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  • Bill Rice 11:54 am on March 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: cambodia, mission team, , return, travel,   

    Twin Oaks Rapha House Team Returning Home! 

    If all is going as planned Heather and the Twin Oaks Mission Team are stepping on a plane (right now) to start the long journey home. I can’t wait to see Heather and hear all the amazing things (sad and joyful) she has to tell.

    Things have been quite from the mission team for several days, but as Randy Wheeler always told us–on mission trips, in third-world countries, and with spotty communications, “No news is good news.”

    Here are a few links to places they were supposed to visit in the last two days. It should give you a feeling for what they have been seeing and experiencing over the last day or so:

    I really appreciate everyone reading and supporting Heather. This blog is just getting started though. We will be adding pictures, video, and Heather’s reflections on the trip (God Willing). So, stay tuned.

    Until then pray for the Team’s safe travel and return to their friends and family!

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    • Bill Rice 12:01 pm on March 3, 2010 Permalink

      Update from Randy:

      Thank you so much for all your prayers for our journey. We had the most amazing time and though we are anxious to get home we each are leaving part of our hearts in Cambodia. When you see the photos of the precious girls of Rapha House you will understand why.

      We are sitting at the Phnom Penh airport facing up to a 2 hour delay for our flight to Seoul. But we had a 5 hour layover is Seoul so we should be fine. We’ll arrive in Chicago at 9am Thursday and then drive home. So please pray that John and I will be alert and that the roads will be good. And that none of us turn into popsicles going from 100 degrees in Phnom Penh today to the 30s at home :) God bless,

      Randy

    • Bridget 9:52 pm on March 3, 2010 Permalink

      “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.”…Gen 28:15

    • Jennifer 11:15 pm on March 7, 2010 Permalink

      Happy your home, I want to hear all about it. Call when you get settled, love you.

  • Bill Rice 2:23 pm on February 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: cambodia, , , , songs, worship   

    Last Day at Rapha House and Exotic Food 

    Get the latest update from the Mission Team blog as Fred describes Church services with the Rapha House girls:

    “We began the day attending church at 8 AM. Randy introduced the team, we then sang (with much enthusiasm – so said our incredible tour guide and translator, Theara), and Randy gave the sermon. The sermon was based on the story of the Prodigal Son. Randy “”knocked it out of the park”, as he is always does when Grace is the topic. He would speak and then Sourm (the Cambodian Rapha House Director) would interpret. The Rapha House girls were very attentive and polite during the service and sermon and we were all quite impressed.”

    and sharing a meal full of America TV tunes:

    “The group of girls that John, Harvey, and myself sat with were a blast. They asked us to sing to them and we took full advantage of it, singing our favorite TV show tunes such as the Flintstones, Gilligan’s Island, and more!”

    Finally, check this post out for a few items of exotic Cambodian cuisine, not tasted!

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    • Bridget 10:55 am on March 1, 2010 Permalink

      “I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me . . they’re cramming for their final exam.”

      • George Carlin

    • Bill Rice 11:02 am on March 1, 2010 Permalink

      Priceless! And like a good teacher, Jesus reminds us how “cramming for the final exam” may not get the job done: Mark 13:32-37

  • Bill Rice 2:36 pm on February 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: cambodia, , ,   

    Rapha House Team Update by Randy 

    Picture 763

    Here is a short update Randy sent via email:

    “Due to internet problems this may be a short update but let me just say I wish you were here (is it 90 degrees and sunny where you are? :)

    I wish you could have been here yesterday to see your Twin Oaks team in action. You would have been so proud (see the few photos I’ve been able to upload to Flickr).

    We spent the early morning at the babies and moms ministry that Theara’s family has at their home. About 20 moms and babies receiving basic instructions on hygiene and nutrition and childcare along with Bible lessons and prayer. We also passed out medicine and vitamins that you helped provide. After that we traveled by boat to the Women’s Island where Theara’s family (assisted indirectly by your offerings through the ARM mission that we support) established a church that now runs anywhere between 100-300 (something lost in the translation) adults and children. The population of the island is only 300-400. Not only have they led most of the island to Christ, they also provide food (and in a couple of cases housing) for many of the families. That afternoon we were back to Theara’s for KIDS CLUB which is a ministry to the children of the neighborhood. Anywhere from 100-400 children flock to their backyard for games and Bible lessons and just a safe play to be loved. It is amazing what one family can do to impact a community for Christ. We ended the night with the best meal of the trip cooked by Theara’s mom over small pots filled with wood.

    Every single one of our team was right in there today connecting to the children and passing along the love of Jesus. I wish I could write more but I’m late for breakfast and we’re skipping lunch for the long drive to Rapha House. More later as internet access allows.”

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    • Bridget 12:49 pm on February 27, 2010 Permalink

      Bill has some competition for family photographer!! Great shots, Heather! just hand off the camera once in a while so we can see you too :)

    • Shannon Hamet 1:28 pm on February 27, 2010 Permalink

      Ditto what Bill said! Pass the camera off to someone… :) We continue to pray for you, Heather!

