Newsletter 4

Group Journal
United Methodist Church VIM Trip
To Cambodia
July 16-30, 2001

CAMBODIA 2001

Participants

Ron Tompkins, Group Leader
Chandra Chap, Erica Chase-Salerno, Kenneth Follette, Mikee Koch, Merle Fancett, Mike Keane, Laura Jakaitis, Donna Jolly, Dave Parker. (See participant contact information at end.)

Day 1, July 16
Distance from New York to San Jose: ~3,000 miles
Distance from San Jose to Tokyo: ~5,148 miles, 10 hours, 14 minutes

For many of us on this departure day, Monday was a continuation of Sunday, with a brief nap in the wee morning hours before meeting in Terminal 9 at, yes, 5:30 a.m.!
10 of us on this trip, all ready for our first visit to Cambodia (except Ron - a repeat traveler there.)
We enjoyed a comfortable, uneventful flight from JFK to San Jose, around 6 hours long. The San Jose to Tokyo stretch lasts 10 hrs. and 14 min.
At the American terminal before our initial departure, a few of us sent e-mails for free at the little station Mike discovered. Ron led us in a prayerful dedication and consecration of our trip and read a brief passage of Mark. IT set a nice tone for the trip, and Chandra was lifted up as a full member of the group, even though we will not meet up until Cambodia. The meals on the plane were alright: sushi appetizer, salad, choice of beef tenderloin with Teriyaki Sauce and steamed rice or mustard-crusted chicken with Cream sauce, green beans and fettuccine, and a coconut cake for dessert. Later on, we got a choice for snack of M&M's or Toblerone, then a light supper of pineapple and strawberry, and a choice of Uno's Four Cheese pizza, or Japanese Udon Noodles with beef sukiyaki and Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies for dessert. Since each seat has its own mini-monitor, everyone's had the chance to watch a variety of programs throughout the flight. One tough moment ---- as we approached the international dateline, about 15 hours of travel at that point, Ron estimated that we were about halfway to Bangkok. Talk about grin and bear it! Can't wait to get there!

Day 2, July 17

We are landing in Tokyo! How exciting. What a trip so far. We all got a little bit of sleep but not enough! Bangkok is waiting...
Time passed and now we are on the UA flight to Bangkok. I am impressed by the menus given out by the airlines. (time passed...)
This is so great, getting to know each other, seeing new sites, going places I have never been. The whole trip still seems unreal. Waking up tomorrow in a new place will help. Being open to the unfolding of God's will will make all the difference in the world. Thanks for letting me be a part of this journey. We are halfway to Bangkok. We have to fill out the entrance and exit forms for Thailand. That's different. All is well. The sun finally set on our way to Thailand! What a day.
Arrived in Bangkok without any difficulty. Ron got us all together, found the mini-bus to the hotel. Everything went smoothly and we are in our rooms for some sleep. A real bed with a full bathroom. What luxury. My ankles are a little swollen and many look very tired. One more leg completed on our adventure to Cambodia. Now for some sleep.

