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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have never posted a video on my blog before, but I came across this today and just had to share it. The first few moments are a little slow moving and very corny, BUT at about the 5:00 minute mark this becomes a very awesome video. It brought tears to my eyes as I considered how good God has been to my family and I. I hope you enjoy it!

Sorrow With No Hope

Soldiers unload caskets as people in the background identify bodies.

Yesterday was without a doubt the saddest day in our 10 years of living in Cambodia. Monday night at the conclusion of the annual Water Festival there was a deadly stampede on a bridge which killed close to 400 people and injured nearly twice that many. I won't take the time or the space here to retell the story of what happened, because anyone reading this blog has likely already read or seen the story on any number of international news outlets. Thus far I have not seen anything in the news that was at odds with what we are hearing locally. But rather than retell the story, I want to just share some things that are on my heart.

Guest Preacher Series (Brother Proh)

God gave us another wonderful and challenging time in the Word of God tonight. Our guest preacher was very special to me because, unlike all the other guests, he was not yet saved the first time I met him.

When Proh was a teenager, his niece tried to tell him the little bit she knew about salvation and Jesus Christ. She told him that if he did not get saved, he would go to the Lake of Fire. Proh laughed. He said he knew that wasn't true, because lakes are supposed to have water in them...not fire. Three years later, one day he was inside his house in Phnom Penh when he heard someone speaking really bad Khmer to some people outside his front door. That someone was me! January of 2001, Brother John Kenderdine and myself started going out a couple afternoons a week passing out Gospels of John. John had only been in Cambodia for 8 months, and I had been here for 2 months. I could say almost nothing in Khmer, and John's language ability wasn't that great yet either. But we were just both so anxious to get the Gospel out to people that we went out and did the best we could. It was during this time that I came across Proh's house and invited him to church using my extremely limited and "really bad" Khmer! I believe he was the 1st adult that I ever got to come to church!

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.

Seth Josiah Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. Since Seth only knows a few words, I have asked the rest of the family to help prepare his article.

Riding in a tuk tuk to go get his first haircut, November 2010

Seth was our 4th child to be born at the Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Seth is 15 months old, but none of our family in the U.S. has met him personally yet. He will be just a couple months shy of 2 years old when he makes his first trip to the United States. Can't wait for grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins to meet him!

Gabriella Faith Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. Although Gabriella talks non-stop from morning until night, she is not quite ready to be answering many interview question, so I have asked the rest of the family to help put Gabby's article together.

July 2010

Gabby was born in Tulare, California, while we were on our last furlough. She was a beautiful baby, and has only gotten prettier over these last 2 and a half years. About a year ago when she graduated from a crib to a toddler bed, she used to love to get up in the middle of the night and go to mommy and daddy's bed. It was always a big production, sometimes taking two or three trips to get her whole entourage of teddy bears, baby dolls, blankets, and pillows into our room. She never cried or asked for help...just went back and forth bringing stuff in until she had everything she wanted.

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.

Interview With Stephen Joshua Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. I hope you will enjoy these interviews.

November 2009

How old are you?

I'm four.

Where were you born?

Thailand

Do you have any idea why they call it Thailand?

Yes...it's because there are Thai people there, and because there is land there.

So, do you speak Thai yourself?

No, I don't know how to speak Thai.

Well then what language do you speak?

I speak a little bit of Khmer, and that's it.

What about English?  Do you know how to speak English?

Ummm...I don't know about that.

What's it like living in Cambodia?

It's just like living in Thailand.

Interview With Emma Grace Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. I hope you will enjoy these interviews.

July 2010

First of all, is Emma your real name?

No, my real name is Emerald.

Which one do you like to be called?

(giggles) Ummm...I like Emma better. Well...I don't know which one I like better. But I think I like Emma better.

Okay, then Emma it is. How old are you?

I am 8 years old.

Where were you born?

In Thailand...Bangkok, Thailand.

Does that mean you speak Thai?

No. Well, I know how to say one word: sawatekaa (giggles)

Interview With Deborah Joy Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. I hope you will enjoy these interviews.

July 2010

How old are you?

I am 10 years old.

Where were you born?

I was born in America...in California.

So if your family has been here 10 years, you must have been really young when you moved to Cambodia, right?

Yes, I was 6 weeks old.

So...you remember a lot about that trip?

(rolls eyes) I was a BABY, Daddy!

Interview With Candace Hope Benefield

Over the last several weeks I have sat down with each of my children and interviewed them for our Anniversary Month. Angela and I have been blessed with awesome kids, and I want our friends and supporters to have a chance to know them better. I hope you will enjoy these interviews.

Teaching a lesson, October, 2010

Where were you born?

Fresno, California

How old are you?

I'm 11 years old.

What grade are you in this year?

I'm in 7th grade.

Do you have a favorite subject in school?

Yes, I like Science the best.

Why do you like Science the most?

Because it's interesting to know about electricity, molecules, planets, and other things like that.

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.

5 Times To Say "Here Am I"

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

When I was a young teenager, the Lord impressed this verse upon my heart. I knew that there was much work to be done for Christ, and it seemed right and reasonable to volunteer to serve God in whatever way that He saw fit. Over the years I have noticed that the phrase "Here am I" was said by many people in the Word of God and in many different circumstances. Oftentimes the beautiful song "Here am I, Lord, send me" is reserved for the annual missions conference, but in reality, that should be our year-round and life-long prayer. Here are 5 times to say, "Here am I".

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.

Cambodia: Land Of All Five Senses

A Reprint From An Article Written Nearly 10 Years Ago

The country of Cambodia is an extravaganza of sights, sounds, smells, and colors. It is truly a feast for the 5 human senses.  

We see the bright, vivid colors of the fresh fruits at the market. We see the single-file lines of orange-robed Buddhist monks walking from house to house, shielded from the sun by their yellow umbrellas. We see the large family of monkeys playing in the trees near the post office. We see the cyclos, motos, cars, and trucks whizzing by in every direction, rarely stopping and rarely obeying any of the laws of the road.