Camp Chaam Church Camp in Thailand

The Khmer (Cambodian) and Thai New Year is at the same time, April 14-16.  The church in Thailand has used this time for years for their nation wide church camp.  We have been privileged to attend several times.

This was the first camp since covid and what a family homecoming it was!!!  It was so fun to be a part and to watch brothers and sisters from all over the country see each other for the first time in 3-4 years. 

Rich taught 2 lessons.  One the first night and the other the last morning.  Bhee, one of the ministers at the Somprasong 4 congregation in Bangkok translated for him.

They had 730-750 people in attendance.  The camp went from the morning of April 11th to the evening of the 14th.  

The singing was incredible!  I tried to record some but it doesn't touch the volume and the beauty of the singing.  Just a taste of what the singing in heaven will be like.
It is such a blessing to be close enough that we are able to "hop" over and take part in this camp, since we are on holiday at the school.  It is fun for me to get to see my Thai friends that I have had for years, as well as the new friends we have made over the years.









Also during the New Year is Songkran.  It is basically a huge water party.  

After we got back to Bangkok, Rich and I decided to walk around.  There were people with super soakers everywhere.  Tons of people out in the streets.

This is in front of Big C, a department store.  There were tons of people there. You couldn't even walk through.  They had a station to refill your super soakers as well.
Along with all the water, the people were all cheering and chanting, and of course, spraying water.  Since they haven't been able to celebrate since covid, they were certainly enjoying it this year!
This in across from Big C in front of Central World, a huge mall.  It is hard to see, but there are thousands of people out there.  

What fun!!  I was sorry that we didn't have any super soakers as well.  




Rich also preached Sunday morning at the Somprasong 4 congregation.  Glome was his translator.  

Great uplifting time in Thailand!

We came back to Phnom Penh on the 18th in order for Rich to get ready for the next classes.

CBI started back on Monday.  Rich is teaching our older students the book of Jeremiah.  Khemrin is teaching the newer students on Christian Evidences.  

Khemrin and his daughter, Nahkin, as well as 4 of our students all have birthday in April, so today we had birthday cake after lunch and celebrated.






Just a couple things on the side.

I saw this sign when Rich and I were walking.  Sometimes their use of English is so funny.
I'm not sure I want to go into this establishment!
Rich and I tried a new place to eat.  He got deep fried battered prawns with taro strips.  They were delicious!!

April is the hottest month in Cambodia and IT IS HOT!!!  I walked this morning while it was still dark (started at 5am) and the heat index was 97 F.  Now, at 4:15pm, the heat index is 110 F.  

I have been in Texas when the temperatures were higher, but it wasn't hotter.  Being close to the equator makes the sun very direct at this time of year.  As we only have A/C in our bedroom and Rich's office, our fans in the rest of the house are getting a good workout!

We hope you all are doing well.  Please keep the work here, our students, and the Christians in your prayers.  We are so blessed to be your feet and voice in this place.  We truly hope you know how important you are to the work here.  We couldn't be here without you.

Much love,
Ronda




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