Day 3-4, July 18-19

Heartened by the biblical word of wonderful things that may happen on "the third day," we greeted the dawn of our trip's third day in happy anticipation of wonderful things awaiting us this day...and during the rest of our rich Asian experience!
At our Bangkok hotel some slept well, some poorly, some little if at all - and for everyone too briefly before our 5 a.m. wakeup, with a fine breakfast in the hotel. A slightly-delayed 8:30 a.m. departure from the Bangkok airport brought us to Phnom Penh (the "h" is silent, we later learned, with the first "p" pronounced somewhat "explosively") in about an hour, with a second splendid breakfast (including an omelet and hot croissants!) served en route.
Cambodia's capital from the air showed itself to be no Bangkok, where many tall office buildings can be seen. From the air one could not but notice that the rivers adjacent to the city were all the color of light milk chocolate!
At the airport, no JFK, but more modern than one might expect, we saw large pictures - seen elsewhere throughout the city - of King Sihanouk and a high North Korean official ("Mr. Kim Young Nam") who is being lionized during his state visit this week. We met Mike Collins, a former Southern Baptist minister who happily turned into a Methodist, who is administering all of the multi-faceted Methodist work in this country. He had most kindly arranged for our transportation to the Golden Gate Hotel, situated on an unpaved street filled with holes of all sorts.
After a Bible study centered around Mark's account of John the Baptists (the New Testament's "Elijah") ably led by Ron, who pointed to the presence of "wild beasts" with Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness.
This was followed by a lunch of Cambodian cuisine, after which we walked to a supermarket nearby, not unlike many in the U.S., but the only one of its kind in all Phnom Penh, according to Mike Collins! Transportation back to the hotel was by bicycle taxi. What a way to go!
The days' major event was a visit to Tuol Sleng, once a school but now a museum commemorating the infamous genocidal history of Pol Pot, 1975-79. It was an experience to sear the soul and to "turn all vanity to prayer."
In tribute to the one without whom the Cambodian Volunteers-in-Mission would with little doubt never have taken place, let us close this overly-long entry with a little hymn of large tribute, to be sung to the tune "Lancashire" ("Lead On, O King Eternal"):

A tried and true succeeder,
The joy of Jackson Heights,
Is our most splendid leader,
In whom each one delights.
We hail you, Ron! It's clear now
What great work you have done ---
Cambodia, we're here now:
Our visit has begun!!

Day 5, July 20

My birthday. I announced my birthday the morning of the 19th. My watch said it was the 20th so I get to announce my birthday 2 days in a row.
We finally got to visit a couple of churches in Battambang. Beautiful innocent faces! Rainbows from parachutes! We did Noah's Ark. Pigs say "Ooh, ooh" in Cambodia. How about that?
One is overwhelmed by the sincere, pure love of Christ in the Cambodians. How free they are to sing, smile, dance.
Dave Parker slipped and hurt his knee. Everyone is pulling around, trying to be of help. His knee's pretty swollen. We were able to get a cane. He's getting about better now.
We visited 3 churches on the 20th. The first one was the sister church of the Fishkill Church. They've had a change of pastors without our knowing.
The third congregation we visited was in a building we didn't know about. It appears work still is needed on the organization, but the love of Christ and the joy of the fellowship is obvious.
We plan to visit 6 churches tomorrow. This was unexpected. In Cambodia you learn to "go with the flows." If you're not rigid, you can have a great time.
Everyone's getting more involved in the visits. It's a nice group we have, and we're pretty relaxed about things, although we were pretty relaxed form the beginning.
I decided to skip supper tonight and relax, knowing tomorrow's visit of 6 churches should be challenging. Still, I readily welcome this challenge, knowing I'm a small part of something very special in Cambodia. Praise God!

Day 6, July 21

What a great group we have to travel, "work" and worship together. Quite a diverse group which is fine as everyone seems to have their thing. This helps to get things done efficiently. We had breakfast at 7:00 which gave us a little extra sleep time. I slept better last night than the night before. Some said theirs was the other way around. The sounds of lizards in the hallway was kind of spooky. After breakfast we had a good bible discussion (8:00-9:00) covering Mark 1:35-2:17. After that we had a very busy day visiting five churches - two in the morning and three in p.m. Lunch was in an outlying village and quite good. It rained a little during the night and apparently more on some of the "roads" we traveled. The muddy ruts were bad and it seemed we were just about stuck many times. Some of the churches are really back in the "boonies." Our excellent driver did a fantastic job of getting us thru it all. Because of distance and time restraints we couldn't spend a lot of time at each church. Mostly we just did our Noah's Ark presentation, sang a song or two to each other and had a prayer by Mike Collins followed by the local pastor.
It's amazing that so many of these churches have such primitive places to worship. Sometimes just a lean-to built onto another building. One place just had a small covered pavilion type building open on all sides. It makes me feel embarrassed when I think of the relative grandeur of the church building we have at home. Most of these people live so far back in there is no hope they will ever get out to make something of their lives. Now they can have spiritual hope thru the love and redemption of God. John Wesley had his "warm feeling" walking down the street one day when he accepted the grace of God but I have a warm feeling every time I look into the faces of these children and adults and observe God's love shining from their eyes. Arrived back at the hotel in Sisophon at 5:45. We were all pretty tired and decided to leave it up to each individual whether they would go to supper at 7:00. Of course, no meal is mandatory. I decided to shower and stay in the room eating some beef jerky I brought from home and drink water. Some meal, huh?
We are all one in Christ!

