Last Day of the Year ....2006

Many will know I just got back from Cambodia. It Has been a wonderful trip in so many ways. Ways which I will share with everyone in the coming year 2007.

Right now,I am sorting my photos from this trip and having a good cry.

Seeing the happiness on the faces of the children when they received the gift of toys and clothes we packed for the freight, really makes me feel how Great God Is.

It's a miracle in itself that the goods even got there!

It's a perfect way to spend the last day of the year, recalling God's mercy and goodness in our lives. Thank you all again, in all the ways you have helped to bring these children a little happiness. You are indeed the Lord's angels!

The Unsung Heros

We wish to Thank DHL for their constant support for our cause. This year they have again sponsored 200kg for us to send necessities to Cambodia.

This has enabled us to send up much needed text books for the education of the poor. We thank Marshall Cavendish for giving us a good discount and sponsors for raising $1747.55 for the brand new text books.

Last but not least, I would like to Thank my Parents, the True Unsung Heros for doing all the back breaking work of packing hundreds of cartons in the last 2 years...They have been wonderful and may God bless them bountifully so that they can continue to serve him all of their lives!

Handbag Business

We are heading out to Cambodia tomorrow. One of our Objectives is to help set up a viable handbag business for the Don Bosco school in Battambang. Battambang is known for girls being led astray into the world's oldest profession. We aim to provide these girls with an alternate source of income a new set of skills so that they can provide for themselves and their families.

We have seen some of the handbags done by the students, they are a little too traditional and lacks the 'fashion' element. Hence, we have bought sequins and designs with us this time. We are hopeful that we can create some bags that can be sold here in Singapore and perhaps the UK and USA.

Special Thanks also to Merlene Wong from Sing Mui Heng for helping us select the sequins and also kindly sponsored 14 packets of sequins from her own cost.

Peng Sinath Is Sponsored!

Thank-You to our anonymous sponsor!

Long Pheakday is Sponsored!

Thank-you to our anonymous Sponsor!

Thank You from Long Pheakdey..

Christmas Message From Phum Chreh

Clean water for kids of Phum Chreh

Dear Frens, Thank you for everybody's help in getting this water filter into Cambodia. From point of conception, to designing,buying, packing, sponsorship of freight to setting up and prayers.

Here is a letter from Sr Ophriini on 14th October:

Dear Mill, Lyn and Friends,
Greetings from all of us: Sisters, Teachers and all the children at Don Bosco Chreh School.

We are very happy to inform you the joy you have given to these kids through your generosity and sacrifices. This school year 2006 – 2007 we have 414 children of which 169 are girls.

These kids are very eager to learn and become good children. We were able to provide all of them, uniforms, school bag, all school materials free of charge and also the daily lunch which they look forward to satisfy their hunger.

Observing their smiling and limpid eyes, our hearts swell up with gratitude to God for your contribution of love, so as to give these unfortunate kids a better future and also to realize their small yet heartfelt Dreams.

We can’t do it alone, but together we achieve much. We feel the deep joy that God’s providential LOVE and care continues through good persons like you.

The parents of the kids too bless God for this unique gift that they children could learn moral values and grow in wisdom and grace. Your special love of us makes us grow.

We wish to thank you in a special way for the water filter. We hope you could come and witness for yourself how it helps us and the children to be able to cook and drink clean purified water.

May God almighty compensate your love in the way He knows best.

The student scholars, Sok Phirom, Muong Srei Touch, So Rachana, Paing Suen, Long Pheakdey, Peng Sinath, Em Rotana, Maly Thavy, Proh Sophir and Sroh Socheat have began well their new scholastic year. They send their love and greetings too.

Love from all the Sisters.
United in prayers,
Sr. Ophriini Elizabeth FMA


Letter on 16 july 06
Dearest Mill,
Greetings from all of us.

Hope all are fine and working for the Kingdom of God.
Well, we are very happy and are grateful for all what the good Lord has done for us and especially for the poor children at Chreh.

The water filter plant is working very well. We are still trying set up a permanent place for it and we will be working with it in the following days. We are afraid that the theives will rob the water pump or other things as Chreh is famous for robbery.

With the money that is being alloted by you, we decided to buy government water. We then pass through the filter and the children are very, very happy to drink the water. They said it is very tasty and they took it home to make their parents and others taste the water too.

We also use this filtered water to cook our food for all the children. What a wonderful blessing !!!

A big thanks from all of them too.
Give our regards to all your friends and do continue to pray for these children, that they may know the Truth, accept the Truth and live the Truth. Love from all of us, Sr. Ophriini

Everyday prayer books Don Bosco sisters and young in formation need in Myanmar

Thanks to Dominic Yeo for the sponsorship of 15 copies of Everyday Prayer from the Divine Office.

Everyday prayer is published in co-operation with Collins E.J. Dwyer Talbot by Theological Foundations in India.

