, and some buses. Now there are hundreds of moto's, cars, trucks, many vans and buses, many Tuktuks, some bicycles on the exact same small streets and roads! Unsafe for us who do not turn our heads as easily as we used to, and I could go on; but the fact is we feel safer in a vehicle, even a little one a KIA Visto!

Enough of that!

It is extremely good to see our friends again in Cambodia, we have sooo many we have not seen yet! But are starting to catch up with some, anxious to catch up with all!

While we are here the YWAM Base is experiencing some lasts and firsts!! They have mostly moved to a new base on the northwest corner of Battambang, it is an exciting time! I believe it is 3 or 4 years ago Ed helped when the dirt was added to a rice field to build the base on. So this is something we are invested in as well; blood, sweat and not tears just possibly more sweat!! But this past Wednesday we had our last Community Worship at the Old Base we are literally busting at the seams there; but Rady spoke on Zacheus - how Jesus has a heart for individuals that he is literally seeking them out! Jesus wants to spend time with you and me! Just like he wanted to spend time with Zacheus!

Next week Community Night will be at the New Base!

Tomorrow will be the last Sunday worship service at the old base, it is a bit sad but we will have so much more room at the new base! Pray for those who live close to the old base that they will not feel we are leaving them, but that they will be able to join in the celebration of the new!


We were able to help at the YWAM YDC testing for the next English Session, on Friday! Love meeting new faces and seeing the eager expectation of learning in their eyes. The new Session will not start until February.

This week at the YWAM Base here in Battambang will be the DNA Conference so many people are traveling and will join in. The staff has been extremely busy preparing for the Conference and preparing the new base for many more people!! The staff is doing a fantastic job of preparation! We are excited to join in the Conference and enjoy fellowship, learn from speakers around the world! A two week leadership conference, equipping all into the future God's way!! Which is truly our desire to do all to honor and glorify God!

The week after the conference one of the young couples from Battambang will be leaving to serve in China! Another couple and another woman are planning to leave for Laos, in the next year! Some of our staff have moved to another province in Cambodia,  they are setting up in a big home there serving the people in Pailin! It is exciting to see this base branching out to other provinces and countries to share the love of Jesus! What an honor it is to take some time to walk alongside these amazing people! We receive so much more than we ever give!

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine on you and give you peace!
Ed and Mary