From Timothée in Cambodia
I have just come back from a two week tour in France. This time with 4 Cambodians! One ‘Bong’ and 3 ‘paouns’. Kim a volunteer at ‘The Bong Paoun project’ and Naren, Srey Neang and Thoeun, all ex street working children with great testimonies about how they were finally rescued (through the Project) after years collecting rubbish...
The day we landed in Paris we had a quick stop at the Eiffel Tower before our first meeting at a youth gathering. Then up at 5.30 am on Sunday for the North of France, just in time for the combined service at Lille Assemblies of God church. Almost 900 turned up. As I looked from the pulpit I could see faces of friends I had not seen for over 15 years.
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At each meeting Kim, Srey Neang, Naren and Thoeun shared their stories and sang with great confidence (You would think they had done this for years!) Each time hearts were moved.
After a ‘Mission’s night’ at my parents’ church in Roubaix (Belgian border) we headed off for Belfort (Swiss border).The service held in a Town Hall Center was full. The children there have been praying and giving for the work in Cambodia and especially for Naren since I last spoke there 3 years ago.
The short interview on ZE MAG TV went well and Naren had much assurance answering the journalist’s questions. The interview will be seen in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
Then off to Strasbourg, Europe's capital(German border).The Combined church service was held at the large AoG church with a Cambodian Fellowship leading the first half with Khmer songs and dance. On Sunday morning I spoke in the same church to a packed congregation with 50 nationalities represented. We had another TV interview in the afternoon and finally a radio interview on the Monday.
We got back to Wattrelos, Northern France in time to celebrate my brother's 40th birthday.
I had great times with my Mum and Dad. They are both doing well and enjoying their ministry in one of the neediest places in France. My brother and his family live only 15 minutes away.
This tour could have not gone better. Many thanks to those of you who prayed.
As I write Srey Neang and Naren are back in school (high school in the morning and a Christian English school in the afternoon) and Thoeun is back working at Jacob’s Well restaurant.
I wish I had time and space to share about:
- Princess Soma Norodom‘s birthday party last month …
- Taking the boat to Tha Kom village to meet new believers ready for water baptism…
- Speaking at the Filipino and Indonesian Fellowships in Phnom Penh…
- The ‘Promoting the Bible’ concert held at one of the biggest shopping malls in Cambodia…
- The new volunteers (‘Big brothers and big sisters’) who have joined The Bong Paoun Project…
- The great week spent ministering to the youth of HOPE International School…
- Speaking at the’ NGO network night’ at the Foreign Correspondence Club in Phnom Penh…
- Meeting up with Mme COCHIN head of the biggest hospitals in Paris on her visit here…
And maybe, the highlight of all, going along with the ‘Bong Paoun’ leadership team (Ratana, Maira, Marjon), and Princess Ermine for a private audience with King Sihamoni of Cambodia.
I shared with the king (a very gentle and generous man) how God called me to Cambodia and how we’ve been reaching out over the years to street children. The king was much moved. He encouraged us in our work and blessed each of us with a small souvenir.
Shortly after we left the Palace (the king was still weaving us good bye till my car turned the corner) we got news that he had personally written a cheque towards The Bong Paoun Project.
Pictures of King Sihamoni with ‘The Bong Paoun’ team can be seen on www.timpaton.info
While in France last week I bought a very nice French Bible. The Bible will be given to King Sihamoni for Christmas.
Not long now before we celebrate the coming of the King of Kings!
Have a Blessed and Joyful Christmas!
Tim