The accounts of the faithfulness of God in this story are so improbable, that I find myself wanting to pull out parts of it to make it more believable. In truth, I’ve witnessed a miracle, and I pray that as you read along, you will also feel its power and somehow identify with the joy that it has given me.

Water rushes from all angles of Yellowstone’s ecosystem. Today, every river and professionally fished stream that receives water from those mountains within that ecosystem is being fished by guides that use hand-tied flies made in Cambodia by 12 amazing friends of mine.

My brother Sam, one of Montana’s fortunate professional fly fishing guides, traveled with me to Cambodia in January of 2016. It was the first time in over a decade that the two of us took time away from the banks of a river to talk about life. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, Cambodia touched his heart and a vision emerged to train friends of ours to tie flies.

At that time, 12 of the students graduating from a high school that SEAPC built in Rongko district of Banteay Meanchey province were looking for a vision for their future. Sam returned to Cambodia the following fall to make a way for them. He brought very talented fly tying instructors with him and for two months trained this team of young hopefuls how to tie. Now these 12 are earning enough to pay their own way through weekend college courses, provide for their parents and grandparents, and start their lives outside the bondage of poverty.

Each day, when this team arrives to work, they are met by their office manager, Somnang. This is where it gets really incredible for me. Somnang was abandoned near Rongko by his father and mother when he was 2 years old. A 15-year-old girl took in both his step-sister and him and they began cleaning houses to survive. Eventually, his caretaker sent him to a children’s home called New Hope for Orphans. On that day, SEAPC began providing monthly sponsorship to meet Somnang’s daily needs. In 2013 he graduated from high school and earned a scholarship to university. Upon graduation, SEAPC hired him to lead a small prayer house in Siem Reap, then to serve and learn business alongside missionaries Hubert and Agnes Tutwiler who had moved into Rongko. Somnang’s excellence and faithfulness in prayer have made a way for him. He was once one considered least in a nation devastated by war and has now become a leader in a successful international business. God is faithful!

You can be a part of this story too! SEAPC has helped to launch the Geppert Brothers Fly Fishing Foundation, which exists not only to provide for these 12 friends and their families but also to generate income to scholarship other high school grads from Rongko into nursing and teacher training programs at surrounding universities. We believe that through this creative cottage industry, a generation will emerge from the infamous “Killing Fields” of Cambodia to lead a nation in righteousness through the hope they have found in Jesus and the love they have felt by Christian men and women around the world.

Please sign up today and become a partner in this project. When you commit to give $20 per month, GBFF will begin to send you sample flies each month, created in Cambodia and fished by some of the world’s finest fly shops in Montana (Including Wild Trout Outfitters, Madison River Fishing Company, and Kelly Galloup’s Slide Inn). Our hope is that you will pray for this work, participate in sharing its story, and enjoy the great sport of fly fishing that has inspired our family for generations.

SEAPC provides full support for twelve national missionaries. Eleven of these amazing young people graduated from our high schools, received a full scholarship from SEAPC, were discipled at a Fellowship Word of Life Church, and graduated from a university in Phnom Penh. They are now the hands and feet of Banteay Meanchey Arise (BC Arise), which serves 488 public schools and over 130,000 students in the Banteay Meanchey province.

Last year, we interviewed nine of these incredible young people. You can read their stories here. We were recently back in Banteay Meanchey and had the opportunity to meet some of the new national missionaries and are thrilled to share their stories with you today.

Within this past year, a couple of the national missionaries were married and several are engaged or soon to be engaged. Joseph and Saory are one of the happily married couples. They have been married a year, during which Joseph primarily lived and worked elsewhere to make ends meet. Nearly every day, however, Joseph prayed for an opportunity to move closer to his bride. He was thrilled when asked to help with BC Arise. Since starting with BC Arise two months ago, he has gained a more comprehensive understanding of what Saory has been part of the past two years.Long before Joseph met Saory, he encountered God in Phnom Phen. To symbolize his new life, he changed his name from Ramoy to Joseph after flipping through the Bible and stumbling upon the name. He immediately felt kindred to this biblical story, because he too was moved at a young age from one place to another without knowing why. Looking back, he can see how he was prepared for such a time as this. When the national missionaries were studying at a university in Phnom Penh, Saory rode her bicycle to class. Little did she know that she had caught a fellow bike rider’s eye. Joseph discovered from a friend that Saory lived at the SEAPC house and decided to add her as a friend on Facebook. At first Saory wasn’t interested, but in time her interest increased. One thing led to another and this couple is now happily married. We are thrilled to have Joseph as part of the team –– he adds much joy and laughter!

