Steve and Mary Westergren

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Prayer Letter/Ministry Update

October 29, 2009

Happy Coronation Day (at least in Cambodia)!

Our family is enjoying a slower paced day today, as the city gears up for a week long holiday, which starts today and gains momentum this weekend as the annual Water Festival begins. During most Cambodian holidays, the capital city of Phnom Penh (where we live) empties out as the masses head for the provinces to relax in their home villages. Not so with the Water Festival...last year 2 million extra people came to the city to watch the river boat races, along with the 2 million people that already live here. Needless to say, we avoid the river front!

We have great things to report to you. You are the faithful ones who keep us on the field by your prayers, your giving, and your general encouragement to keep on doing what God has called us to do. THANK YOU!!

Praise God for continued production of new books! Two new titles have recently hit local book stores. One is for children, called Shala: the girl nobody wanted. It is the true story of a little blind girl in India who found her first experience with love at an orphanage--the love of God, and the loving care of those who lived at the orphanage. The other book is a translated classic, called God Willing, which looks at the providence of God, and how God reveals Himself through His Word and His Works. Please ask God to use both of these books in life changing ways in Cambodia.

Praise God for unexpected financial support and other forms of assistance. Without going into much detail, we just want to acknowledge God's amazing provision through some recent gifts to Fount of Wisdom, and another strong possibility of professional support. Please pray for wisdom and careful stewardship.

Praise God for a new believer in the Kingdom of God! Last Sunday, a young woman in Mary's weekly bible study asked the group to pray with her to become a follower of Christ. There is another woman in the class who admits she is not yet a follower of Christ, but is interested in learning more before she makes a commitment. The group is now a strong 9-10 women coming weekly with hungry hearts to study the book of Hebrews together. And praise God, Pastor Seng's wife is there every week! Lida is the name of the woman not yet a believer, and Thavy is the young woman who just made a profession of faith.

Praise God for the opportunity to write one last study before home assignment. Mary is co-authoring another bible study with the same World Team missionary she worked with on the Hebrews study. The new study will look at James' letter. Pray for God's anointing on this project, for both Mary and her friend Marti.

Praise God for the ways He keeps moving Fount of Wisdom forward. May all the glory go to Him! Director in training, Timothy, had a wonderful month long internship in Manila, despite the terrible typhoon that he experienced along with others in the Philippines. Please pray for Timothy's continual and steady growth, as he takes on full directorship in June 2010.

Praise God for His hand of protection on our family. Steve came through his surgery well last month and is even back running again. Last Sunday Kreg was bitten by a street cat, which resulted in the need for a series of 4 rabies shots. Interestingly, he had just studied rabies in science class on Friday. We thought he deserved a little extra credit for actually experiencing the cat attack two days later!! We always appreciate prayer for our well being and safety, especially in traffic.

Christmas season is a time of year when we hope for high book sales. This week Steve and his staff had a special sale at the Assemblies of God Bible School. In a couple weeks they will sell at a large not-for-profit Christmas sale. And there are other events coming up as well. Please pray for not only great sales, but that sales would result in the Word of God going forth.

We need to see God provide some key staff positions before our home assignment. Money is not the issue. The issue is finding people who are uniquely capable of handling these responsibilities. Another editor or two...a couple translation checkers...and at least one salesperson are at the top of Steve's "needs list". We can't say enough about how wonderful Steve's staff is at both Fount of Wisdom and Alliance Literature. Please ask God to do again what He's already done...provide great staff!

In the last 3 years, God has been growing Mary in a local ministry called "Peace Bridges". Three years ago she took their initial 120 hour training. Then she was asked to join the board of directors. This year she is furthering her education through another monthly training, and is pleased to be assisting with a real-life mediation process right now. It is proving to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of ministry she's ever been involved in. Please ask God to continue to lead her in His paths.

May God bless you with all that keeps you close to Him.

Steve and Mary Westergren

Prayer Requests/Answers to Prayer

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Cambodia

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