God @ Work

Christian Funeral in Cambodia

One village in Cambodia had its first Christian funeral in September 2009. The man was being treated for end-stage alcoholic liver disease. It was clear that the end of his life was near. So what made the event remarkable wasn’t how he died or what was done, but what was said at his funeral. One by one his son and other villagers, none of whom are Christians, shared how radically this man’s life had changed after he accepted Christ. “He drank, gambled, beat his wife, and cursed people … but God changed him!” God redeemed his life in his final years and left a beautiful legacy of God’s grace and transforming power for the village. In fact, the surrounding villages around are full of similar stories—joyful former witchdoctors, forgiven murderers, peaceful homes, enthusiastic youth, hopeful people despite their crushing poverty. And it’s those lives—those undeniable, supernatural changes—that have caused God’s kingdom there to flourish. We continually rejoice with them! ~ Workers in Cambodia

Baptized at 76!

On September 20, 600 gathered in the auditorium of a local high school to celebrate the church’s 166th anniversary. The anniversary service is always a joyous occasion, but this year it was especially so because Ben Lee was baptized that Sunday. Ben made an emotional day even more dramatic by nearly falling backward when he stood up after kneeling on the cushions. (Did you hear our whole congregation gasp in horror as he stumbled?) Thankfully Ben is quite nimble for a man of 76 years and God’s tender mercies prevailed.

Ben began coming to church last year after his beloved wife Kooi Eng lost her long, hard battle with cancer. Ever since her death he has been very faithful to Sunday worship, eagerly attended the Discovery Class, joined the Senior Members’ weekly Bible study, finished the membership class, and was examined by the elders just in time to be baptized last month, along with three other Singaporeans and two from China! ~ Ridge and Connie Or, Singapore