"As cold waters to thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." (Proverbs 25:25) The salvation of a soul is always good news! It was just a couple months ago that we asked you to pray for Srey Kuech's salvation. Since that time her life has been miserable. She is just 16 years old. She is married to a drug addict that does not love her. He was basically forced into marriage with her because she was pregnant. Supposedly, this marriage was going to help both of these young people grow up and fix all their problems! She was supposed to find joy and peace in this marriage. Nothing could be farther from reality! We, as Christians, know that peace and joy come only from the Lord Jesus Christ. Srey Kuech was searching for SOMETHING. She was even interested in Christ, but her husband and brother-in-law did not want her attending church or learning more about Christ. Finally, not finding what she was looking for, Srey Kueh tried to take her own life. It was just a few days before Christmas that we were called to the hospital. She had decided life was not worth living and had swallowed a bottle of pills. At the hospital we were unable to communicate clearly with her because of the drugs. We asked the Lord to give us another opportunity to witness to her and He answered our prayer. We have been to her home many times, but we were never able to speak with her one on one. About a week after she returned home I headed to her house. On the way I prayed that the Lord would give me the opportunity to talk to her ALONE. I must admit, my prayer was not a prayer of faith. I knew it would not happen. Thank God for answering my prayer even though it was not a prayer of faith! For the first time ever, I found her in a room alone! The only other person at home was taking a shower. I have NO DOUBT God arranged this. I was able to share the Gospel with her again and she was ready to accept it! It was a thrill to see her bow her head and ask Christ to save her. The following day Srey Kuech and her husband moved to a provincial area to be near her parents. I sent a Bible with her and prayed that God would work in her heart. Just a couple of weeks later they moved back to Phnom Penh! Pray for us as we try to disciple Srey Kuech and as we try to get her involved in church. Pray also for her husband, Seyha, to accept Christ. He attended our church as a child, but his father forced him to stop coming. Pray that the Lord would guide him back to church also. We know only God can change the lives of this young couple.

The Christmas season was very special for us this year. My parents were able to be here with us! They were able to be involved in all our family and church Christmas activities. They attended our church's Christmas play. Although they were not able to understand what was being said, it was a blessing to have them here to see the wonderful people God has given us share the Christmas story with neighbors and friends. I am sure they also enjoyed seeing our three children take part in the Khmer Christmas play! J They helped us cut out, bake, and decorate 700 Christmas cookies to give out to people attending the Christmas play. (Of course, some of our church people helped with this also.) My dad had the opportunity to preach at our church in Phnom Penh as well as in two village ministries our people have started. His messages were a blessing to us all and I know the people were a blessing to him as well. My mom had the opportunity to give a devotional to a group of missionary ladies that got together for a cookie exchange. It was SO much fun to have my parents here ministering and serving along side us! I wish they could be here all the time! J On the less spiritual side, it was just fun to share family time with them - making gingerbread houses, opening gifts, going to markets, talking, playing games, riding tuk-tuks, sharing Cambodian food with them and having Mom make American food for us J.... The list could go on and on! I thank God for the people who made it possible for my parents to be here with us.

Just a few days after my parents' departure, our church hosted a marriage conference. It was such a special day! Rodney, Sakaun, and I had the opportunity to teach many Christian couples from several different churches. I was quite nervous, but God took the fear away and made it a very enjoyable and memorable experience. We had separate sessions for married men, married women, and singles. We also had a session all together. We played games and just enjoyed strengthening our marriages together and encouraging those who are not yet married to develop strong marriages in the future. Marriage is WONDERFUL when God is in the center of it!

EVERYTHING is wonderful when God is in the center of it - Christmas, family, conferences, and CHANGED LIVES!

Thank you SO much for your continued prayers on our behalf!

Serving HIM in Cambodia,