From the Word: "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his       promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief." 2 Peter 2: 8-10

We have just returned from several days in Battambang. The ride there and back is always a challenge to our Western habits. In the States the use of the horn is relegated to annoyance or a real emergency. Here in Cambodia the driver of a car honks at everything to let pigs, cows, trucks, bike riders and anything else on the road know that he is coming. So the four-hour ride consists of constant blasts on the horn that after a few hours become a bit annoying. This is the driver’s way of keeping us safe and calling attention to the fact that we are   coming!
 
Have you honked your horn lately? Now I don’t mean your car horn. What I mean is your horn as a Christian witness. After all we know that Jesus is coming. There are so many who are complacent or unaware of His desire to have them as His own and to have them spend eternity with Him. As we talk and share we are aware that life without Jesus is so hopeless. Life with Him gives purpose, direction and safety for all eternity. So honk away Christian!! Let everyone around you know that Jesus is coming to hearts and for eternity!

Current Events
 It is so good to be back in Cambodia! We arrived here January 2 and greeted our new co-worker Greg on January 5. We spent time here in Phnom Penh getting his visa and his phone and setting up his bank account. Then it was off to Battambang. We thank God for helping him find a good, secure apartment. Now he is working with Pastor Kosal to try to build up the believers in that place. His youth will be a wonderful call to the youth of the area to learn more about Jesus. 
 
We were so glad to work out at Battambang. On   Sunday Chuck preached on Jesus’ baptism, and I shared that account with the Sunday School children. We made a “story cup” from a plastic cup and spoon, and the children beamed as they colored, pasted and retold the Bible account to each other. Don’t you just wonder what happened when these 50+ cups went home?  We pray that God’s horn will sound to these believers through the Word, and that much sharing will go on in homes and hearts.
 
The next day saw Pastor Kosal and Chuck planning for the leadership workshop in February. It will be at Battambang, and the schedule, setting and workshop outline were part of the discussion. You may be interested in knowing that we will be running the generator there so that we have overhead fans and an overhead projector for that experience. Chuck’s goal is to have the twelve participants actively working and learning things that they will then take home to share with other leaders in their area. Pray for loud honking!!!
 
I have done a lot of workshops during my time in the U.S. It is always so rewarding to share information and learning here. After they finished classes - four o’clock on a very hot Tuesday - the English teachers met with me. After an hour of teaching and working together I said that they must be very tired, and we would quit. Would you believe they begged to continue? What dedication to learning!! I am happy to say that they were also in church with us on Sunday and very interested in comparing my English Bible to the Khmer Bibles used there. Honk if you believe that the Spirit works through the Word!!!
 
The next day saw us off to a meeting with long-term volunteer missionaries in Bangkok. Together we are exploring more ways to “honk the horn” louder and longer. These wonderful people are committed to sharing Jesus through  English language teaching and ongoing relationships. I am so happy to be working with them, and I know that God will find just the way for His mission there to continue and be a vibrant part of bringing others to know Him.
 Now we are back in Phnom Penh. Our LCMS leaders will be coming Monday to work with Chuck on a well project. Please pray that this will be used to “honk about Jesus’ care for all people.” Pray for direction that a well is a uniting, outreach for our Savior.
 
So how is your “honking” going? We’d love to hear how you are sharing the message that Jesus is coming through your words and actions. May God bless you this year as you “Honk for Him!”

Love and peace in Jesus - Chuck and Jeanette

P.S. Let us hear any comments on the new format for this newsletter – good or bad!

Thanks to God for Prayers Answered
Return of Jeanette’s health - Let’s all say thanks to Jesus!!!!
Safe travel back to Cambodia, to Battambang and Bangkok and return.
Good new neighbors (An American doctor and his wife)
Greg’s safe arrival in Cambodia

Continue to Pray for:
Good health
Travel Safety
Blessings on the preparation and delivery of the leadership  workshop
Blessings on planning wells
Assistance on our language learning

Contact Us - We’d love to hear from you!
Mail Rev. Charles A. & Dr. Jeanette L. Groth, P.O. Box 2530, Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia
Email charles.groth@lcms.org  or  jeanette.groth@lcms.org
Skype Cambodiagroth
Phone  012-1745200

Garth Family   to Friends

updated January, 2007