MM

Khamlay and Chanh, young men from the KMU tribe in the northern region of Laos, were deeply rooted in their village’s rich traditions and customs. Despite the strong sense of community and cultural heritage, both felt a profound yearning for something more meaningful in their lives.

Their search for deeper purpose led them to Jesus Christ through a friend. Though they accepted Jesus into their hearts, they struggled to grow in their faith until they attended an SOM Hybrid program in Laos. This program revealed to them the significance of cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus and fueled their desire to learn more about and share the Gospel.

Eager to expand their understanding and enhance their English skills, Khamlay and Chanh traveled to the Philippines to participate in a seven-month SOM program. This experience fostered significant personal growth, including a deepened faith and character development through prayer and reflection. Now, as they prepare to return to their village—where the Gospel has yet to be heard—they are committed to sharing the love of God and spreading the message of Jesus with their community.

Chanh and Khamaly, Batch 33, SOM Samal, Philippines

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

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

I express gratitude and praise to God each day for His abundant mercy and grace, which have empowered and chosen us to embark on a mission to expand our territory.

My wife, Kimberly, our baby, and I have answered God’s call to journey to Indonesia to assist our co-missionary, Yehezekiel Lampah, in fulfilling the divine directive to establish a Mission School in TALAUD, INDONESIA.

In obedience to God’s call to Indonesia, we have relinquished all and liquidated our possessions, signifying our unwavering commitment.

Undertaking missionary work in a foreign land with a family presents formidable challenges, particularly with the care of an infant. At times during our preparations, we found ourselves beset with hesitation, especially concerning our baby’s welfare. However, the Lord admonished us with the words, “YOU OF LITTLE FAITH,” penetrating our hearts deeply. We sought forgiveness and surrendered our lives entirely to Him.

Following our repentance, our apprehensions transformed into joy, doubts into peace, as God showered us with numerous confirmations of our journey. He graciously provided for all our needs, often through unexpected channels. Our prayers were ceaseless until the day of our departure.

Upon our arrival in Talaud Island, God immediately utilized us to preach in various churches every Sunday and speak at revival nights twice. Furthermore, we have been instrumental in teaching English using the Bible to elders and teenagers on weekdays.

Praise God, the School of Missions Talaud is scheduled to commence its three-month basic program in July. Presently, we are diligently preparing the facilities, aiming for completion by June this year.

We humbly request your prayers as we persevere in fulfilling the tasks assigned to us. We firmly believe that responding to God’s call as a family necessitates unwavering commitment, despite discomfort and uncertainties. There are no excuses; obedience surpasses sacrifice.

SHALOM!

Aries & Kimberly, missionary to Indonesia