We pray for God’s will and plans to be done, not ours. After our wedding in October 2023, we began preparing for our first mission field in Thailand. We contacted people, did research, and built connections. However, a month later, my wife became pregnant. As tentmakers, we need work permits and visas for long-term missions. Since working while pregnant isn’t accepted at any school in Thailand, we sought God’s guidance. He opened a door for my wife to teach part-time at a school in Cambodia, despite her pregnancy. This was a miracle and a great favor. We see this as a stepping stone for preparation, mentorship, discipleship, training, and exposure to the mission field. Despite our fears and hesitations, we went to Cambodia just one month later in February, with my wife four months pregnant.
We thank the Lord for helping us pass the immigration interview, even though my wife had an “offload history” four years ago. It took almost an hour before she was allowed to go and stamp her passport.
In Cambodia, we saw the great need for more workers. Currently, we teach English from Monday to Friday to build relationships with the locals, both students and parents. This is part of our effort for massive evangelism, ministry outreach, and discipleship programs in villages and communities. We are also learning their culture and language. Every Saturday, we offer free guitar lessons, using music and Bible stories to share the gospel.
Being in a foreign land is not easy, especially with our first baby on the way. But we thank God for His help and guidance through our leaders in Khampong Thom. We also thank everyone who supported us with prayers and finances from the beginning of our journey.
We pray that many missionaries will go to the nations. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.” There are many open doors and ministry opportunities if people respond to the call. Yes, there are challenges like finances, health, and weather, but it’s about our hearts and commitment to God. Let our yes be yes. Obeying God is the key to experiencing His miracles, blessings, and favor. We believe we said YES and GO because He commanded us.
As Paul said in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” We are committed to finishing the task God assigned us in Cambodia.
To God be all the glory! Shalom!
Samuel John and Sheila Sanchez,
Missionaries in Cambodia
PRAISE THE LORD HE INDEED ORCHESTRATED EVERYTHING AHEAD OF YOU GUYS. WE ARE BACKING YOU UP IN PRAYERS.
GOD BLESS YOU AND SHALOM🙌🙏😇
Praise the Lord! It’s only God’s grace can sustain his people. Praying for God’s supernatural favor and blessings upon you ma’am Sheila and sir Samuel as you strive to continue please the Lord by doing the great commission in the field where God has sent you. SHALOM!