Dear Supporting Friend and Family,
Happy New Year! We trust that all is well with you and your family.
We sent out an urgent prayer request email earlier this month to some of you concerning situations below, but in case you are not aware, here is the latest update from our family…
As appropriately described by a dear friend, “You started 2022 with a bang!” We had big plans for Monday January 3, 2022. After months of waiting, Jonathan finally had an appointment on that day for a written test for a New Jersey driver license’s permit at a local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). However, on that appointed day, South Jersey received its first snow storm of the winter season with about 6-14 inches of snow throughout the region.
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| First snow storm in New Jersey of the winter season |
With much snow on the ground, everything closed including the DMV. The next few days, we kept showing up early at the local DMV hoping to get in. Finally, on January 6, after three hours of waiting, Jonathan was allowed inside, but he did not pass the written test. We have a few appointments lined up in February and March at different DMVs. Please pray that Jonathan will get a driver's license soon…
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| Jonathan patiently standing on a long line at the local DMV |
While we were frustrated with the New Jersey DMV’s situations, at Fridley, MN, Justin and Katie and their two children were all excited and ready for the big day—their long awaited overseas trip was to depart at 9pm from Minneapolis on January 3. But their Covid-19 rapid test (a requirement for all International travelers) came back positive for both Justin and Katie! After a week of waiting, they repeated the test, but one of them was still positive! After another round of tests, on Monday afternoon of January 17, all results came back negative! After a long period of waiting, things were moving along again at full speed! They got new flights, left the next day, and 19 hours later, they arrived at their designated country. Their trip went well. All the suitcases arrived. Justin and family are now settled down in their new furnished apartment (thanks to the hard works of their supporting teammates to set up their new home).
They will have a few extra days of rest before language school begins on January 24…
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| The younger Lao family |
Our spring tour officially began on January 7, but because of severe weather conditions, one church had to cancel their weekend events, but was able to reschedule to later date. Then, we were concerned about our recently trip to the southern California, with all the surges related to Covid-19 and Omicron and the many flight cancellations. But feeling at peace about it, we went anyways. Due to the pandemic, the attendance was low in one of the four service events. But only God knew who He wanted His message to be delivered to.
Here are some additional praises and prayer requests…
- Dec. 13-21: We were grateful for a brief but meaningful visit with Justin and Katie in Fridley, MN. It warmed our hearts deeply to see our one-year old granddaughter, Maya, taking her first few steps and to then hear our almost three-year old grandson, Jesse, learning a few Khmer words. He said them with such precision and clarity! On a Sunday evening service before we left, at a small church gathering attended by close friends and relatives, we were blessed to be part of a special commission service, a send-off prayer service for Justin and Katie participated by both sets of parents and grandparents. And the evening service was concluded with a baby dedication for Maya! We treasure these precious moments in our heart knowing that it would be a while before we see them all again. It is the right thing to let them go and follow where the Father is leading, but this does not minimize the pains of separation which can be deep and raw…
- Recently, we reached out to a few trusted families who would be willing to let Jonathan live with them for a while shortly after we return to Cambodia. God answered prayers with a few responses. Please pray for clear directions, especially for Jonathan, as he will soon decide where he will be living for the next few years. This decision relies heavily on an HVAC job availability and a good community church family. There are a lot to be done in the next few months in order to help Jonathan settle in the States so we can return to Cambodia with peace and sound mind.
- Continue praying for safe traveling on long road trips and for good health as we travel every weekend to a new church for speaking at mission conferences. Pray that God would raise awareness in the church families to support Alliance Mission in Cambodia and around the world.
- In addition to our monthly living expenses, we have two other Approved Special Projects that we are required to raise funds for during the next 4-5 months as we visit churches to share about the needs. Some of you have donated to the needs. Thank you! The projects are “Anlong Veng Ministry Center Project” and “Soeuth & Syna Lao’s Vehicle Project." To support one or both of the project, please send in your tax-deductible donation to the Christian and Missionary Alliance (The C&MA), 8595 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. You can also give online. Scroll down and click “find a project” and type in “Anlong Veng Ministry Center” or “Syna & Soeuth Lao’s Vehicle”.
Thank you so much for your faithful partnership with the northern Cambodian ministry through your prayers and financial support to Alliance Mission. Because you give, we are able to remain serving in Cambodia sharing the message of true Hope found only in Jesus to the lost people in Cambodia and around the world. Lost people matter to God. He wants them found. Please share with us what God is doing in your life. We want to be a blessing to your through prayers as well.
Blessings,
Soeuth & Syna
