Melanoma and Trip to Cambodia

Cindy had a malignant melanoma removed from her back on Friday. She is recovering and doing well. Continue to pray for her health. She is also suffering from lupus and two bulging disks. I just returned from Cambodia the day before Cindy's surgery. I'm still wiped out from the trip and the jet lag. Even as I type this, I am nodding off to sleep.

Here are some photos from the trip to Cambodia.

The children of the Tro Kiet mission










Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new property and building at Tro Kiet Mission








Some of the adults at Tro Kiet enjoy a snack after the service.

Update On Cindy's Health

Hi everyone,
It's been a long time since we've posted on here and I'm sorry for that. Cindy went to the dermatologist today to be checked again for melanoma. They found a "mole" on her back that concerned the doctor so she removed it and sent it out for a biopsy. Also, Cindy has some "pre-cancerous" lesions on her upper cheek just under her left eye. They are going to watch that one closely. The dermatologist prescribed Carac for topical treatment.

Cindy also went to see the rheumatologist and they did a whole lot of blood work. They will have the results in about two weeks. They are checking for everything including cancer. Depending on the results, they may have Cindy do another MRI, but this time focusing on her lower spine.

Please continue to pray! Thanks and God bless!

Broken Bodies, Broken Car

Well, I was out of town the other day. While I was gone, Cindy fell and hurt her wrist. Then, on top of that,
the car wouldn't start or go into gear. She had to call a tow truck. So, the car is in the shop. Will find out
what is wrong with it tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm borrowing a vehicle for a few days. Pray that we can
get our car fixed for a reasonable price. Also, we need another vehicle as well. Cindy can't travel due to her
doctor appointments and ongoing treatments. When I need to go preach or be in a mission conference, I have
no vehicle to get there. We are looking to the Lord to lead us to the right vehicle. Please pray with us about this.

Cindy's Medical Situation

I thought I'd give you an update on how Cindy is doing. She is still undergoing treatment for the lung problem. That treatment will continue on into spring. The biggest thing she's facing now is a neuro-muscular disorder that is causing her tremendous daily pain. She was in so much pain yesterday that she was unable to attend church. She has an appointment to see a rheumatologist in March. Please continue to pray for her. Her latest blood tests indicated that the cause of her pain could be a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. I'll update you here on the blog as we get more information. God bless you all and thank you for your prayers!

Tro Kiet Church Construction

Hi everyone,
The church construction is now underway in Tro Kiet. Now that the rainy, monsoon season has passed, it's time to be underway. I'm attaching photos of the project thus far. The land was very low-lying and susceptible to flooding. We've had soil brought in to raise the level of the land. Next step is to put up a fence around the property. We hope that you enjoy the photos below.

















The soil has been brought in by the dumptruck load and ground level has been raised to guard against flooding.
















Pictured here are some of the church folks. The lady in the middle with the blue hat is the church member who donated the land to the church. She has a burden for her people and her home village. It was a tremendous sacrifice to give the land.
















Church planters Ly Kimlong and Din Sothean

















Din Sothean and Nhap Pilot














Dump truck begins to bring in soil to fill the land.

The Latest On Cindy's Health

Cindy's meds have been reduced from nine pills daily to six pills daily. They will be doing a CT scan in the next few weeks to see what's going on inside her lungs. Also, Cindy's been having some chest pains again, so the doctor ordered a stress test. She'll be doing that in the next few days. I know, "when it rains, it pours," but as some of you know, she has two bulging discs in her lower spine. In addition, she has some muscle tissue pain in her lower back area. We do appreciate all your prayers. Please pray for the Lord's healing touch on Cindy.

Christmas in Cambodia 2008

This little guy was able to enjoy a nice Christmas thanks to your help! I know that times are financially hard, but we do appreciate your help to make Christmas special
for these Cambodian boys and girls!




A good crowd of folks were in attendance for the Christmas program. Several were saved at the close of the service. A girl that Leah had witnessed to awhile back is now coming to church and was able to attend the Christmas program. Her parents are Buddhist, as are most people in Cambodia.

God bless you all! Please continue to pray for Cindy's health as we continue this "extended" furlough.