Ranny became part of BC Arise team nearly a year ago. When she graduated from high school it was her dream to study in Phnom Phen. Her family was poor and her neighbor told her that she should go to Thailand to support her family instead of considering college. Nevertheless, she prayed for God to make a way and received a full scholarship from SEAPC whereby she graduated with a degree in Tourism. She is amazed that God not only blessed her with an education, but He also gave her this job. During high school, Ranny first encountered God at church. Initially, she attended to spend time with her friends and enjoy a Christmas party. The next time her friends were going to church, however, she wanted to go with them. When visiting church again she met the loves of her life –– Jesus and her now boyfriend of several years. Her boyfriend grew up in a Christian family and his entire family is supportive of what Ranny is doing with SEAPC. She is most thankful to God for bringing her a good man and an incredible job, and for getting to experience His constant presence.

Chanthy joined the team eight months ago. He learned about Jesus while he was studying in Phnom Penh and began attending church with his friends. He felt the presence and love of God and immediately believed in Jesus. After this, he was happy to share that his life was better than before. Currently, Chanthy teaches English near the border of Thailand. Through BC Arise, he discovered his knack for teaching and he is excited to one day pair this with his degree in Agriculture to teach others about proper agriculture. His hope for Cambodia is for everyone to Know Jesus and “for all of the students to learn English and have a good education.”

The national missionaries have been working in Sisophon for nearly two years and are like a family to one another. They live together, work together, and sometimes share meals. It is thanks to these shared meals that everyone unanimously agrees that Cheetah is the best cook. Overall, the biggest challenge they face isn’t within their community or with one another. Their biggest challenge is that some of the teachers do not share their faith and intentionally stir up trouble while they are teaching English. It doesn’t help that they are still young and are teaching teachers several years their senior.

Despite the trouble that they sometimes face, these twelve postgrads have been placed in a position of authority and— having seen several of them teach—carry this position with humility and love. When asked what is next, all of them agreed that they are seeking the Lord and desire to remain in ministry. It is hard not to look at these twelve incredible missionaries, teaching English and sharing God’s love in different provinces, and not think of the twelve disciples. One thing is for sure, God has his hand upon these national missionaries and it is inspiring to hear their stories and witness aspects of their journey.Please join us in prayer for these twelve incredible national missionaries. We are proud of who they are and who they are becoming. Pray for God’s peace to fall within their classrooms, for their upcoming marriages, and for God to reveal their next steps.

We love Dick and Dee Eastman. This year they celebrate 30 years of service to Every Home for Christ. We also celebrate 33 years of cooperation for the nations. There are millions of stories about the Lord using Every Home in more than 175 nations and presenting Jesus to 43,000 people every day. Through the Global Prayer Map and The Hour to Change the World, each of us can pray for every nation every day. My favorite Dick Eastman story is not often told. Dick and I had an appointment to meet in Warsaw in 1986. The reactor at Chernobyl had imploded and the cloud of radiation was sweeping over Europe. Dick, at his own risk, flew into that cloud and kept our appointment. The Change the World materials were translated into several Eastern European languages, and the Soviet Union came apart. In The Hour That Changes the World, Dick instructs us to pray for four specific things: Workers, Doors, Fruit, and Finances. For 33 years this hour of prayer has been the backbone of the South East Asia Prayer Center. Just taking this one Eastman teaching and doing it has resulted in ministry in 75 nations with nation changing projects in 26. It has enabled us to have an abundance in all four areas. The discipline of daily prayer has given way to a wonderful morning meeting with God who loves us more than words could ever express.