Day 7, July 22

Sunday in Kampuchea!
The day started with bustle to get to church at 7:30 p.m. Tek Thla had a special early service just to accommodate our need to leave early for Siem Reap. Rousing songs were led by two teams of male and female teens. The worship sons had a strong sense of rhythm with lots of handclapping. After the service, young men approached who have started services at Smach and Roung in Lao. They would like to join the UMC.
After the service we were delightfully surprised by the long trip to Siem Reap. The road was much improved from any previous trip. At Siem Reap, we took our VBS show to the church. About 100 children waited for us. After the program a fierce rainstorm was enjoyed from the veranda of the church.
At night we had a time of sharing together before supper.

Day 8, July 23

Never knew that I would get sick. Today, my body is aching - feel like someone had abused me physically. I feel heavy and aching all over my body from toes to head.
Unable to visit Angkor Wat, landmine museum. But I went to the market - got 3 outfits. Many handicapped's begged for money. Gave to 3 people - one has a baby in her arms. Oh, Lord have mercy on us.
Donna and Erica helped me to get into the bathtub. My body was burning - temperature was maybe 103. I felt better staying in the bathtub for a bout 30 minutes.
I cried out to the Lord Jesus to heal me. His voice stated "trust in Me. Have faith in Me. Be strong and courageous." Ps27 I believe you . Lord, you are my healer. Being here with the Great Team - the Team is strong and talented. Every member is flexible to the needs of the people.
I have never thought that I would be a translator and teacher for this team and pastors and people. Standing in front of the people.

Day 9, July 24

C handra, happily putting up with our food complaints
   EricA , and her boundless enthusiasm
M erle, and his experiences with all things edible
B rigitte, back home, praying for us
   DO nna, reminding David to be careful
D avid, leading us in song with his keyboard
   MI kee, handing out masks
   LA ura, showing how to take everything in stride
KenneT h, buying a $10.00 item for 5 cents
R on, reminding us of our spiritual mission
   MI ke, sharing his concerns for the simple needs of his churches
P retty impressive group of people!

Day 10, July 25

7:30, started the Bible study session. As we end up mearily (?) defining terms, I find almost everyone lost in his or her own definitions. Of course, every time I look up from this I see Mikee staring at me as if I'm a stranger. We discuss the "meaning of the parables" in Mark:4, 1-39. Sometimes I wonder if we dig too deep into the meaning of the Bible. Everyone in our group seems to have gotten sick except me; I don't know what to think of this, am I just lucky? For one to presume that they will learn the "secret" of the Kingdom of heaven is extremely unrealistic and wrong. ????????????????????????(Kenny's own made-up writing language) - Note by Erica - I just used a non-alphabet font to represent this.
Dondevas tus manos? En tus manos es nueva amo. To look into a mirror at one's self is to look at one's past, present, and future all at once. To complain is to not be able to accept one's circumstances. What are these if not simple parables?
10:01 Well, the ride to the Center was quite interesting, the driver took us almost all the way to the Singapore Center before we realized we were going the wrong way. We finally turned around and made it to the Methodist Center. Ha ha.
Now that we have visited the Methodist School I guess what surprises me the most is that these 21 students actually live in the school. It just surprised me that it's only a school and the students live there. Another surprise was they have only one classroom.
This time we stopped at a mall to eat lunch. We ate at a place that's almost like McDonald's. It's called the "Lucky Burger."

