February Update 2026

Dear Praying Friend and Family,

Greetings from the bitterly cold winter of New Jersey. Since the beginning of 2026, we have been hit hard with multiple snowstorms, one after another. The latest snowstorm (5th one of the season), took place on Sunday, Feb 22, and was the worst with 20 inches of snow! The Cedar Lane Missionary Homes, where we are staying lost multiple trees and tree branches resulting in a 48-hour power outage! Despite the low temperatures outside (20F degrees) and 50°F inside the house, we survived, keeping ourselves warm with multiple layers of clothes and blankets. We constantly drank warm water while wishing we could trade places for 90°F in Cambodia! Needless to say, we are anxious to return to the field, but we have to wait until the end of May… 

A Snowstorm... 

During these winter ordeals, we had time to reflect on God’s mercy, provision, and protection upon our lives. Despite the bitter cold and a few days of inconveniences from electrical power outages, we were grateful for a home with indoor plumbing, canned food, and extra blankets to keep us warm. On that Sunday afternoon, after finishing a weekend ministry, we drove 50 minutes home as the snowstorm raged. A few minutes after arrival, the blizzard began! We were grateful to be stuck at home. Things could have been worse if we were delayed by 20 minutes… At the same time, during a winter snowstorm on the East Coast, our friends in northwest Cambodia also endured a few days of raging tropical storms that destroyed houses and trees. Our thoughts and prayers immediately went to the 800,000 Cambodian war refugees who are still without a home…

Syna shoveling snow from the car

Family…

Over the past few weeks, we have had stressful moments regarding Syna’s family in Washington State. Syna’s mother (aged 94) and older sister (aged 72 with a power wheelchair due to handicapped below the waist) need daily assistance from a reliable home health caregiver, averaging 10 hours of care daily. Recently, one of the main caregivers quit without advanced notice. The family struggled to find temporary help from friends and neighbors until a permanent caregiver was identified. Many of you prayed for these ordeals, and God sent someone. We are very grateful for your prayers. Although this new worker is 19 years old, she has shown potential so far. Please pray for a reliable worker to assist them.

Our oldest son, Justin, and his family in the Middle East are wrapping up their first term and getting ready to return to Minnesota for their home assignment ministries. Our precious three grandchildren (ages 2-7) spent most of their young lives there, making friends with the local community. Pray for a smooth transition and for the ability to say goodbye to their friends there. Our daughter is expecting a fourth child, another boy, at the end of May. Pray for their health and the ability to finish well. The younger Lao Family will travel to Minnesota in mid-April. 

Our precious grand kids

Maya (5) and Levi (2) enjoying a moment of laughter

Jesse, almost 7, lost his first tooth

We continue to rejoice that God is taking great care of our youngest son, Jonathan. Please continue to pray for directions for his future.

Dates & Events needing prayers…

1. Our present home assignment ministry will remain until May 10. Pray that we remain fully engaged as we visit and speak at churches about the Cambodian ministries. Please continue pray for good health and safe traveling.
2. Pray for receptive hearts as people learn about what God is doing in Cambodia and around the world.
3. We planned trips to visit and say goodbye to family in Washington State (March 31st-April 6th) and in Minnesota (May 24th-29th) before returning to Cambodia on May 31st. Syna’s greatest desire is to hold our fourth grandchild, due on May 26, Lord willing. 
4. As we anticipate returning to Cambodia this summer, we are asking God to take care of our loved ones whom we are leaving behind. Pray for peace in the midst of uncertainty. We will have a lot to do as soon as we set foot in Cambodia. Pray for continued guidance of the Holy Spirit, for wisdom and discernment on how to handle things. Pray for another fruitful three-year term of ministry, Lord willing. Let us know if you are interested in serving on a short-term team with us in northern Cambodia. You are invited!

We are forever grateful for your ongoing prayers and financial support. Your generous and sacrificial giving to the Alliance Great Commission Funds enables us to remain serving in Cambodia, sharing the message of hope in Jesus to lost people. We appreciate you!

With a grateful heart,

Soeuth & Syna

Soeuth and Syna at the Converge Conference in Columbus, Ohio