A Very Cambodian Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Olin’s!

This year Christmas means more than it ever has, and we hope that in this season our Savior reminds you of the greatest gift that has ever been given, the gift of Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday, I (Roberta) spent time helping a friend with her ministry that she started here, and in the midst of starting this ministry she adopted two wonderful little boys. The ministry is called Jeevit’s House, “Jeevit” in Khmer means “life”. This house is focused on supporting Children-At-Risk because their families in the village have been severely affected by HIV/AIDS. Many of these children come to Jeevit’s House simply for a meal, weekly, and the home currently sponsors up to 41 children with the intention to grow to be able to sponsor even more kids!

The kids at Jeevit's House hearing the
gospel.

I, Roberta, helped at Jeevit’s House, with their annual Christmas party, and the party ended up being for about 200 kids. Games, Food, Presents(for all!) , and the Gospel message, this was Christmas for the kids. All with the intention to show the children that despite how much they had, that Christmas was about the best gift that has been given to them, the gift of Jesus Christ. As I watched some of the children, my heart couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of grief to think of the poverty, obstacles, and loss that these children will face if they have not already. But the other side of me was overjoyed knowing that the hope of Christ is a hope that is for all, and that little by little everyday these children in Cambodia were coming to know the true meaning of Christmas.

I, John, have been spending a lot of my time studying very hard in the SBS. This is not the only thing that we are currently involved in at the moment. I am also working with some of the staff to help with the IT here for the SBS department. I have also begun to play soccer with a group of staff at the local soccer fields! It is so great to get to play such a great sport with incredible people and get to be in the community with soccer.

Being far away this year during the holiday time has shown us many things, including an appreciation for family and also for the ability to eat a good meal, have health, and also what a blessing it is to not only know Christ, but to serve him. Our time here in Cambodia has reminded us to never ever grow comfortable and take our blessings for granted, because there are so many others who have close to nothing. A statistic is easy to understand in a church pew, but the face of a child whose family is living on less than $2 dollars a day changes it all. We are blessed everyday, and this especially this Christmas.

Thank you to all who support us prayerfully and financially. We would not be here without you and know that your investment in us honors the Lord.

3 John 1:8

“Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”

 All of you, friends and family that give and pray, you are our "fellow workers for the truth" and we are so thankful beyond words this holiday season for all of your support.

To learn more about Jeevit’s House, and all the work our friend, Laura, is doing… http://jeevitshouse.org/