Day 11, July 26

This morning we gathered for bible study. We discussed on how many people in the bible were healed by their faith. I think the message was if you believe it in your heart then anything is possible. After bible study we took a quick drive over to the bank because most of us were running low on cash so we cashed in travelers cheques. Because we had free time Mike and Erica got massages and others went to the market. I think that a lot of the group enjoys this time. I do because I like to shop. Suon is very helpful and kind. I hope and pray that he can be united with his wife at last and spend the rest of his life happily in the States.
After the free time we had lunch at The California. We then visited the Killing Fields. I didn't enjoy it as much as others because I can't imagine people being so cruel and heartless. Especially the heads. It was disgusting how they saw how they died by bullet, hoe, bamboo or cutting their heads off because they ate.
After that we drove back to the hotel. We had an hour and 30 minutes to spend. The rest of the day was interesting! We had a fun time trying to find the place and finally we did. We sat down and were about to eat. By the way the food was really good. But then about 4 people came out on stage, 2 of which are crossdressed which made the situation a little more peculiar, not to mention all we know is that there is a bunch of people acting like idiots talking back and forth. Other than that the experience was fun. We all then came back to the hotel. Good Night! : )

Day 12, July 27

I tried to take notes so I wouldn't forget anything but I will. We rose early today and met downstairs at 6:00 .m. to begin our trip to Svey Reing. The trip required our going over the Mekong River on to a short ferry ride. We found our way to our first church at Phum Phnov. It was great to get the parachutes and masks out again. I missed that time with the kids, sharing and laughing with them. They are so great. Dave Parker does an outstanding job as narrator. He puts his all into the telling of Noah's Story. Merle was born to be Noah. I think he fits the bill in all ways. This team is fun to be with and I am learning a lot from all of them. We waited until after lunch to share Noah with this church but there was a small group of kids there in the morning so we were able to teach them "Praise Ye The Lord" in Khmer. I was such fun. Then off we went to check into the hotel. We had bible study, Mark 6:7-56. Contrasting the two meals; the one given by Herod when John the Baptists is beheaded and the feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus, is an interesting discussion. We tried to include our Cambodian Christian brothers and sister as much as possible. It was a great hour of sharing. How fun and challenging this place is (Cambodia.) It is full of contrasts and inconsistencies. It is great. I love it.
Following Bible Study we were off to lunch. Lots of good food. We have eaten our way through this country.
Then off to the church for a wonderful time at Phum Phnor. We handed out the masks. The children were really ready for us. They made lots of great sounds as they pretended to be an animal. The Noah story went well and then came the singing. We were so blessed by all the singing. One of the other churches in the area brought some of their youth over for the afternoon. They sang for us, too. We sang to them. We taught them "Teeno Tenda" and we re-introduced "Praise Ye The Lord." The youth really seemed to enjoy the parachute games that followed the parting prayers. The smiles were broad. We left this church about 4:00 p.m. and headed to a second one. This is a newer church. It has been meeting regularly for about 8 months and has a membership/attendance of 40-60 adults each Sunday. The spirit was so present there as well. What a wonderful gift I receive every time I go to one of these places where the trust is so palpable. God is smiling on Cambodia through each one of these faces. This church was gracious enough to let us perform the Noah play. The children enjoyed the masks, the pretending, the parachute games and the cookies. One young man climbed a tree to get some special fruit for Ron. We all tried it. It was very tart and it was dipped in coarse ground salt. Too much for most of us. We sang songs and prayed. The church is in need of a building before the rainy season really gets going. They have the land. We prayed that their needs will be met. There is so much need, for the harvest is so great. Thank you God.
We returned to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We ate at a different restaurant. The food was good there, too. I spend most of the evening talking with Paul who is a very fascinating man. He became a Christian in 1987 and the things he has done and the places he has been because of his conversion and dedication is so inspiring. He is a true Wow. I hope he writes his message down for others to read.
Now we are back at the hotel for the night. Ron said this is our last frontier adventure for this trip. The wild life is abundant. I seem to be preparing myself mentally for going home. What a culture shock that is going to be!

