Light and Salt

Friday, March 18, 2016

Reflection

Reflection 
March 2016

We do a particular activity again and again because we love it.  It gives us satisfaction and synergy at the same time.  And yes, we express our love to a certain thing differently. Likewise, we do certain stuff differently. Each of us is unique, that is.  


I love nature, no, I love it so much.  I think of it often, as in countless times in a day. Truth, I see vividly my heart every second I'm with, particularly, landscapes, water, tall-big trees, forest, etc. to the point I sink in my own thoughts and I forget to take picture of them. So half of the sights of them I stored in my brain, and half of the views of them I already stashed in my laptop.  Like the image above I took 3 years ago when I visited the famous Angkor Wat (please don't ask me how many times I visited the site ;) ) I was glued at where I'm standing after.  Yes, I was there reflecting.  






I think, this is one of the reasons why, in my own pace, my love to travel started so I can reflect more (reflect pa more :D). 
My, I'm thankful my friend snapped me so I had this jumped off picture.  Well, I was there again standing glued by the site and sink in my own thoughts reflecting 101.:D  


When I get excited, I keep it only to my self.  You're right, including my gestures and facial expression don't obviously tell.  Like this trip we had within the country late last year. I gazed in awe at the scenery but then again, I found my self reflecting deeply.  I sounded oblivious here, right?  It's okay. ;) I'm trilled to think that this reflection 101 of mine will happen SOON. I can't wait!

So I find my way of reflecting with nature.  Where do you find yours?   



Tuesday, March 15, 2016

365CambodgeMissions: Quit or Quiet



QUIT  or QUIET 

March/April 2016


It was good while it lasted; it was good when it ended, because God is good ALL the time.

       Exactly two years and one month we spent with Reach Duang Keov (RDK) village families.  During those times, we taught and shared the Good News among adults, young people and children alike.  
     It was a usual yet steady afternoon, when the villagers gathered, about 12 families.  And we taught the children in a different place around that area.  As soon as the children classes were over, I moved quietly where the adult bible study was.  Then I learnt this sudden news.
    "We really looking for the right time to tell you this.  Our grandparents served in pagoda. Our parents are still serving in pagoda.  And here we are, listening and studying about Jesus.  It has been our tradition and customs to go to pagoda.  We don't want that we are sitting here every Sunday, but during the week we go to pagoda.  We decided to stop coming to hear about Jesus and continue the religion, the tradition and the customs our grand parents has taught us.  Please stop everything you do in this place and what you are going to do in the future."  One of the village elders told us.  
     We didn't say anything, but respect their choice.  We didn't leave with anger in our hearts.  We left with deep sadness knowing their about choice.  Our hearts are searching upon God's comfort instead.  We might not understand fully well what His plan for RDK now, however, we trust in Him and His sovereignty because His name alone is trustworthy. What that experienced has taught us?  We are reminded to seek God more and consistently, and to QUIET our souls in Him, regardless the raging waves of hardship surrounding us. 
Even then, we continually remember Reach Duang Keov (RDK) villagers in our prayers, especially, as a church. That, i think, should not cease.

Reflection:
  • The complete purpose of God in that place and the people there is yet unknown to us, but we are persuaded it transpired for His glory.  
  • It's so easy to see things in behalf of them. But then, i think, we should not overlook what we can learn from it too. What God is telling us to do and act at the moment. 
  • We are victorious in Christ Jesus.
Please pray with us for:

  •  RDK village.  For we know that the seed of faith the Spirit of God sowed in that place is not in vain. 
  • The souls who truly confessed that Jesus is their Lord and Savior will come out bold and remain true to the faith.
Praises and Thanksgiving: Praise the Lord for He is our prayer answering God.

  • We have a family contact in RDK came back from another district for the planting farming of crops there were over.  She came and requested the elders (leaders) of Bethlehem church to resume again the house church there.  We have two families (believers) who are willing and open to accept Jesus presence, God's word and us again.  It's a different area but within one community and village.  We will resume what God entrusted to our care with fervent prayers.  So together for the Gospel, please continue to pray for this cause with us.  Thank you.
  • Indeed the souls who truly confessed that Jesus is their Lord and Savior came out bold and remained true to the faith.

The Next Best Thing 

Cambodian Children Day Camp (CCDC)

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22: 6 (NLT)


     Cambodia's New Year (Khmer New Year) is around the corner.  Next month, April 15, we will going to have a one day camp from ages 3 to 12 years old.  Our ultimate purpose is to share the gospel for these young souls.  Moreover, the children will have a day of learning with some educational activities our Sunday School teachers planned to prepare.  We will have a day of singing, doing arts and crafts, reading various children's book, playing with fundamental blocks, watching a movie - bible story and presentations.  So with the said purpose, the children's ministry will be more effective and it will be strengthened  with the active help of the local church, definitely, by the grace of God.  

Please pray with us for:
  • unity among us for all the preparations needed.
  • the many young souls will be added in the Sunday School
  • wisdom and patience 
  • financial provision   
Praises and Thanksgiving: Praise the Lord for He is our prayer answering God.

  • The one day camp went well.   Teachers and young people tried their best to served alongside.  
  • 69 children, ages 3 to 12 years old came
  • For the opportunity to present the Gospel using the worldless book.  Again, the Word of God being shared upon these young generation isn't in vain.  
  • Patience and wisdom were evident from preparation until the camp was over
  • Undoubtedly, He is our great Shepherd.  Everyone were satisfied from refreshment, lunch and goods.  Thank you for the individuals whom God used for His glory and for the furtherance of His kingdom.

Cambodian Children's Church (CCC)  

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Luke 18:16 (NLT)
Praise the Lord for indeed, He gives us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know Him better. 
We are launching it next month.  Through this ministry, we are praying that many Khmer children will commit their lives to Jesus as their Lord and only Savior.  We always feel the burden to direct these children to know Jesus in a personal way.  Similarly, we desire that these children will learn to worship God, sing praises to Him and utter their prayers to Him too.  Alongside the youth in the church who will lead and take the challenge but a great privilege to serve God and be a part these children.  

Please pray with us for:
  • wisdom, courage and consistent willingness as the youth will lead
  • the parents of the children and the children will respond positively
  • fruitful harvest of young souls through this ministry                                                                   Praises and Thanksgiving: Praise the Lord for He is our prayer answering God.
  • April 24 is the launching of CCC. It was a joy seeing the youth serving our Lord in their own extraordinary way.  
  • Praise God for faithful and dedicated youth whose hearts are willing and always ready to serve God and serve others. Please continue to pray with us with the concerns encoded above.  Thank you.


"For you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ..."



Through the years, it is only by the grace of God, I'm still present and serving Him in the field, with that my heart is full of thanksgiving.  Likewise, I am thankful for your faithful support both in prayers and financial.  I do appreciate your partnership in spreading the gospel for His glory.  Currently, I am $48 short (below) the needed amount. Please pray with me.  I trust and pray, this will be met in His own time and in His own ways.  
Praise the Lord for He is our Great Shepherd!


2 Corinthians 1:11(NIV)

As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.



Press On,

Aide Rose Fernandez 

aide_711@yahoo.com
aide711@gmail.com
+855 77547851 (Cambodia) / +63 9192920955 (Philippines)  
P.O box 369 Battambang City, Cambodia