10 Prayer Requests For Our Medical Clinic Outreach

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This coming week (May 27th - 30th) we will be hosting a free medical clinic at our church as an evangelistic outreach. Healthcare in Cambodia is generally not too good, and many of Cambodia's poorest people do not have the money to obtain even substandard healthcare. God has laid it upon the heart of Bro. Bradley Edmondson, director of Medical Missions Outreach, to bring his team of volunteer medical professionals from the U.S. to conduct this clinic. His team will be providing the medical expertise and the needed medicines, and my team (our church and some other area missionaries) will be providing the translators and logistical support as well as sharing the Gospel. Also, a missionary friend from Singapore, Bro. Chantha Chhim, will be coming with his wife and children and a few of his converts from their new church plant in Singapore. We are excited about this wonderful opportunity to share God's love by meeting some of the physical needs of the people and pray God will open doors to meet the greatest need of all, salvation through faith in Christ. 

Here are 10 specific prayer requests for this outreach.

The Worth Of A Soul

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) The implication of this verse is quite stunning really. You may gain all of the wealth, riches, and treasure that this world has to offer, but if in doing so you lose your soul, then you ultimately are the loser. That is the worth of a soul to one's self. But what about the worth of a soul to God? The soul of a man is worth enough to God that He was willing to give His most precious possession, His only begotten Son, in order to redeem that soul from Hell. The worth that God places upon a soul is undeniable and undebatable. But what about the worth of a soul to you and me? I mean, how much is it really worth to us in terms of time, effort, and money to see that a soul has had every chance to not only hear the Gospel, but come to Christ?

It is one o'clock in the morning, and I can't sleep. I received word tonight that a cancer-stricken woman out in the village where we have a weekly ministry just passed into eternity. I am happy that 11 days ago she placed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, and I am thankful that her pain and suffering are now over. Several of us visited her this past Saturday while we out in the village, and she was in horrible pain. Since then our prayer has been specifically that God would just take her home quickly, and I am relieved in my spirit that tonight He did just that.

As I meditate upon this precious soul who has passed into eternity tonight, little memories keep popping into my mind. Little things that perhaps seemed insignificant at the time, but now in hindsight I believe they played a huge role in bringing this woman to Christ. Although I have known her for about nine years, I am unsure of her name. It is very common here in Cambodia to call someone by a familial title and not their actual name. I call her Ohm (an older aunt). Here are ten factors that I believe ultimately contributed to the salvation of Ohm's precious and valuable soul. Perhaps these thoughts will encourage someone to keep sowing the seed, keep watering the seed, and not be weary in well doing.

Farmer Fred and the Three Visitors

     Once upon a time there was a farmer named Fred. Farmer Fred lived on a small farm in the heartland of the United States and had been farming for years. He understood the hard work and investment of time that was required to grow a crop. He also knew that from time to time because of a freeze, a fire, a tornado, or a drought, everything would be destroyed and he would have to start all over again. He understood and accepted that fact, because he knew that farming wasn't done in a day or a week. He knew that farming was a lifelong work, with success being the sum total of daily labor and long-term tenacity.

     One day a man dropped in for a visit with Farmer Fred. The visitor smiled real big, extended his hand, and said jovially, "I'm Big Bob". Then after a few moments of casual conversation, he got right to the point.
     "Farmer Fred," he said, "I admire your work, but it just seems so small! You know, years ago I farmed a little plot like you. I had my little farm, complete with a little red barn, a cute little silo, and a little farmhouse with a little picket fence. I grew some green beans, some corn, and a few acres of wheat. We were happy there for awhile. God was blessing our farm. But one day the thought hit me: My little 100-acre farm is so inconsequential! There are millions of acres of ground all over the world that need to be farmed. I figured if reaping a harvest on 100 acres was good, then reaping a harvest on a million acres would be outstanding!"

     While Farmer Fred was standing there listening, he was feeling a strange mix of emotions - a slight tinge of regret for the relatively little he had to show for his years of farming, and at the same time a growing admiration for this man with such a grand vision. He wanted to know about this "million-acre farm".

     "So what'd you do next?" he asked.

This is the final post of Anniversary Month at The Missionary Memo. I have enjoyed sharing special memories, pictures, and articles with you. Thank you to everyone who took the time to leave a kind comment or write a friendly email. You have encouraged us. I especially want to thank those of you who encouraged my children with your comments. They have read them all and I know that they feel loved and special. I want to close this special month by saying thank you to each and every person who has ever prayed for us or supported our ministry financially. Your sacrifice of time and treasure has made a difference in many lives, including our own.

