Mission Ministry

Our Visit To Ywam In Cambodia

One January 1st, 2023, Eric and Nancy Gustafson lead a group of seven people to Cambodia to see the updates in ministries at the YWAM base in Battambang. Thanks to the hospitality and commitment to the people of Cambodia, Garth and Caroline Gustafson, led us in participating in the missions of the YWAM campus. We received a VIP tour of all the operations of the base and opportunities to serve the community. The women (Jean Schiewe, Nancy Gustafson, Debbi Baldwin and Cathy Simons) went with staff to visit families in the slums. We listened to their life stories, prayed with them and loved on them. The following day these same women from the slums came to the base to receive rice for their needy families. Our Grace women were blessed by the experience of being with these woman for two days in a row. We attended their Bible study, met in small groups to pray, and showed our silliness in joining in a game with the struggling women. We were humbled of hearing of the struggles of everyday life for the people in the slums.

The group visited an Orphanage called, “Home of Love Orphanage.” Several groups on previous mission trips from First Pres, now GOC, have visited this orphanage. In the past mission trips, they have provided Vacation Bible School to the children in that community. This year the mission team had their hearts turn to compassion for a seven year old girl named Rachel. She was born with skeletal defects that do not let her walk efficiently. Our team is committed to provide finances to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan for the services she needs. It has been more than amazing to see God providing a way to help Rachael. With the communication between the orphanage director, Garth and Eric Gustafson, and a physical therapist from Canada, we are seeing progress is helping this little angel.

The men (Eric Gustafson, Mark Baldwin, and Jerry Simons) went with staff to assist in putting in pit toilets. These families had no bathroom facilities other than the surround fields. The cost to YWAM for supplies of these toilets is a mere $200. A small price to pay to allow a big change in the hygiene practices in that area.

The team looks forward to sharing more of what is going on at the YWAM base and other areas of need in Cambodia at some time in the future.

– Cathy Simons Member of Friends of YWAM Battambang 2023