July 2010
Dearest Friends and Family,
I hope all is well with you, wherever you may be! As for me, I am still in Korea, grateful for God's never-ending faithfulness. Throughout my five incredible years here, the Lord has allowed me to go on missions every year with Jubilee Church. And this year, He has once again opened up this opportunity to serve in Cambodia with Jubilee's Women's Ministry. My first mission trip to Cambodia was back in February of 2007, where God showed up in mighty ways and reminded me more of how our lives are not our own and that we have a greater purpose.. Now, over three years later, He placed on my heart to again “go and make disciples of all nations…to the ends of the earth” and to minister to the lost and seeking in Cambodia. Praise God for this calling that we are all sent out to fulfill! :)
The five purposes of a church are: 1) Worship, 2) Fellowship, 3) Discipleship, 4) Service and 5) Missions (Acts 2:42-47). Although 4 out of these 5 purposes continue through eternity in Heaven, one of them will cease- missions. Since there is no missions and evangelizing in Heaven, we can see its priority here on earth. Missions is the heart of God and the purpose for which we live while here on this earth. And even though missions can take place anywhere around us, there is a great need to share the hope and promise of His salvation to this destitute country.
Cambodia has a harsh history of civil uprising, wars, and even genocide. During the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970’s, it has been estimated that the regime murdered 2,000,000 of their own people. As a result, the kingdom of Cambodia is often better known as “The Killing Fields.”
Cambodia continues its road of recovery. Over 50% of the Cambodia's people are children, and more than 1/3 of the population lives on less that $1 a day. As the nation rebuilds its infrastructure and society, massive inequality between the urban centers and the rural poor continues to grow.
However, despite these horrible tragedies and political instabilities, there is still great hope because God has not turned away from their cries. Since the 1990’s, God has been sending more and more of His people to Cambodia with the message of hope and eternal life. AMEN!
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us –
yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. [Isaiah 63:7]
Our team of 10 sisters strong will be partnering w/ Pastors Bob and Jenny Oh, from California. (~their website~) to help facilitate the V2R women’s conference in Phnom Penh. We will be there from July 31st to August 9th. During the first half of our week, we will be visiting children at the Center of Peace Orphanage and teaching them VBS, ministering to different rural villages through songs and performances as well as administering medical treatments. The second half will be devoted to the V2R conference, where it is expected that over 1,000 Cambodian women will be attending- both Christian and non-Christian! I am especially excited to reach out and share the message of Jesus Christ with these women, and help encourage and empower them in a society where many of them, especially single mothers, have suffered through tremendous hardships, which have greatly affected their self-image. I pray for ears that hear and hearts that will be receptive and moldable to God's Word. May HEALING and SALVATION take place during this conference through prayer and God's hand!
Prayer is the most powerful tool and support we can receive, so would you please pray with us! We thank you in advance~~! Here are some specific prayer requests we have:
- *That our team would shine the love of Jesus into the darkened country and hearts of Cambodia.
- *That God would bring many seeking women to the conference who will devote their life with Christ.
- *May we be used to minister this inner healing and empowering message to them.
- *The orphaned children of Cambodia- God's protection over their lives and future visions.
- *Traveling mercies, health, safety and unity for our 10 sisters.
- *That we would be a team united in PRAYER and FAITH. His kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
If you feel burdened to also support me financially for this trip, I would be more than grateful. The total trip cost is W1,350,000 which is a little over $1,100. Support in any way and any amount would be greatly appreciated and utilized for His glory. PTL for the PayPal option on this JubiLink site (http://www.jubilink.com/cambo2010), so no matter where you are, you can give financial support through that, if you feel called to. :)
Thank you all so much for your constant love and encouragement. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and I will update you after the trip with hopefully many praise reports! ^^ I pray that even though this might be my last mission trip from Korea, that there would be more chances in the future to devote my life to missions. Take care!
Aw kunh (Thank you)!
your sister in Christ,
Julie