Workers: Matthew 9:38 records Jesus’ instruction to pray the Lord of the Harvest that He would send forth laborers into His harvest. We pray for the hundreds of workers within the community of SEAPC. We ask the Lord to give them health and strength and to meet their needs. When we heard of Timothy being arrested in Laos, the whole community was called to prayer. The Lord has given us good friends who hear the Holy Spirit prompting to pray and the community is held together through prayer. Doors: 1 Corinthians 16:9 declares: “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” Adversity is the herald of the open door. We confront adversity every day with wars and rumors of wars, famine and pestilence, earthquakes and tempests, but our focus is not on the adversity, but rather the open door. Jesus has given us unprecedented access to leaders of nations and through them is reaching every home. Fruit: John 15:16-17 records the words of Jesus as He coupled love of the brothers and answers to prayer. For fruit to come of the vine, we have to stay connected to each other. Relationship releases lasting fruit. What good is love when there is no offense or disappointment? Anybody can be a friend when our hour of prayer times are good; but, who will stand in the face of adversity to inherit the promise of God? (Hebrews 6:12) When offended, we pray. When disappointed, we pray. When reproached or persecuted, we pray. For we will not abandon our promise for the sake of a moment’s offense. Finances: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 is our verse for finances. I pray it over every member of the SEAPC Global Community and over EHC around the world. The spread of the gospel should never be hindered by finance. God is able to make all grace abound to us that we will have abundance for the work and sufficient for the worker. Several years ago, the principal of the auditing firm that does our outside audit stopped me in the hall and asked, “Mr. Geppert, how — with the economy where it is and all our other non-profits down 20 percent in annual receipts — are you posting a 15 percent increase?” “Must be Jesus,” I answered. Set aside the time. Pray for workers, doors, fruit, and finances. He who hears in secret will reward in public. Be sure to give Him the glory.

I still remember my first summer camp –– the excitement of packing my bags, riding a bus with friends, eating more candy than usual, and swimming in the lake. This camp was the talk of the summer. In fact, my first summer camp is one of my all-time favorite childhood memories. I especially loved how everyone would wear the same t-shirt throughout the week. With matching t-shirts and memories to last a lifetime, summer camp felt like one ginormous family reunion and I enjoyed every year that I was able to attend.A few weeks ago, I was in Cambodia for NHO Kids Camp. Let me tell you, it was just like summer camp. The main differentiating factor was volume. Over 400 kids gathered from different children’s homes throughout Cambodia for two full days of summertime bliss. Much like my experience, these children were over the moon. They were thrilled to be at camp, something they look forward to for two years.

When the first bus of children rolled up to this year’s venue, a beautiful resort in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, my heart stopped. Their faces said it all. They were equal parts ecstatic and shocked to be staying here. My favorite part was when the doormen gave all of the kids a special welcoming juice. They quickly acclimated to their temporary home and snuggled further down into the lobby couches. Then they were whisked away to their hotel rooms. I will let these pictures do the talking.

Excitement isn’t a strong enough adjective to express the joy that resonated throughout our two days together. Volunteers from seven countries came together in unity, using their limited vacation time, to serve these incredible kids. “Get used to it, this is what Heaven will be like…” Matt Geppert mentioned at the end of our opening session and he was right. These two days were a slice of heaven on earth.Though it rained during our stay, the kids were able to enjoy a few sunshiney hours at the palm-fringed beach –– some of them seeing the ocean for the very first time. Later on, about 100 kids made the decision to get baptized in the Indian ocean while onlookers cheered. Heaven opened even further.

Though it was chaotic at times to have so many people in one space, it was apparent that these children felt like they belonged –– they were in the family. This made NHO Kids Camp a smashing success! Despite their late arrival to many of the sessions, I loved waiting outside the door and watching them bond with their friends from other children’s homes. It was fun to see them confidently walk through the hotel lobby or watch them pass out friendship bracelets that they made long before they arrived. Not once did I see a child sitting alone. They knew they were part of a much larger family. After more than a decade since my first summer camp, I now have a storehouse of new favorite camp memories to choose from.

We are grateful for the many volunteers that made this year’s NHO Kids Camp possible, and for the opportunity to make this special camp a reality for so many children.[embed]httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKzLRTg_MWc&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

“Boots on the ground” is a military term meaning battle ready soldiers moving forward to overpower and conquer enemy forces and territory to secure victory. We Christians are in spiritual warfare against a clever and cunning enemy who is no match against the GREAT “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