Years ago I read a poem written by a good friend and fellow-missionary here in Cambodia, Tim Stephens. I remember how moved I was the first time I read it, and I have saved it all these years. Last month I asked Bro. Stephens if he would let me use this poem during our Anniversary Month, and he graciously agreed.  This poem is dedicated to each church, pastor, and individual who has partnered with us for the lost of Cambodia in the last 10 years.

Guest Preacher Series (Rodney Ruppel)

Last Wednesday night was our final guest speaker in our recent series. We have really enjoyed having these various men come in and preach, and we ended the series with my very good friend, Missionary Rodney Ruppel.

I love Bro. Ruppel's testimony, because it exemplifies the true 180 degree change that should be affected in a person's life when they come to know the Lord. Rodney was not raised in church, but when he was about 12 years old, his dad decided he needed to get his kids in church. After trying out different churches, he settled in at an Assembly of God church which Rodney didn't seem to mind so much. The reason...the pastor's son listened to all the same rock music that Rodney loved.  Not long after they started going there, Rodney's dad took him to First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, pastored by RB Oulette. Rodney did NOT like that church! He says it seemed like the pastor was preaching directly at him. After going there for awhile, the Holy Spirit convicted his heart and he finally trusted Christ as Savior. 

A Tribute To My Best Friend

Warning: If you don't like mushy and sentimental stuff, don't read this. If you don't think it is right to lavish praise upon a person, don't read this. This post is simply the reflections of one very happily married man about the wonderful person that God gave him to be his wife. You have been warned.

Fall of 2009

When I was a teen boy and later a Bible college student I remember that many of the guys (including me) had Proverbs 18:22 as their life's verse. "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." Now as I approach 14 years of marriage I find that I believe that verse more wholeheartedly than I ever did before. Back then, I HOPED I could find a good wife. Now I KNOW that I have found one! As we celebrate 10 years on the mission field, I want to take a few minutes to pay tribute to my very best friend, my beautiful wife, Angela.

I thought about doing an interview like I did with my kids, but that is just not her style. She doesn't like to talk about herself, and doesn't like public attention. So instead of an interview, I decided to just write from my own heart about who she is and what she means to me. So without further ado, here are a few of the reasons why I love my wife. 

God's Answer For Perilous Times (by Pastor Robert Benefield)

Circumstances, tragic events, and world-wide catastrophies in recent times have caused most of us to stop and ponder our lives, our ministries, and the future of our world. We are reminded in II Timothy Chapter 3 that as we live out the last days “perilous times shall come”. This world in which we live is filled with peril. Peril is defined as “dangerous and full of risk.” The only things that are certain in this world are the truths that we find in the pages of God’s holy and perfect book, His Word. In times of peril, God’s Word is our source of hope. In a perilous world, the Bible is the only source of true hope and comfort that can be found.

In these perilous times, we have front-line soldiers of hope carrying the Word of God around the world. I’m not suggesting that we are doing all we should, or that we are having the impact that would be sufficient to meet every need. However, as I’ve pondered recent events, I’ve been thankful for the efforts being made by our front-line soldiers that we call missionaries. Preachers of the gospel carrying the message of hope to a world in peril.

You Might Be a Missionary Kid If...

Missionary Kids (MK's) are unique! If you are an MK, you know that. If you have ever known an MK, you undoubtedly know it too! Without even trying, their life is just different from the norm. Some people seem to pity Missionary Kids for all the things they have supposedly given up. Yes, it is true that they give up some things when they leave America and go to live in a foreign land, but don't feel sorry for them! Missionary Kids have a life of adventure about which most kids can only dream. 

A few years ago I was introduced to a hilarious article called "You Might Be A Missionary Kid If..." I have since read many versions of this article in books, websites, and emails. I really don't know who came up with the very first one, but obviously many people have added their own wit and wisdom to the list over time. I want to share some of our favorites in the first half of this article. But even if you have already read these somewhere else, you need to read on to the end. Why? Because Angela and I (with a little input from the kids) have come up with our very own list of how to know if you are a Missionary Kid.

