Church Dedication in Kampong Chnang (November 4)

Dear Friends and Family

Traveling here in Cambodia is always a very interesting and memorable experience. For example, when we traveled to a church dedication recently, we had several memorable moments that we want to share with you.

• an encounter with a chicken who, unlike his famous predecessor in the joke, unfortunately was not able to not cross the road…in front of our car.


• the experience of leaving at 3:30 in the morning, and still almost being late because we got lost in the countryside several times


• the great fun of "off-roading" for many hours in our 1992 Toyota Camry (as can be seen in the picture above)


• the nervous excitement that can only come from crossing bridges that make even the stoutest Khmer person's heart grow weak, causing them to make the decision to get out and walk as I drove the car across the weak and wobbly bridge.
  
  
  
  Though all of these encounters were very trying, when we arrived at Pastor Sideth's church, the long hours in the car were well worth the effort. For those of you who remember, Pastor Sideth was the pastor who was in the nearly fatal moto accident last year. As you can see now, he is fully recovered, cutting the commemorative ribbon, and celebrating the opening of his new church in the Kampong Ch'nang province of Cambodia.
  
  
  Here you are seeing Pastor Sideth's daughter and another dancer performing the Harvest Dance to commemorate the opening of the church. We have come to appreciate the grace and control of the apsara dancers as they move throughout the dance and its intricate hand gestures and body contortions.
  
  
  

Finally, we have to comment about the food. All Khmer celebrations such as weddings, graduations, and Christmas parties have elaborate foods. This church dedication had two dishes, and served some of the sweetest coconut milk we have tasted thus far.

It was a great opportunity to attend and participate in this memorable celebration. Pastor Sideth is reaching into the community where he already serves as a doctor, ministering to the people's physical needs while also sharing the healing message of Jesus Christ. Continue to pray for him and his family as they continue to minister.

God bless you all, and thank you again for you interest.
In Christ,
Tim and Tiffany Gallant