Day 12, July 28

7:25 a.m.
"We are missing two people. Whom do we miss??" asked Ron. Laura and I went to find two energetic and brave American boys in Svay Rieng Hotel. They were still packing. Mikee threw his dirty and sticky clothes in his one bag because this hotel did not do the laundry. Ken was writing letters to someone, who knows.
At 7:30 a.m. we went to breakfast at the same restaurant that we had dinner last night. Our team ordered noodle soup, porridge and coffee and bread. I helped Erica to order her white porridge and two "croissants" but they did not have it. Disappointed, I think. She could live without it. Michael likes porridge with chicken and pork. He said, "I can eat this porridge every day." Others seemed to be okay with their orders.
We went to our first church in Russey Prey Methodist in Svay Reing. This church is isolated from the surrounding houses. There were probably 2 or 3 houses next to the church. It is a small group.
Adults were waiting for us to come. Children were also waiting for us. The church building is kind of small size. They have a bed in the church and chairs which were already set up for us. They greeted us with big smiles and wonder. I think they were wondering about American people. Maybe some of them have not seen American people.
Paul came with the team. He translated. I did the introduction of the team and then explained the agenda for this morning. I felt released when Paul translated the story - my Khmer was not good. Often, I beat myself up with words feeling that I am so stupid. I have asked God for wisdom. I continue to ask Him for more wisdom: many things I do not know. Anyway, Paul translated for Pastor David who told Noah's Story and the Ark. He was awesome and a great storyteller. He is full of wisdom and experience.
Children did a great job with the sound of the animals. They even made sounds when they were in the ark. Compared to other churches, other children needed to have many teachers and directors. It appeared this church was more spiritually connected to the drama.
I gave the Gospel point because I felt there were (workers) people watching across the mini-stream. I believe that they heard that God loves them very much. The Gospel's point is the invitation to unbelievers to believe. GOSPEL - G-God loves them. God is the creator of all things; O-Only Begotten Son (Jesus) who died on the cross for our sins; S-Sins - Romans 3:23; P-Precious blood of Jesus shed for our sins; E-Everlasting life if you believe in Jesus; L-Live to grow in Christ while you are still living in this earth. I encouraged them to believe in Jesus- then I threw a question to all listeners; "If you die today, do you know where you are going to go?"
We went to another church, this is in partnership with Merle and Ken's church in New York. It is a big church and has a nice well. There were a lot of children. Difficult to instruct them to understand and to make sounds of the animals. We did it. It was great.
Mikee and Laura played games with the children outside. It was dusty. Lemita helped with the game. She said that her mouth was full of dust.
Ron introduced Merle and Ken to the church and explained about it. Merle gave the pastor the laminated letter - which his church members signed and has a picture of the church on it. Nice.
Then, we finished for today. We drove back to PP. We did not have lunch - we had food before we got on the ferry. It was raining when we got to Phnom Penh. We had bible study. We stayed in the Goldiana Hotel. Ron said that we got a good deal. Souen had bargained for it!
Some people shared about the trip. Appreciated and thanked God for his protection. Mikee, Ken, Laura and I swam - nice pool.
Thank you everyone in the team. You are God's strong army and ambassadors in Cambodia for the last 2 weeks. Each one of you was a great joy to me and to the Khmer people. Your love, kindness, caring and support have helped Khmer people greatly. I thank you so much for your true love. I'm sorry that I was not able to help or do much for your. I wish I was able to translate to you in more detail.
I pray for this special team to remember their time in Cambodia and that God will use them to serve Him in whatever they are doing. I love you all. I am glad that I cam with you. This is a real and true servitude of our God in the cross culture - Khmer culture.

