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Global Newsbite November 2022From Cambodia |
CambodiaA few highlights from our journey A big super warm hello from Cambodia! It has been highly meaningful, deeply relational and wildly fruitful 22 days in Cambodia. As I write this, I am overcome with gratefulness with our dear friends and partners that are doing justice and compassion with great love and sacrifice in the land of the healing fields. I will unpack stories from our journey in the weeks to come. A few high-level highlights Joining me in Cambodia were Pastors Ken Shigematsu and Aisling Zweigle, Ana Velasquez, Roger Rodriguez, Elyce Galmut, Lun Wang and our Tenth Liaison Un Makara. The team has been back in Vancouver since November 20th, and I will be home soon. Makara remains in Cambodia serving our partners. God is at work in Cambodia, particularly among the younger generations where we experienced these leaders serving with meekness, authority, and wisdom. Thank you for continuing to stand with Cambodia! Shalom, Patrick, Global Pastor, Tenth Church |
Hased, Confession & Safe CirclesFreedom at Shalom Valley Every morning and evening, the calming buzz of crickets and insects regularly accompanies our retreat time. We’re shaded from the hot sun while we gather in our open air meeting area. This time of year we are gifted with a breeze that makes the humidity just a little bit more manageable. Cambodian soups, fish and rice are a regular part of our delicious meals together. There’s a view of the big tree-filled hills that seem to hem us in all around. All the while we know the seashore is not far from our view as well. Our joyful friend Makara speaks over the microphone to gather us in for our regular sessions. He adds games and jokes to get us smiling before we worship and learn together. Those Tenth group members who are new to Cambodia are getting more comfortable with each of the participants, including participants’ children who play alongside us. Side conversations today were filled with meaningful moments of laughter, prayer, and sharing our lives with these dynamic leaders. Pastor Ais spoke a few times, using the story of Ruth & Naomi to explore God’s loving kindness, [“Hesed”,] at work in our life losses and longings. Ais also circled us all up for creative activities that helped us to play and be attentive to our session themes. Many Cambodian leaders shared in large groups and small groups about some of the deep things they carry in their hearts. Tear filled faces were a part of building trust and relationship. This was such an honor! Pastor Ken continued to lead us in looking at the role that shame plays in making us feel small. Our Tenth team members and Cambodian partners were challenged to live more fully into our true self with the Spirit’s help. Ken shared about times he’s been tempted to live from his false self— overly seeking the approval or acceptance of others. Ken’s evening topic on the necessity of confession poignantly spoke of the necessity to be transparent with am someone you trust. This prompted an impromptu open mic time with an incredible young leader who is also a husband and father. This young leader stood up and explained how his own overcoming of past sin and secrecy was rooted in the power of confession. As he shared with the whole group, he honored his wife as an example of someone who did not judge him but faithfully made space for him when he dared to be authentic. This leader’s testimony will be a trip highlight! Since the morning included a more weighty time of safe circles (confidential) sharing, the afternoon water course challenge was just the right thing for a playful balance. Teams built more trust with laughter, zip lines, and attempts to cross wooden beams. Some team members fell off the challenge course and made a splash! Pastor Ken and Pastor Ais agree that the most prized part of our trip so far definitely includes hearing first hand the incredible resiliency within the life stories of these Cambodian leaders and their families. Their commitment to coming alongside marginalized youth and families, with so many obstacles and barriers of their own, is truly inspiring. Contributed by Aisling Zweigle For more infomation visit:
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JUST BAGS
A JUST BAG is a Christmas bag filled with ethically sourced, carefully curated, and lovingly created handmade/fair trade products created with our refugee/newcomer community. JUST BAGS are available for purchase on December 11th and December 18th at our Mount Pleasant, Evening, East Van and West Side sites. Revenues from this project support the work Tenth does with refugees and Cambodia. What is in a JUST BAG? This simple & elegant bag designed by Kuero and crafted by Villageworks (a Cambodia partner) is filled with:
Just Bags are $80 each or 2 bags for $150, $75 each for purchases of 2 or more. Sales will begin December 4. Thank you again for your partnership this Christmas season. For more infomation visit:
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Cambodia Catch-up and PrayTuesday, November 20, 2022 at 7pm Catch-up and pray with Cambodia! Be part of our next Cambodia update and prayer time on Zoom. For more infomation visit:
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PSDid you know.....? Did you know the only way we can financially support all our global partners in Cambodia and around the world is by you giving to one of our mission funds? The general fund does not participate in giving to global missions or refugee support. For more infomation visit: https://www.tenth.ca/ministries/tenth-local/pages/refugee-support--265
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Get involved with God's global mission at Tenth
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