Guest Preacher Series (Ray Shull)

Last night we had Missionary Ray Shull as our guest speaker. Bro. Shull and his family spent a couple of years helping in our church several years ago, so this was a reunion of sorts for some of our long-time members. I was so glad that Mrs. Shull and their daughter, Becca, came with him too. Besides preaching, Bro. Shull also sang a special with his wife at the piano, and did a tremendous job! Our folks love special music, so this was an extra treat!

Bro. Shull was raised in a Christian home in Stockton, California, and was saved as a young teenager. After high school, he attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College where he graduated in 1980. Over the next 20+ years he served as both a pastor and an assistant pastor in 4 different churches in Washington, Idaho, and California. The majority of those years was spent in Mariposa, California where in addition to serving as assistant pastor, he started and administrated the Christian school.

Guest Preacher Series (Adam Wood)

Last night was the 4th week in our guest preacher series at church. We had the opportunity to hear Bro. Adam Wood, who is one of the newest missionaries in Cambodia. He and his wife, Alison, have 6 children. The Woods have been working for the past two years with the Ruppels, and Adam is currently working on a concordance for the Khmer Bible. This has been a huge project, but it will be a help to many when it is completed. Also Mrs. Wood has taught piano lessons to a number of people here in Cambodia, including our three oldest daughters. We are very glad to have this family serving with us in Cambodia.

A Special Song For A Special Occasion

The following song was written by my brother, Timothy Benefield, and sung by the Sequoia Baptist Church choir on the occasion of our commissioning service.  This service took place just one day before our departure for Cambodia, and I will never forget the depth of emotion and love displayed by our sending church that night.  I share the words to this song with you in the hopes that they will encourage you as they have encouraged me.

© Sonja_inselmann | Dreamstime Stock Photos

A Farewell Prayer

As you head for distant countries, you may feel all alone

The burdens that are coming, as yet cannot be known.

But you can rest assured, you won't bear them on your own.

For we will meet you daily in the presence of God's throne.

GO IN PRAYER, our earnest prayer.

All your burdens we will share.

At God's throne your name declare.

We will pray, so GO IN PRAYER.

As you daily face the trials, so sure to come your way,

The fears and doubts will gather, through each and every day.

But you are in His hand, just trust Him and obey.

Just find your rest in Jesus, and He'll drive the fears away.

GO IN PEACE, God's perfect peace.

All your cares to Him release.

In His hands all worries cease.

Rest in Him, and GO IN PEACE.

As you face the Devil's strongholds, the conflict will be strong.

The dangers will be many, the battle will be long.

But you are on God's side, the fight to Him belongs.

And in the strength of Jesus you will sing the vict'ry song.

GO IN POWER, God's mighty power.

He'll be with you every hour.

He's your Shield and your strong Tower.

He's your Strength, so GO IN POWER.

Guest Preacher Series (Kuonaro Keo)

This past Thursday in our mid-week Bible study we were privileged to listen to the preaching of Bro. Kuonaro Keo, a fellow missionary here in Cambodia. This was the first of 7 guest speakers who are scheduled to preach between now and Thanksgiving in our mid-week services. Lord willing, I will give a brief overview of each week's sermon and also take advantage of this opportunity to introduce you to some great men of God with whom I am honored to serve the Lord.

The Friendly Barber

A Great Joke To Brighten Your Day

A man went into the barbershop for a haircut.  While the barber was cutting his hair, he asked the customer, "So...what do you do for a living?"  "I'm a teacher," was the man's reply.  Over the next 15 minutes, the two men had a nice conversation centered around the teacher's career in influencing children.  When the barber was finished, the teacher asked, "How much do I owe you?"  The barber firmly shook the man's hand and said, "You don't owe me anything.  I consider it an honor to serve you since you have served the children of our city."  The stunned teacher expressed his gratitude and then left the shop.  The next morning when the barber came to work, sitting on his steps was a nice thank-you note with a box of chocolates.

The next day a marine went into the barbershop.  He didn't look like he needed much of a haircut, but obviously he wanted it shorter still.  While the barber cut his hair, he asked lots of questions about the marine's time in the service and all of the places that he had been.  When the barber finished the haircut, he gave the man a snappy salute and said, "No charge.  It's my honor to cut your hair for your service to our country."  The marine proudly returned the salute with a "Thank you, sir!" and left the barbershop.  The next morning when the barber came to work, sitting on his steps was a brand-new marine corps baseball cap.

The next day a Baptist missionary walked into the barbershop.