Day 13, July 29

We explored the new breakfast buffet at the Goldiana. The van was prompt and overcrowded as missionaries joined us for the ride to church. The church is upper class, great attendance, and completely different from what I expected. There was a lot of music. I gave the sermon and kept the English speakers awake by making the main point only in Khmer! Afterwards, Mike Collins took us to a lovely place on Monivong Blvd. For Cambodian pancakes and a tapioca bean dessert. The boys went back to the hotel by moto and w all used them at one point or another as we did last minute shopping. The late afternoon was one last Bible Study and I was deeply touched by a poem, expressions of appreciation, and a gold money clip with my initials and cross.
It has been a real privilege to travel and learn with this group. I feel that a special bond of the Spirit has been formed and I pray that God uses us together in mission.
We also discussed helping 20 high school students and a picture-trading party. The evening was free time and many people went to a classical dance.

Day 14-15, July 30-31

I have to say that waking up at 4 a.m. is early. The plane boarded at 6:40 so we had to leave the hotel at 5:10.
The hotel we stayed at yesterday in Bangkok was so nice. It had a pool, gym, golf, tennis courts...As soon as we checked in Kenny, Mikee and I went swimming. The water was hot. We weren't swimming very long. We walked around the hotel for a while.
Ron, Merle and I walked over to the Hard Rock Café to buy stuff from the store. We were all on our own for dinner. Mikee, Kenny and I ate dinner at like 9:30. The food was good.
Before we checked into the hotel we went on a tour of Bangkok. We visited 3 temples out of like the 300+ that are located in the city. The first one we visited had a big golden Buddha in it. Nipa, our tour guide told us that this particular Buddha had 5 tons of gold! We went to the temple of the reclining Buddha next. This Buddha was huge. It took up practically the entire length of the building.
Nipa told us a few words in Thai. The word for good morning/day/night is "Suwaty."
This entire trip has been so moving and definitely a learning experience. As much as I am looking forward to being home a part of me wants to stay in Cambodia. Hopefully I will be able to come back. I would love to see the progress that the churches make. I loved playing with the children. They were so excited that I couldn't help but be excited with them.
The most "surprising" (can't seem to find the right word) part for me was when we visited the Killing Fields. I went thinking that I was prepared for what I was going to see. I have read books, I have seen movies, I have looked at pictures but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. It is so horrific! The way that the people died was so upsetting, yet I still think that it was a smart thing to visit the fields because it gives people proof that there was a genocide here. It's something that you can't just turn away and forget.
Well, everyone on the trip has been so wonderful. I hope to keep in touch with all of them.
Today is going to be a long day full of plane ride after plane ride.
It's been a great trip! : )

This trip has been such a gift to me! Each person ahs added by thought, word and deed to an incredible experience. Ron has given us his gift of leadership in many ways both as we navigated our way to, from and around Cambodia and as we made our way through the beginning of Mark. Dave has graced us with his many gifts of storytelling and poetry. His many experiences and vast knowledge truly earn him the moniker of sage extraordinaire (and he is free to correct my spelling at any time, but not without question). Michael has shown me ways to deal with situations that are foreign and has shared his gifts of understanding and patience with all of us. Erica has given freely her gifts of enthusiasm, independence and joy. I am blessed by her friendship. Merle has been a wonderful leader and a great Noah. His love of God is greater than anything, even soup, and it shows in all he does. Chandra brought her gifts of language and cultural understanding to our group. Our mission would have been much different without her willingness to step up to the microphone and share our words. She also shared our hearts. Kenny gave us his gifts of wonder and awe as he shared truths with us. It is difficult to be so far away from home and from things that are routine. He helped to bring a sense of home to me. Mikee brought his sense of adventure. As quiet and introspective as Kenny was, Mikee was exuberant and energetic. He captured the children's attention and communicated well without words. Laura is my friend. Someone who was able and willing to step in wherever she was needed, either lead or assist.
It has been an experience. That God has been with us in all we did is apparent by what we were able to do. I pray His love and compassion was felt by all the people we met. It has been an honor to be with this group. Thank you!

