The sky was a beautiful blue and contrasted sharply with the dark brownish red dirt. That same dirt was blowing with the cool breeze and coated everything that held it; farm animals, homes, and my perspiring skin.
We were in a small village in NE Cambodia and we had happily traveled for two long days in February to arrive in time to attend a New Testament Bible dedication. Colleagues from our team started this translation decades ago. Sadly, illness prevented them from finishing, though the Lord provided another to come and finish. We among others from our team came to celebrate and stand as representatives.
We were not the only ones to come, but it was estimated that 1000 people came, hundreds more than were expected. Some came who had dedicated decades to this effort. Others came from abroad who had supported the project financially and through prayer. Finally, others came from just around the block and stood on the sidelines, watching the festivities, unsure if they should participate. While there is a growing Christian community among this language group, the village where the dedication was held was the spiritually darkest with regular animal sacrifices to appease their gods.
Much celebration was had throughout the morning hours and continued into the hot high noon sunshine. There was celebration in song and dance, celebration with food, and celebration through remembering and honoring the efforts and collaboration over many years.
On that day there were 1000 tongues singing of the glories of our God and King. And like Wesley and Böhler, if I had 1000 tongues I would praise him with them all.
Join with me in praying for the truth to spread in this beautiful yet desolate part of SE Asia. Pray for freedom from lies and fear and instead joy as the Lord provides life, and health, and peace.
Chris’s health update:
Chris had his blood work completed last week and all looks fantastic! He continues to feel well.
I LOVE this! So glad you all were able to celebrate God’s Word with the K people!
This is awesome! I am so glad you are healthy and can live such a purposeful life.
Praise The Lord!
The video was so helpful for imagining the magnitude and significance of celebration for the community. You helped us share in the experience- thank you. It was worth your effort. I’m trying to picture your travel experience getting there and your accommodations as well as the people you met and reconnected with.
How wonderful to see Brothers and Sisters living in praise and joy! May their faith grow greatly now that they have Bibles to read. May this be an encouragement to you, Chris and Becca, as this is what you are working towards as well.
Thanks much! Praising God with you!
Thanks for this beautiful news! It brought tears! Praying for the Good news to spread rapidly and that the roots will go deep, now that they can read the Word for them selves!
Your beautiful family is growing up! So happy for Chris’s good report and that he feels well! Grace and peace to you!
Wow, so encouraging to hear this good news both for Cambodia and for Chris🙏
Thank you, Chris and Rebecca, for sharing this wonderful experience with us, and thank You Lord, for enabling Your servants to complete the translation project! May the Holy Scripture be a blessing to the people of Cambodia and bring many to faith in Jesus. We also read with grateful hearts the report of Chris’ test results. God is good!
Wayne and Brigitte Nelson
Great news! So helpful to visualize the dedication! Blessings, Ken
Thank you for sharing the highlights video! We are praising God with you and our Cambodian brothers and sisters. Also, so thankful for Chris’ health update 🙂
What a beautiful PRAISE celebration!!! Your smiles ALL show the JoY in your hearts and know we will continue uplifting you in prayer as you share the GOOD news!
This is wonderful! Praise God for the completion of the translation and that the Thai people will have the good news in their own language! I love watching the beautiful celebration; thanks!
Praise God that the Krung of Cambodia have the New Testament. What a glorious event worthy of celebration. You were privileged to be there for it. So awesome that you took the kids to witness this. great thing of God.
Many thanks for this “Dusty Tongues” translation celebration update marking the conclusion of the efforts of many people. We share in your thanks to our God for this translation. Great family pic! We miss you guys, but you all look happy, so may God continue to bless all of you as you live and serve there.
Very exciting! Praise God! Thanks for sharing this special event.
Beautiful photos. Looks like an inspirational event!
This is so incredibly beautiful – the pictures, the video, the story, the good news of Chris’ health, the fact that there is now a people group who can read God’s Word in their own language and the colorful celebration. Praises to our God! Thank you for taking time to allow us to share in the celebration and thank God with you.