Joyce Johns

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Prayer Letter/Ministry Update

Jots from Joyce
Autumn 2009

Greetings to friends and family,
I was chatting with someone recently about the change in the air. When the wind shifts, it usually means the end of rainy season and the beginning of cooler days. The friend's comment was that it seemed to happen overnight. I am reminded that Jesus said we will all be changed a in the twinkling of an eye.
Several have passed out of this life recently, another reminder that in a moment we can be gone. One little girl had returned from school one afternoon and it seems something either bit her or she ate something that set up a reaction in her system, but by the time the parents realized there was something seriously wrong and brought her to the hospital, it was too late. They didn't live far away, so I drove the parents and little girl's body back to their tiny home. They seemed stoic, but as soon as I stopped and they were getting out, the tears and all came, even the brothers and sister. I stayed with them briefly and went on my way nearly in tears myself thinking of all the struggles of some families especially those without Jesus.
Some of you may remember my request for Pyert a woman in Pulong village who was terminally ill. She has passed on and though with just baby faith, gone to be with Jesus. Her husband is struggling with all of that and seems to comfort himself with drinking. He has head knowledge about Jesus, but it has not yet entered his heart, so he is confused. Pray that he will allow Jesus to come in and comfort and change him and not just him, but others in his family. Pulong village is a place of darkness and spiritual battle, but praise the Lord light is coming. I am thankful for Ra who has faithfully been going to teach literacy and also help me with visitation and evangelism.
Another area of change is in my household. I used to have Leang and Lekana, but when Leang to Bible school, just Lekana was left. Now from Monday-Friday, there are four student girls from the Lao Ka church who stay here until the church can work out something different. Two young fellows stay nearby too. Their village is within the district limits so they are not eligible to stay at the school dorm. If they walk to and from every day and part in the dark, it is about 8 miles. The church leaders and I have worked out a way that the students can contribute some while staying here. Having them stay here relieves their parents of some worry and gives me an opportunity to know them better and have more input into their lives. They are also learning a few other things like Lekana and I putting peanut butter on bananas, so they tried it and now put jam on too.
One of the plans is that the land for the churches could have a house or two so that a couple families and the students can stay there. It is not final yet and will take some time. Since I leave the middle of Dec, Lekana is thinking they can stay with her in the transition. However the house where she will be needs some repairs. Pray that all these things can be sorted out in the next month. The upper story of the house may also be used for worship by the local church as the other facility is a bit small.
In early Oct, I attended a Healthcare Christian Fellowship conference in Malaysia. It was good to see old acquaintances and meet new folks too. As healthcare professionals we were once again challenged to pray for change in the areas where we work, impacting the healthcare system. Change includes us too, to be God's servants and His channels. Amongst the few others attending from Cambodia were 4 young medical students. I was much encouraged and trust that God will use them and others like them to be change agents in the health system of this country.
The prison ministry is still being worked out. We checked to see who needs help with literacy and also for those who could be possible teachers. We are finally getting the windows of the education building done which will make it more secure for teaching classes. While there have been no outward professions of faith, God is preparing hearts for change. Some seem to understand the meaning of some songs and verses we share. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet physical and spiritual needs through this ministry.
Several months ago in Lao Ka village, I taught a Christian Family class to four couples. Two of these families seem to have a heart to change and become a more Christian family. One of the fellows had been working with a group and was allowed Sat and Sun off so he could help watch the kids when his wife was working. When the organization changed managers, they didn't want him having the weekend off, so he and they agreed that he should stop. It is not easy for people to say no to money these days but it is important to say yes to your family. Since he does not have that job, now he wants to give a little more time to helping with projects on the Mondul Kiri church land and also to help Lekana with needs for her house.
God wants to do great things through us if we allow Him to change us to be better servants. The words to one song say "change my heart o God make it ever true, change my heart o God, may I be like you..."

Praise and Prayer:
-Leang is doing well at Bible school, but missing her family and people in Mondul Kiri.
-Didi and MiMi (my teammates) will be here to help Lekana and church leaders while I am gone. Pray for them as they work more closely together.
-Ken and Ali Thompson (fellow Christians) can help the town church and help the land committee some with various projects.
-Praise that there have been some changes in the local hospital, they have really been busy but better with patients.
-The prison ministry needs someone to help Lekana while I am gone. Pray for prisoners, their families and prison guards.
-The people of Pulong village need Jesus .Pray for open hearts, especially for Pyert's husband and the family studying literacy.
-Pray for housing for students who come from nearby villages
-Pray for Lekana that she will catch a vision re: God's plan for her in the days ahead.-
-Pray for me to have time to do some preparation for home assignment during the next month. Hope to catch up with some of you while I am in the US.

Just a reminder, I will be on a 6 month home assignment starting the middle of December. Though I will be away from the field, Lekana will still connect with patients, do visitation, and whatever else. Please continue praying and any contribution to work specials to continue helping people here would be appreciated. Another big note of thanks is for those of you who have been giving to the Great Commission Fund that keeps us here on the field to share the gospel and meet people's needs. Thank you for your love and compassion. May God bless you in return.
When I know what my U.S. address will be, I will let you know. My e-mail address will be the same jjmkiri@yahoo.com

Blessings,
Joyce Johns

Prayer Requests/Answers to Prayer

Praise and Prayer:
-Leang is doing well at Bible school, but missing her family and people in Mondul Kiri.
-Didi and MiMi (my teammates) will be here to help Lekana and church leaders while I am gone. Pray for them as they work more closely together.
-Ken and Ali Thompson (fellow Christians) can help the town church and help the land committee some with various projects.
-Praise that there have been some changes in the local hospital, they have really been busy but better with patients.
-The prison ministry needs someone to help Lekana while I am gone. Pray for prisoners, their families and prison guards.
-The people of Pulong village need Jesus .Pray for open hearts, especially for Pyert's husband and the family studying literacy.
-Pray for housing for students who come from nearby villages
-Pray for Lekana that she will catch a vision re: God's plan for her in the days ahead.-
-Pray for me to have time to do some preparation for home assignment during the next month. Hope to catch up with some of you while I am in the US.

Just a reminder, I will be on a 6 month home assignment starting the middle of December. Though I will be away from the field, Lekana will still connect with patients, do visitation, and whatever else. Please continue praying and any contribution to work specials to continue helping people here would be appreciated. Another big note of thanks is for those of you who have been giving to the Great Commission Fund that keeps us here on the field to share the gospel and meet people's needs. Thank you for your love and compassion. May God bless you in return.

Cambodia

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