  • Bill Rice 10:45 am on February 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: cambodia, poverty, , team,   

    Team Update: They are all precious! 

    Just in case you’re not checking in on the Rapha House Team blog too, I want to point you to some highlights from Jessica’s great update:

    “Yesterday we spent our day at Kid’s Club, which is a ministry run by Theara for children in her backyard. During their time there, they are able to play, share, and learn about God’s word. During our time there, we played with the children, read a Bible story, and helped them make their very own faith bracelets. The children got a huge kick out of our cameras, and they loved having their pictures taken. They were so precious–their smiles could light up an entire room, and once they came up to you to hold your hand and ask for your affection you knew that God was at work in their hearts and minds–that He was keeping them safe and happy in His loving embrace. It was wonderful to share that moment with them.”

    Jessica goes on to describe the abject poverty they are witnessing, but least you feel it’s hopeless I thought Greg’s devotional story puts what these wonderful are doing in Cambodia into perspective:

    “A man is walking on a beach when he notices a bunch of starfish washed ashore. The sun is out, and it’s a very hot day. The man knows the starfish don’t have a chance of surviving in the heat, yet he wishes that he could save them all. He continues his walk and sees a young boy throwing starfish into the sea one by one. The man asks the boy, ‘Why are you even trying? You will not make a difference, for you cannot save them all. They will die in the sun anyways…’ The young boy looks at the man, throws another starfish into the sea and says, ‘I just made all the difference for that one.’”

    Read the rest of Jessica’s post.

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  • Bill Rice 6:51 am on February 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrival, cambodia, , killing fields   

    They're in Cambodia 

    They have arrived. Looks like they spent the day adjusting to the time, visiting the Killing Fields, and eating their first local food. Read more on the team blog.

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  • Bill Rice 11:32 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: cambodia, , comments, , prayers,   

    Prayer and Words of Encouragement 

    Well, the team is checked-in and about to head to Cambodia. This blog is going to be Heather’s only communication back to all of you wonderful people who are praying and supporting her. She may or may not get the opportunity update it during the trip (there will definitely be updates, pictures, and videos after the trip).

    However, I know she would love to see all of your prayers, comments, and words of encouragement when she does check-in. Please hit the “Reply” link and leave a quick comment.

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    • bridget 11:36 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      bill, can you list the names of the members so i can pray for them by name?

    • bridget 11:36 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      first names only

    • bridgetpatton 11:37 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Love you Honey.We always keep you in our prayers..Mom&Dad

    • Bill Rice 11:40 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Twin Oaks Cambodian team: Carolyn, Sara, Jack, Jessica, Harvey, Tara, Greg, Candi, John, Heather, Fred, Chris, and Randy.

    • Sunny 11:48 am on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Good luck! Hoping all will be well and safe with you.

    • Holly 12:03 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Heather…missing you already, praying for you as well as your entire group. May God keep you all sheltered by His love and guidance. You are truly a phenomenal person, friend, mother and wife. How blessed I have been since God brought you into my life when we moved here. There won’t be a moment you are not thought of while you are gone. With much love, Holly

    • Doug Van De Motter 12:10 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Knowing that you will be removing children from a desperate and dangerous situation should help encourage and uplift you. Your mission may be only two weeks, but the impact on the children will last a lifetime. Godspeed.

    • Greg 12:10 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Good luck with everything, Heather! 82 degrees in Cambodia… I’m a bit jealous now I think ;) Your favorite liberal is very proud of you and your work! I’ll inform my mom of your mission and have her neo-catechumenal community keep you in their prayers!

    • Keith 12:19 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      You are in our thoughts and prayers, Heather. What a wonderful work God has put on your heart!

      Keith and Lisa

      Mark 11:24

    • John Minni 2:09 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      God Bless! God Speed!

    • Paul Knag 2:51 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Thank you for helping heal the damage done as a result of the exploitation of children.

    • Shannon Hamet 2:59 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      We are keeping all of you in our prayers, Heather. May God bless you with health and safety on this trip.

    • Chuck & Linda 4:48 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      JUST REMEBER THE 23 PALMS

    • Nancy Hool 6:25 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Hi Heather!!! Just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for ALL of you and will be for the whole mission! God Bless you and please tell Randy and Chris “Hello”.
      Much love in Christ, Nancy Hool

    • Phyllis 10:37 pm on February 22, 2010 Permalink

      Heather I know you will do wonderful things over there. God definitely knew what he was doing when he sent someone as special as you to do his work. You and your group are in my prayers for a fruitful and safe trip. Love you

    • Tanya 7:20 pm on February 23, 2010 Permalink

      Heather, I hope everything is going great. I know God will keep you in his loving embrace. we will continue to pray for you and your group. until your return, God Bless. Tanya

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