FINAL ENTRY

First things, appropriately, first, fulfilling a promise, made to many, to record here the sonnet offered at the presentation of the gifts for the Cambodian Methodist children (to be distributed by the Coordinators) and the poem accompanying the monogrammed gold money clip given to Ron.
Dedication of Gifts, by Rev. David Parker
In this fantastic land, this special place
Where God's at work in truly wondrous ways,
We gladly give your church these gifts of grace,
Just as we give our common God full praise.

But we would also praise you Methodists
Here in Cambodia, where love is seen
Well-knowing that our life in God consists
Of faith at work, with loving care so keen.

These gifts are for your children as you know,
In whom the hope of this blest nation lies.
For play, faith's partner, surely helps to show
That God, who gives us joy must such play prize!

"Love lives, then, in these children's gifts," we say,
That but reflects the love you well display!

Presentation of Gift To Ron From Group, by Rev. David Parker
An "outward and visible sign" is a phrase
Explaining a sacrament, now used in praise
Of someone to whom we owe so very much
Of whose constant caring we've all felt the touch.

We mean you, Ron Tompkins, as, ten-strong we say:
There's no way that we can our full thanks convey.
A leader par excellence you've been for us,
With gifts that are nothing if not glorious!

Prodigious the planning poured into this trip,
So we've breezed along at a breath-taking clip.
We've said "Acun Trang" in the churches that we
Have visited here; now, most symbolically,

We say it to you, with this token to tell
Our undying thanks, for you've "done all things well."
(Like someone from Nazareth); we hail you for
Your love of Cambodia...and skills galore:

As Bible instructor, your talents so strong
Made Jesus (through Mark's Gospel) come right along!
Superb as song leader...as preacher you shine;
Your patience and humor and joy well combine!

Your deep, deep commitment's of such priceless worth
As though sent by God for this cause to the Earth!
We spoke of that "outward and visible sign" -
That's just what this is: for your leadership fine

A tangible present would but symbolize
Intangible thanks that within each heart lies!
We spoke of our "breath-taking" trip's "clip" before:
Well, clips come in many forms one can't ignore,

Nor would love ignore what can't wholly be told:
To us, Ron, you're well worth your weight in pure gold!

...Final Entry cont'd...

So many blessings "bright and beautiful," ... so many memories, that, please God, will not fade, of these days in a remarkable land and among a remarkable people! Recalling an observation by von Lesing, the German dramatist, that "a single thankful thought to heaven is the most welcome prayer." My "single thankful thought" is surely one of deepest appreciation to all the members of our vigorous Volunteers-in-Mission group, with special mention of Donna, who gave professional advice, along with considerable comfort and care when I suffered a severe sprain (if not worse!) to my knee. My more than patient roommate, Mike, procured the can without which I could hardly have continued the trip, and assisted in carrying my bags, as did Merle, and Erica among others. How truly grateful I am for all the patience showed by the group because of my little mishap, and for every bit of help that constantly flowed my way! So will I sing, with special reference - in all 3 languages, "Thank you, Jesus! Amen." Finally, then, let me add 3 stanzas to the hymn started on Day 3 (to the same tune, of course). "Can we add a stanza indicating that we visited 15 churches in 15 days, a record number?" asked Ron. So that is what we'll do (see next page):

Sung to the tune "Lancashire" ("Lead On, O King Eternal")

Cambodia Trip 2001 Hymn, Words by Rev. David Parker

1)A tried and true succeeder,
The joy of Jackson Heights,
Is our most splendid leader,
In whom each one delights.
We hail you, Ron! It's clear now
What great work you have done ---
Cambodia, we're here now:
Our visit has begun!!