Charity is not waiting to do great things one day but in responding and doing the small things that God places before us everyday!

Praise God! \o/

Thank-you! Teresa Indyk and Angela Stepan....

Thank-you so much to Teresa & Angela for sponsoring the education of three 1st year students at Don Bosco Vocational School

The grateful receipients of their kindness are Teuk Kim Khun, Sem Chandany and Tang Ratana - their lives are that much better because you cared enough to make a difference in their lives...



Praise God for John and Lisa's constant love and support for the poor...
.

Thank you to our anonymous angel for providing these basic amenities for the children

Toilets for the children at Kampong Speu

Thank you very much!

The toilets of the school in Kompong Speu are done.We added the outside wall and raised it higher to protect it fromflood.

We had not foreseen this before when we gave the price quotation. We added $250 and the total cost is $2,750 for 5 toilets.

We would like to put a simple plaque for the children and the peopleto feel the bond between them and the Singaporeans. Do you have anysuggestion on what phrase to write?

May God bless you for your generosity. - Sr. Ched





"The building of a better world requires Christians to speak with a united voice in working to inculcate respect for the rights and needs of everyone, especially the poor, the lowly and the defenseless." - Pope Benedict XVI (Deus Caritas Est - God is Love, #30)

The 'Freight' have arrived at last!

Freight Arrives! 2 containers of clothing, toys and water filters!

BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US!The filter for Phum Chreh arrived intact.

All the Sisters of Teuk Thla were there to welcome it :) From Phum Chreh, the truck delivered the cargo to our place in Tuol Kork. It was around 8:30 pm and we finished unloading until nearly 10:00. Look how happy everyone is and tired too:) I'll be sending you the complete pictures including the opening ofthe boxes. Tomorrow, we have to divide first the boxes for the threecenters. I'm glad there's a label for each box. It would facilitate the unpacking and distribution because we know which center has more children and their age level.You know our boarders all clapped their hands and shouted when the truck entered the school and especially when it was opened. A grandwelcome! I had some problem though with the camera. I'm not an expert yet in using the flash.with love and prayers from all of uswhile they were unloading I couldn't help but say a little prayer forall those who have contributed their time, money and effort in sendingus all these beautiful things. What a big work you did! God is really wonderful!

Dear Friends,
Thank you again for making this shipment possible.

The total cost to ship these 2 containers cost about $7,000. Everything inside it is priceless because it is a gift of our love for our less privileged brothers and sisters.

This is a testimony that with God everything is possible. It only takes from each one of us the heart to give and share and in this case the trust to pack the first carton! :)

All Glory to God! \o/\o/\o/

Yours In Christ,
Mill & Lyn

We thank you for your wonderful and powerful network in providing for us and the children many beautiful things. May you be blessed by the Lord always. The children's little hearts are beating with joy to express their unanimous "Thanks" to you and all your co-workers. We have clean water now. Thanks again. Love from all the sisters.

Sr. Ophriini

Paul Raj & Friends Sponsors - Rice for YIN CHOM RAN & 1 Yr Education for Ngoun Dara

Dear Paul and Friends,
You have never failed us in many ways and until now. Thank you so much for the US$436 you sent. It has been allocated for the tuition fees of Ngoun Dara our handicap and the rice and other needs of the family of Yin Chom Ran. When classes re-start after the Khmer New Year I'll try to send you some photos. Ngoun Dara is also scheduled to go to Thailand for a needed medical check-up.
We will surely remember you during this Holy Week.

gratefully yours,Sr. Ched

YIN CHOM RAN is 4 years old. Last October 2005, we brought her to school along with the others.

The father earns by driving a romok, a motorcycle with extended piece of wood at the back to take in more passengers. He earns very little and this mode of transport is dangerous.

Chom Ran's mother stays and keeps the house. They just rent the house. They don't have any property.

They're very, very poor. This family needs help too for the rice.
Thank you so much!
Sr. Ched

Thank You, Patsy!

Dear Pat,

Thank you so much for the USD$1638 you sent and of which I received hand carried by Angeline, Mill's friend. Now that I know the allocation of funds go for the education of Chin Vatey, Long Chanya and Chan Monyroth, the money will be forwarded to Sr. Teresita Garcia, the animator of the community where Sr. Ophriini belongs. Sr. Ophriini will surely send an acknowledgment letter .

May the Lord bless you for this gesture of solidarity with the poor.

with our prayers,Sr. Ched

Mrs Pat King has sponsored rice for a year for the family of Sok Thay

Thank You Mrs Pat King from UK
These poor village families each need £4.67 (USD$7)/month to help with food costs. That is a total of £56 (USD$84)/year/family - John & Lisa Bishop

This is the family of Sok Thay who needs sponsorship of $7/month for rice. The family lives in the cemetery. It's the first time for me to see small houses within the cemetery. From the photo you can see the tomb in front of their house. Anyone who would like to sponsor for their rice would be greatly appreciated.
God bless,
Sr. Ched

Rice For The Poor

John Thomas has sponsored rice for the Family of Chum Srey Pauv

Chum Srey Pauv (pronounce as Pao in English). She's the one in light blue shirt. She's one of the members of the Church choir.

