Home for the Holidays...

    This phrase is one that rings in our ears often during the holiday season.  Even here in Cambodia, we have come across it on holiday ads on the internet as we read the news or on TV as a commercial on an English speaking channel advertises a travel package or an airline discount special.  "Go home for the holidays..."

The amazing work God has begun in Cambodia through High Tower Ministries is the miracle of "Home."  In a picture of irony that only God is capable of, our family left our home but then God used that sacrifice to produce a harvest of "home" for what has now grown to 17 children in Bykota House.  Seventeen children now have a home instead of an institution, a home instead of domestic slavery, a home instead of a nightmare....
 

    We had an amazing abundance of blessing this Christmas season.  On Christmas Eve, we all gathered for a shared meal followed by a smattering of Christmas carols and then the grand finale of enjoying the gifts from those who remember and love the Bykota Kids. 
     We would like to thank Grandma Marthalee (and Mr. Phil), Ms. Carol, Ms. Kerri, Ms. Linda, Community Free and Alliance Churches of Stillwater, OK and Summit Church of North Little Rock, AR for making Christmas such a special day for the Bykota Kids. We would also like to thank the youth team of REACH and Pastor Paul's church in Singapore for the great help during the Christmas season.   Their very practical help to get a tree up and decorated and the wrapping of gifts was invaluable...and also all the assistance in School of the Nations.  We also want to thank each and every one of our faithful sponsors who give monthly for the care and expenses of Bykota House.


    Additional funds were given for a Christmas Day outing and the children enjoyed a tremendous time at the zoo.  As they shared with us their favorite parts of the day or their favorite animals, I was taken back by the reality that many of these children lived in conditions far, far worse than that of the animals at the zoo before they came to Bykota House.  We serve a truly amazing God who cares for each and every precious one.

    With the joy of the Christmas season always present in our hearts, we look to the New Year with many questions however.  We are seeing an inexplicable drop in support while at the same time; our greatest adversary in Cambodia presently is that of inflation.  We are having a very difficult time in the last several months and we would like to ask for additional prayer that the Lord would not only provide all our needs, but that He would also grant us wisdom and guide us in the months ahead.

    Since our last newsletter, we have added another two children to Bykota House. 

Little Tina may look like an infant but the reality is that she is 6 years old. We have watched over her while she lived at a provincial orphanage and made plans to care for her at Bykota House.  Tina suffers from severe CP and is requiring a great deal of additional nutritional support.  We are beginning simple therapy with her and are already seeing results. 
Learn how you can sponsor Tina
Thomas was known as the "boy with the broken head" because at some time in his past he suffered a cranial injury that was quite serious.  He seems to have fully recovered and may not suffer any long term consequences from the injury.  He has a ready smile and has most of the other Bykota Kids wrapped around his little finger.
Learn how you can sponsor Thomas

    Cambodian Orphan Aid has undergone dramatic changes with the addition of three new provincial orphanages.  Please check out the new website at: www.cambodianorphanaid.org

    School of the Nations is going very well.  We are surprised every day by the children and their eagerness to learn and the speed in which they are learning.  In fact, since the curriculum is one set up for the children to go through it at their own pace, they are enabled to have very individualized progress. This is a mixed blessing in that we have almost exhausted the funds for curriculum for the year already.  Please pray for additional education underwriters to support the education of the Bykota Kids. 

    We are still believing and planning for our family's first furlough since coming to Cambodia.  We ask that all our friends and family join us in our efforts to expand our home team.  In your own particular circle of influence, we ask that you present us to your church's mission committee, your organization's speaking schedule, or any other opportunity that may allow us to share the miracle of "Home" that God has planted here.  We are trusting that God is going to open many doors of opportunity to share and make new relationships for High Tower Ministries and the projects here. To arrange a speaking engagement please contact Rhonda. Rhonda@hightowerministries.net

    Lastly we want to again mention our 3-Ton Rice fund. Contribute Now or refer to our website for further details.

Serving the Father with you in Cambodia,

Mark and Rhonda Benz

High Tower Ministries

Cambodian Orphan Aid