Wednesday, July 4
220th General Assembly (2012)
Laos
Several Presbyterian entities from the United States partner with the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC). Over the past several years two Presbyterian groups in particular, Loa Partners and FIRM (Fresno [CA] Interdenominational Refugee Ministries) have seen God's hand at work in opening doors into provinces and villages through the introduction of clean water technology. The fruit of Christian service is more than just functioning water filtration systems. Planning, training, installing, and monitoring these systems provide many opportunities for cross-cultural interaction. Through these partnerships, people from all walks of life are meeting Christians and learning about their faith in Christ and God's love for all peoples.
- Rev. Paul Friesen, PC(USA) regional liaison for Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Cambodia
Bearing fruit that remains is hard work. Pastor Vanara of the First Khmer Presbyterian Church in Phnom Penh struggled with dwindling membership and revenue. The congregation was forced to move out of its church home. Along with several other single men, Pastor Vanara now rents a small place inside a factory compound on the edge of the city. Each week, those staying in his house and some others from the community gather for worship. Outreach includes teaching Khmer literacy, offering a place to stay to those who are homeless, and sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus. After four months, eight new members have been baptized and have joined the church.
- Rev. Paul Friesen, PC(USA) regional liaison for Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Let us join in prayer for:
Partners/Partnerships
Lao Evangelical Church * Church World Service-Laos * Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia * Khmer Presbyterian Fellowship [Cambodia] * Presbyterian Church of Cambodia * Church World Service-Cambodia
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Shellee Layman, GAMC
Dale R. LeCount, FDN
Laura M. Lee, GAMC
Let us pray
Gracious God, we ask that these partnership relationships in Laos would continue to grow in grace. We also ask that the news of God's love would spread throughout the factory district in Phnom Penh. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 65; 147:1-11
First Reading Numbers 22:41-23:12
Second Reading Romans 7:13-25
Gospel Reading Matthew 21:33-46
Evening Psalms 125; 91