“Prayer walk the land” is a Christian phrase meaning battle ready men, women, teens and children stepping out in faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be ”more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). All of these scriptures are the arsenal from which we draw our authority and power as we prayer walk the land. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-12; Zechariah 4:6) We apply God’s Word, claiming victory for the Kingdom of God. The following is a simple report about a small group of prayer walking brothers and sisters from the Monroeville Assembly of God Church located the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. We are so blessed to be a small part in serving a much greater work. Our group of 26 individuals and small groups have been, are, and will continue in prayer intercession to tear down the strongholds of addictions and drug overdoses within our local communities of Monroeville, Murrysville, Plum, Penn Hills, Hempfield, West Mifflin, city of Pittsburgh, and North Side neighborhoods. Our goal is to eliminate systems of violence through prayer, specifically focused on the opioid epidemic and widespread violent events, as was the theme of Pray Americas 2018. “I will give you every place where you set your foot as I promised Moses...Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:3,9).In addition, we have been prayer walking the community pressure points of local government offices, numerous schools, communication centers (local newspapers, and TV and radio stations), businesses, and churches with the intention of bringing righteous change to all of these spheres of influence within our local communities.We are changing the heart of America within each state, city, and community as thousands of believers do their part throughout the U.S., all of the Americas and the nations “as Your kingdom comes and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” comes to fruition. Pray Americas 2018 may be complete, but the work is not. Please consider rallying your community to prayer walk to see an end to systems of violence! He is able!“Praise the Lord – It is finished!”

I recently traveled to Cambodia to attend NHO’s kids camp, along with many other volunteers, children’s home staff, and kids. I have been back home for about two weeks and my heart longs to be back in Cambodia, with the beautiful children I met, with those who serve God wholeheartedly and selflessly. With those kids who don’t know you, yet unconditionally love you. To be with the generation who were once orphans, now rising up and helping the younger ones.

As I reflect on my time at kids camp, I look back and I’m in awe of what God did. Ten months ago when planning began, I did not think we would have a kids camp! But God made a way, even in the organized chaos and the meshing of cultures, personalities, different ways of working, time zones, and language barriers. The outcome was so much better than I could have imagined. Churches working together in unity, for one cause: that His name would be made great in Cambodia.

To see these kids worship passionately with their hands raised in worship, to see them dance without abandon. To see before my very eyes the next generation of Cambodians rising up. It felt somewhat special to be in the room because the Holy Spirit was at work.So, what makes me want to return? There is something strangely addictive about seeing God’s Commission in action. To live it out. To see every part of the day dedicated to God for His glory. I love that I get to play a small part in this. He calls us to follow Him - God doesn’t need our help but He calls us to follow. Are you following?

August. If you live in the USA (and possibly some other locations) it signals the end of the summer and beginning of the new school year. It is combining those final summer events with trips to the stores (or shopping online) to purchase the clothing and school supplies that children will need. It’s those brand-new haircuts and all of the preparation to start that first day of school.

For the kids, it is a time of excitement in receiving these new things to prepare them for what is coming in the year ahead. As they wear their new clothes and carry their new supplies into class on the first day, it makes them feel better prepared and more eager to study and do well. It allows them to feel part of the community of fellow students who are starting everything new in a different grade level, different classes, and different teachers.It is the same for the children living in the children’s homes we serve, except that the starting date is different. For example, in Nepal and Myanmar, the new school year starts in the beginning of June. In Cambodia, it is the beginning of October. Each child within the children’s homes looks forward to having those new school uniforms and the supplies needed to do well. They are disappointed and discouraged if, for some reason, they are unable to have those new items.

Just like in the USA, the purchase of school supplies and uniforms each year is an extra expense above and beyond the regular monthly costs for education. This means that the children’s homes need extra funds to provide these needed items for the children. The kids in Myanmar and Nepal currently have the items they need and are well into their school year. New Hope for Orphans in Cambodia has approximately 460 children who need school uniforms and supplies by the beginning of October. It costs $45 per child to provide two sets of uniforms, two pairs of shoes, an umbrella, a school bag, and school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, ruler, etc.).

Please join us in praying for and searching for the funds to meet this need for each child. Do you know of a church or community group that would like to help in this area? People can give to help one child, one home, multiple homes, or everyone. The funds are needed by September 10 so that there is time for the funds to be wired to New Hope in time for the team to purchase the items for the kids before school starts. Help us send the kids to school on the first day with a big smile on their faces because they are prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you.

Notorious for the vibrant colors and Spanish architecture, Guatemala is also known for being home to the largest urban slum in Central America and for being the fifth most dangerous country in the world.

The “land of trees” is especially dangerous for anyone living within one of the nation’s “red zones,” the term for an area in which violence and crime are widespread.