2)Ten Volunteers in Mission,
We've seen a special place,
And bring back recognition
Of God's most awesome grace.
New wonders kept revealing
God's work there, prompting praise:
God's love we kept on feeling
Throughout those sixteen days!

3)We're Mikee, Mike, and Chandra,
Whose brightness did not dim
(Most clearly no Cassandra!),
And Ron (we sang to him!)
Plus David, Donna, Laura,
Merle, Erica, and Ken,
(Oh, what a metaphor a bright parachute!)
...That's ten!

4)Just think: some 15 churches
In 15 days!! 'Twould be
A record, if one searches
This trip's full history!
Their names - Chung Ha's a sample
Tek Thla, Trabek, Thmar Kol.
The evidence is ample,
Christ's love is in their soul.

5)Cambodia! A nation
That's suffered oh, so much:
May hope lead to elation
Beneath Christ's' healing touch!
How blest we were to be there,
Where Methodism thrives,
As more and more we see there
Love working in their lives!
AMEN
Order of Journal Entries
1Erica Chase-Salerno
2Donna Jolly
3David Parker
4David Parker
5Mike Keane
6Merle Fancett
7Ron Tompkins
8Chandra Chap
9Mike Keane
10Kenny Follette
11Mikee Koch
12Donna Jolly
13Chandra Chap
14Ron Tompkins
15David Parker
16 Laura Jakaitis
Final EntryDavid Parker

VIM Group Gift 2001 - Support Scholarship Program 1 Year @ $2,400.00

Methodist Church Mission Statement (Mike Collins, et al.):
In partnership with our Cambodian sisters and brothers, we are to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in words and deeds. Through learning, education and training, we collaborate in exploring, building trust and developing an empowered Cambodian Methodist Church.
Project Proposal:Proposal for Scholarships for Youth
Proposal:To provide scholarships to potential youth in churches in Cambodia.
This proposal is to provide potential youth leaders and future church leaders the choice of staying in school. Many students are forced to stop school due to costs involved in education and also, due to the family need of additional income. This leaves the Church without future trained leadership and also the youth with less potential income abilities for the future. We propose a Scholarship of $10 a student a month for 20 students a year, or $2,400.00. Families would need to agree to allow the student to continue his/her studies.
Cost Estimate:$2,400.00

Contact Information: Rev. Mike Collins, Coordinator -- mike@gbgmcambodia.org

VIM Participant Contact Information

Rev. Dr. Ron Tompkins, 718-446-0690
81-10 35th Ave., Jackson Heights UMC, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
rtompkins@onechurchnyc.com
________________________________________________

Chandra Chap, 408-287-6459
1663 Martin Ave., San Jose, CA 95128
chandrach@yahoo.com (weekdays or to send any e-mail attachments);
ladylion5@juno.com (weekends)

Erica Chase-Salerno,
echasal@yahoo.com

Merle Fancett, 315-331-7199
300 Georgianna St., Newark, NY 14513
mfancett@rochester.rr.com

Kenny Follette
PO Box 131, Oaks Corners, NY 14518

Laura Jakaitis
185 Heiden-Thompsonville Rd., Monticello, NY 12701
Donna Jolly, 845-794-8463
PO Box 4, Rock Hill, NY 12775
jollyfam@in4web.com

Mike Keane, 845-838-2548
PO Box 723, Glenham, NY 12527
bkeane@worldnet.att.net

Mikee Koch
363 Fairlawn Dr., Torrington, CT 06790
mikee86@yahoo.com

Rev. Dave Parker, 631-324-7009
30 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, NY 11937

Group Journal, VIM Trip to Cambodia 2001 Page 14 of 14

Cambodia Alert!
News to Stay in Mission Together