On the photo with Sr. TM you see her sister with the three children. They're orphans. They stay together in the same house. The sister rents the house. The space you see in the photo is the actual little space they have. The sister and her husband collect old things thrown away and seel them. This is their source of income. Srey Pau has been sponsored for her studies by a Vietnamese lady. The rest of the expenses from the little earnings of her sister. A donation of $7/month is a big help for them.

This is the first one in the list and John Thomas was the first one who asked to sponsor this Vietnamese family.

Thank you very much!

God bless!
love and prayers,
Sr. Ched

NGAN Vutha is Sponsored by Aunt Barb (UK)

Thank you Aunt Barb for your sponsorship of Ngan Vutha.

We pray that your kind support for her education will inspire her to work hard to build upon the foundation that you have so wonderfully provided.

"Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul.Only kindness can do that. " -- Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire

Cambodia Freight - Toys From Red Cross

A meaningful day, spent last Saturday packing toys for the freight we are preparing to send to Cambodia.

Praise God for the enthusiam of the volunteers, their unceasing efforts, a sunny day, the loan of 2 lorries, last minute lorry drivers, for the fellowship of friends, the safe journey to Tuas and cartons boxes arranged by Mrs England.

Special Thanks to Pui Yee from Red Cross, Ronnie Goh and to Mr Poh for keeping his warehouse open till 8.30pm on Sat night to receive our goods. All Glory to God! \o/ \o/ \0/

Reaching Out From The UK!

Praise God! For the efforts of John & Lisa Bishop..

They are indeed angels of God's Mercy!

Kindness Beyond Measure

What will be the crown of those who, humble within and humiliated without, have imitated the humility of our Savior in all its fullness.- Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

Reaching out to Cambodia from the UK

When I first met John & Lisa Bishop in Fiji in 2004, having beer in a little fishing boat, I did not know then we would be working together on a magnificent project to extend a little more of God's love to Cambodia.

God is Magnificent in his ways, it only takes a little sharing to get the spark going. John and Lisa was then on a world tour, they visited us in S'pore then eventually went to Cambodia. They visited Don Bosco School, met the nuns, sponsored a child and now back in UK, they have like us embarked sharing with others the need of the poor in Cambodia to their friends, family and community.

I will be sharing with you on my blog some of the wonderful work they have been doing. I hope this work will not only stop in the UK but continue to reach all who care to make a little difference in the life of those who need a little of our love.. as we share a little of God's mercy that we have received with others who still hope for a new tomorrow.

Here is John & Lisa:

Hi there

As many of you know we spent time in Cambodia in April this year and had the priviledge to meeting a small group of nuns looking after 4 schools with 1,207 students. We have been working on fundraising activities here in the UK and we wanted to share with you what we have been up to.

The attached documents we sent was the speech we made in church and the 57 cent story which we handed out on the day. This was given to me by one of my highschool teachers in Kansas City.

We raised a total of $980 on that Sunday plus we had a handful of people who we are meeting next week in the evenings who want to sponsor a child!

When we were there in April we sponsored a young lady called Chenda who has been through hell and back at the mere age of 20. Her father died when she was young so they had to move home. That home burned down with all they had, so her mother, sister and she moved into a room in someones home. The son of the owner physically abused her for a long time. The sisters took her in and gave her room, board, schooling, etc. She has now finished her final year at Don Bosco and we are currenlty sponsoring her through University - she wants to be a psychologist to help people who are going through what she has been through. She emails us weekly and calls us Mom and Dad.

The great thing about this group is they are not part of a great big charity organisation. We send the funds we receive straight into the Sisters bank account and then they let us know what they use it for, or obviously if a specific child is sponsored they provide photo and background of that child!

We will be emailing you 2 photo albums which you can look through with the photos from our trip to Cambodia and also the picture boards we used for our speech at Church.

Also you can have a look at the website that our friends in Singapore keep up to date with all the activity we are all doing in Cambodia - www.gimp.blogspot.com have a look at the Last Posts on the right hand side and you will see entries such as:Sponsors from the UK - info on our Father Damien and his sponsorship, John and Lisa visit Cambodia - info on our trip there last April

They are doing so much from Singapore - amazing efforts!

The greatest quote we have seen in along time came from this website:THE WORLD SAYS, THE MORE YOU TAKE, THE MORE YOU HAVE, CHRIST SAYS, THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE YOU ARE. (Frederick Buechner)

Lots and Lots of love
Lisa and John