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First part of US trip

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On April 26th, we leave Cambodia for our US trip. We started in Savannah, GA where we got to meet our 1st grandbaby.  Kenley Abigail Dolan has the honor of being the child of Randall and Kassie Dolan.  We had a wonderful visit with them, even though it was entirely too short.  And you probably should know that Kenley is the most precious baby there is! We left there on May 5th and flew to Houston, TX to see our oldest son, Jason.  While there, Rich's parents., Richard and Glenda Dolan, came down from Midland to see us.  Again, the time went so quickly, but wonderful to get to see and hug on our family. We are now in Oklahoma.  Rich preached this morning in Broken Arrow.  And it was so wonderful to get to see our sweet brothers and sisters there.  So many of them have had a major impact on our lives and it is always thrilling to get to see them and worship with them.  We also got to quickly see our daughter, Rebekah and her husband ...

Church Camp in Thailand

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 During Khmer New Year, which is also Thai New Year, we were able to go to the Church camp in Thailand.  This is the 41st year of the camp at Chaam.  Christians from all over the country meet together for several days and fellowship, sing, study, play, and enjoy each others company. For me (Ronda) it is always especially great to get to see old friends.  It is frustrating to understand some of what they say, but not be able to reply (since when I open my mouth the Khmer language comes out instead of Thai). Rich was asked to teach 3 classes on Haggai. The theme of the camp was "Keep On Keeping On".  The main thrust was to remind the Christians to remember their purpose here as Christians and to get to work! The first picture is Rich's first class. Glome, the preacher at the Soi 4 church in Bangkok, translated.  I did manage to get to the back and take this picture.  Rich taught the adults.  There were other classes for the kids. In th...

Graduates back!!

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We were blessed to have some of our graduates back for a couple days. Unfortunately, several of them had conflicts, but this group got together on Thursday and Friday to study, sing, pray, and fellowship.  5 of them gave lessons from the book of John.  In addition to that, they talked about their works and experiences - good and bad, and their plans for this year. It is always so fun to have them back and see their sweet faces.  They love getting to get together and laugh and sing.  All of them talked about how much they missed the school once they got out and started their own work.  They were also an encouragement for our current students. Please keep them all in your prayers as they work to spread God's Word in this country.  They have such sweet hearts and I wish you could all get to know each of them.  We have been truly blessed by them. Much love, Ronda PS.  We have our van back.  Rich was able to go to the police station ...

During services this morning...

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 During James' sermon this morning, a little boy, who had come with his grandmother (or great-grandmother) decided that James must need some help so he went up to help. Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough getting out my camera before Bora decided to "assist" the boy from the front.  A little later, he decided that maybe he should try again.  But this time, he came down the middle aisle where we were sitting.  So, Rich just picked him right up and sat on Rich's lap the rest of the service, chewing on that bottle. I took this picture after the worship service was over so you can see clearly how cute he is.  This picture makes him look bigger than he is; he was probably 3 years old. After I took this picture, I showed it to him and he gave me a great big smile...but never let that bottle out of his mouth! I guess the boy beats the dog that jumped up on James Wednesday night during Bible class trying to get his attention! Just thought you might enjo...

Bora and Da's wedding

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 Friday night and Saturday night we went to Bora and Da's wedding. On Friday night, they had what they call a Christian wedding.  It is more styled like our weddings.  Not the same as ours but closer. (Some of it is actually funny) This first picture is of the 2 kids that were part of the wedding party.  I just thought they were cute. Bora has been a member of the church here since before we came.  Da was recently converted. Bora had asked Rich to give a talk about what the Bible says about marriage and husbands and wives.  He, of course, did a great job.  Much of the crowd were not Christians so I hope they listened and maybe a seed was planted. They had positioned the podium in front of the bridal party, so I asked Rich what he was going to do.  Since he was talking to the bride and groom primarily, he turned sideways to them so he could see them and talk to them.  But that meant that I only got a picture of his back as ...

Made for an interesting day

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 This is an Evangelism week.  So, as most of you know, Rich takes the students out to a different village each day to teach there.  Today we went to Rang Dak.  (And, just a side note, the day I decided to go.  Our sweet students said that they would make room for me to go as well.) So, we put 16 people in our van and we head to Rang Dak.  All is well until we get there and turn off left off the highway. As we are almost off the highway, a little boy runs out in front of our car.  His mom screams and runs after him.  Rich slams on the brake. At the same time, a man is driving his motorcycle very fast down the highway.  He obviously expects us to keep moving and be well out of the way before he gets there, however, because of the little boy,Rich stops and  the motorcycle hits the back of the van. This picture shows the glass in the floor of the van where the guy's helmet hit the window.  Ended up, the guy broke his wrist and wa...

Graduation!!!

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 Friday night, we had another graduation.  I know that Rich told you some about our graduates, so I thought I would just add some pictures. This is Sokun.  He graduated a couple years ago and agreed to come back and give the charge to the graduates.  He did a great job!  He talked about the importance of daily Bible study because you can't teach what you don't know.  He talked about communicating with God and having a relationship with Him.  He told them to be brave and courageous and that it wouldn't be easy.  He told them to stand and teach, even when it is difficult. I wish you all could have heard (and understood) him.  It was great to get to see him and spend a little time talking to him. This is Rich with: Veasna, who is a graduate and works at the school as a teacher and translator. Dennis Welch, one of the teachers. My dad, Loren Hollingsworth, who just finished teaching our students I, II, and III John. Try, who is a gr...