A letter from Paul Friesen, Regional Liaison for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
Christmas 2010
Anticipating Christmas in Cambodia
Walking through the airports in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore just before Thanksgiving, I was impressed by the large Christmas trees and decorations already on display. In anticipation of Christmas, music welcomed travelers from around the world. Now that Thanksgiving has passed, our Lake Pointe neighborhood glows with lights signifying the advent of Christmas. For each of us, these signs of Christmas conjure up different memories and expectations and often include a time of gathering with friends and family. This year Carol and I are eagerly anticipating our children returning home for Christmas and celebrating at church with our friends.
The first Christmas was very different. Mary, while expecting the birth of their first child, left the comfort of her home and family and traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem. As strangers they traveled to a strange village, where Mary delivered their first son without the support of their extended family. They delivered God’s gift, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:31).
This year, in keeping with this theme of leaving home, three Presbyterian church groups will travel to Cambodia over the Christmas holidays. At the invitation of the Khmer Presbyterian Fellowship (KPF) and in conjunction with HANDS for Cambodia, based in Plano, Texas, members from Eastminster (Birmingham, Ala.) and Eliot (Lowell, Mass.) Presbyterian churches will travel to Cambodia to celebrate Christmas. Outreach festivities will take place in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Klong and Kampong Spue. Friends and neighbors in each of these areas will be invited to join in a time of singing, dancing and eating to celebrate the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prior to these celebrations medical clinics will be held.
Please pray for all of the trip participants, for Dr. Pross and the KPF pastors and for church leaders Saruon Rous, Heng Vannara, Cheng Socheat and Saran. Pray for the men, women and children as they celebrate Immanuel and experience the Good News of the gospel. Pray for God’s light to shine in and through His people.
With thanksgiving for your partnership in the gospel,
Paul Friesen
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 135
