“And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 1Kings 19:7

We all need to rest and recharge from time to time, but depending on our life patterns, we may need to rest and recharge in different ways.  For those who work around people schools or offices or offices etc., spending time alone may be refreshing, but for me, my “office” is an IKEA chair in the corner of my living room, and I spend a lot of time alone (at home, in the gym, in the car, or in rickshaw taxis) preparing and researching for teaching, speaking, and now writing my third book. 

Sometimes I feel like I’m pouring out mentally, spiritually, and physically but I also need to be refilled as well. Fellowship, communication, and connection (in person or online) with beloved friends and family in Cambodia, the US, and Japan help to refresh me in ways that spending even more time alone, even resting physically, can’t.  I also find that to be able to pour into my family I need fellowship beyond my family and so on.  

Since my last update, I took a few days off from work, ministry, and physical therapy etc. to recharge. I also reduced some good but non-essential ministry related commitments and expectations.  I also set Tuesdays as my fixed day off because weekends are often to filled with various ministry outpourings to be refreshing.  Since then, I’ve also made fellowship, communication, and connection with others a high priority. 

Recently, I have been blessed to spend time fellowshipping and recharging with brothers from around the globe (Africa, Asia, and Pacific Islands).  One brother, Joe, a missionary from Fiji, founded and leads Hope Ministry here in Cambodia, which evangelizes, teaches, and supports in various ways, Cambodian children and their families in impoverished communities across the nation.  God has put it on Kayo and my hearts to be senders/partners for Cambodia based/founded/funded/and led ministries like Hope and others (Precious Women Organization, Bethel Mission Organization, Light Association/Light Times Magazine).  

We partner with these ministries in the same ways our senders and partners in the US and Japan support us. They also partner with others, so the blessings keep flowing.  Please pray for Joe, his family, and his team for wisdom, favor, and financial provision especially now, as they are finalizing their registration with the Cambodian government. Because of the economic status of Fiji, Hope Ministry etc. must trust God to provide most of the funds here in Cambodia (international Christian community and tentmaking).  Another challenge for Joe etc. is that he finds it easier to raise funds for things like school supplies for poor children than behind the scenes necessities like legal documents and his family’s daily needs etc. So much more to share but this update is getting long! 

Please also pray for Kayo’s strength especially now that we are in the hot season with highs in the mid 90s now and expected to be as high as 105F with high humidity (possible blackouts…).  Kayo had several days of sickness but has recovered now.  She continues to mentor and teach the Bible to women from various nations at the international church and at Precious Women Organization. She also continues working studying online for continuing education and many other activities. 

Benjamin came back from a school trip with high fever and heat exhaustion (near heatstroke).  He has recovered fully. He has some major international tests over the next two months.  Please pray for him and for wisdom and doors to open for his future (he will graduate and return to the US in 2 years!)

Sorry I don’t have any recent family photos.  All three of us are camera shy and we don’t have anyone around to take pictures of us (against our will) 😉

In Christ’s Hands,

Darryl, Kayo, and Benjamin.