January 4, 2004

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“There are no hopeless situations. There are only men who have grown helpless about them,”-Clare Booth Luce. Too often men and women have said “it’s no use” or “there are too many obstacles”. Thus they have allowed great opportunities to pass by them.

In Cambodia there are 13.5 million people and all of the signs are telling us that a great harvest for the Lord is possible. But…we are the only full time missionaries there. (We didn’t plan it that way, but the task and the lack of workers have brought us to the realization that the salvation of these people has been placed in our hands.) One local evangelist is also working feverishly with us to tell the story of Jesus as we rescue them from hell and plant new churches.

The task is impossible. There is no feasible way we can evangelize Cambodia with two evangelists, a few short term teachers, a hand full of Bible students, and fewer than 75 Cambodians who have been Christians more then one year. When the Apostles told the Master it was impossible for some to be saved, Jesus said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).

The people of Cambodia can hear and can be saved, but only if we do not grow helpless and overcome by what we see. Two hundred Cambodians have been baptized since March. Seven new congregations have been planted. We are returning on January 6, to continue the harvest and development of these new churches who can evangelize the nation. Three weeks ago there was a record attendance in Phnom Penh. Although the new Christians have had little attention, very few have given up. Please pray for us as we return to teach, strengthen these new Christians, and continue to evangelize because He Cares.

William E. "Bill" McDonough, Director
Partners In Progress
Phnom Penh, Cambodia