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GRIFFITH GLEANINGS MAY 2020

line GRIFFITH GLEANINGS MAY 2020
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run the race with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 

GRIFFITH GLEANINGS MAY 2020

“IN LIFE, IT IS NOT WHERE YOU GO, BUT WHO YOU TRAVEL WITH” is the caption of a popular Peanuts cartoon by Charles Schultz. In this season of traveling parts of Australia meeting together with new and old friends, this cartoon captures some of the essence of the life we have been honoured to journey this past six months.

Six months ago, we arrived on mainland Australia and began criss-crossing state borders, visiting many lounge rooms and chapels, walked some bush trails and seen sunrise and sunsets over beaches, but where we have journeyed is far less impactful than who we have been with. A highlight has been the stories we have shared with cross-cultural workers and their families from decades past who inspired us and treated us like close family members. Many cross-cultural workers and their supporters shared their passion with us to see true peace bring transformation to people of other communities and cultures.

One story of William and Millie Wilson (affectionately known as Bill and Mill), when they first went to the live cross-culturally, they were well into their 70’s. Bill and Mill were the answer to many needs for team support in the place where they served. The team leader of the time later confided with Bill that he had been hoping for younger team members. However, in the first month of their arrival Bill beat the then team leader at both tennis and squash. Together we learn and grow from sharing stories.

We are now ready to return to Cambodia, but there are a few hurdles that have emerged due to the impacts on international travel from COVID-19. As well as the Australian government placing a ban on overseas travel, there have been considerable restrictions on availability of flights and restrictions on arrival and transfers between many countries. We are encouraged however to hear in the past week that Cambodia has removed a number of restrictions on arrivals of people from certain countries and their neighbour Thailand has signalled it is removing restrictions on passengers arriving and transferring on flights to places like Cambodia by the end of June.

We have heard predictions of months to years that will pass before international travel will get moving again, but we are becoming more hopeful that there are signs that parts of the world like Cambodia will be cautiously opening their doors to international arrivals soon.

In the meantime, we have returned our primary attention to Cambodia and are putting in place increased hours of Khmer language lessons, team Zoom meetings and are considering a physical move of our current Australian home base to be living within a Khmer community north of Adelaide. We are excited about these opportunities before us.

Thank you for your partnership with us. Thank you to those who in the past few months have increased, maintained or begun their financial support of us. We are humbled in the knowledge that many of you have remained generous in your support despite finding this season bringing amplified financial and other difficulties. The work we are a part of in Cambodia is only made possible by your generosity. If you would like to contribute either a tax-deductible pledge of a regular amount, or a once off donation please be in touch, or click on the ‘Support Rob & Deb Griffith’ orange box below

Support Rob & Deb Griffith
Jim & Marilyn Kime
Jim & Marilyn Kime shared stories, even songs with us from three different countries they served in and the years of volunteering with the same mission agency Global Interaction.
Ros Gooden
Ros Gooden shares her heart for history. She has served both overseas since 1965 for 18 years and then in the head office 21 years, and volunteers currently all with Global Interaction.
Five Barley Loaves
From Five Barley Loaves: Australian Baptists in Global Mission 1864-2010 Edited by Tony Cupit, Ros Gooden and Ken Manley.
We highly recommend this book to read and re-read many inspiring stories.
Thankfulness:
For all the many creative ways you have expressed support for the Khmer people. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
For the pandemic inspired opportunity to reset rhythms and be still more than usual.
For the wisdom and inspiration received from the many who have blessed our journey.
Requests:
For wisdom for our agency as they navigate changes and transitions together.
For our family as we cheer each other across significant distances and borders despite all being in Australia.
For discernment to live within the Khmer community of South Australia.
For adjustments to online learning with our Khmer language nurturers from the village community where we call ‘home’.