In these red zones, the average age of a child entering into a gang or drug cartel is twelve. Although, kids as young as nine are recruited and can be seen openly grasping Glocks instead of toy cars. By thirteen, many of these children have already committed murder. It is heartbreaking. Moments before a small team from SEAPC visited one of these red zones to prayer walk, eight boys were shooting throughout the narrow streets intentionally creating chaos in an attempt to encourage submission. They were no older than fourteen. Let that sink in for a second. There were eight young boys wielding automatic weapons. Eight boys no older than fourteen. This isn’t okay.

These aren’t just children “over there.” They are our children and they are your children because they are His children. These eight boys are someone’s babies. These precious children are the heart behind The House of Faith and Hope, a new initiative to provide education and a way out for at-risk children in Guatemala before it’s too late. Ultimately, the goal is to see Corinthians 5:17 come alive in these neighborhoods:This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

The Guatemalan people have already lived through one of the longest and bloodiest civil wars within Latin American history, it is time for Guatemala to arise with a new hope; starting with the children living within these red zones.This generation is meant to live and not die. As we pray, we are claiming Psalm 118:17 over their lives and would love for you to join us.

I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done.

In the Americas, our southern neighbors are hurting. Six of the Americas are currently listed within the top 10 countries experiencing the highest murder per capita in the world. Out of these countries, Guatemala ranks 5th.

We know this is a sensitive topic, especially as North America continuously makes the headlines with gun violence, but our Guatemalan neighbors also need our support.Recently, a small team from SEAPC visited Guatemala to prayer walk. During their brief stay, they happened upon three dead bodies. You read that correctly: they saw three lifeless bodies within the span of their 10-day trip. They also encountered and prayed for a teenager on the cusp of death from a bullet wound to his neck. This boy was on his way to find a job, to care for his baby-to-be, when he was senselessly shot. The most eerie part of all is that no one, besides his mother, was crying. And no one was crying around the dead bodies, either. It is almost as if death were a normal part of the afternoon – because it is.

Guatemala witnesses an average of 30.8 homicides per 100,000 people. Put into perspective, at least 469 people were murdered in Guatemala this January, which is horrific. Spread out, that equates to roughly 15 homicides every day.

The Father cares about Guatemala and He has good plans for this vibrant country. He sees their pain and suffering. And so we continue to claim Psalm 118:17 over our neighbors. “I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done.”I am not sure if you have had the privilege of experiencing southern hospitality, but here in Texas, we believe in sweet tea accompanied by frequent dinner parties adorned with wildflowers, because well, wildflowers are free. When I moved into my new home in California, I wished for a neighbor or two to bring me freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Time went on and no one brought them. One day it occurred to me that maybe instead of waiting to be gifted cookies, I could gift them instead. Revolutionary, I know.

We are to love our neighbors as we love ourself, and I figured that if I loved cookies, perhaps my neighbors would like them as well. They were a hit, and I became close friends with a German professor, her Peruvian husband and their Pomeranian pup. I also met a Thai woman who used to be royalty and a delightful family with an orange cat who was appropriately named Pumpkin (pronounced Punkin by the 3-year-old). To think, I wouldn’t have met these humans, or their furry family members, without first baking cookies. Sometimes, in order to see what we want, we need to be what we want to see. I wanted my neighbors to connect with me, so I needed to connect with them. It really is better to give than to receive. One of my neighbors was going through a rough patch around the same time as me and those cookies built a bond that helped us get through it together.

Let’s make some cookies for our southern neighbors. This might look like giving, it might look like praying, or it might look like both. All I know is that our Guatemalan brothers and sisters are suffering and they could use a neighbor’s love right nowOne very practical way that you can help is by supporting The House of Faith and Hope through both prayer and finances. This is a new initiative to provide education for at-risk children in Guatemala. You can learn more about it here. Let’s get through all of this heartbreaking gun violence together, with our neighbors.

This post originally appeared in the July 2018 SEAPC Magazine.Each step that Jessica and I took was suspended in air, lifting us higher through a wooden-braced and enclosed bridge toward the sounds of young people laughing and talking freely in Hebrew. Below us was the wailing wall and above us the Temple Mount. The path took a turn and roughly 20 young Israeli soldiers appeared, sitting on both sides of the tunneled bridge.With automatic weapons to their sides they sat, just guys and girls sharing snacks, on their phones, and teasing each other. They looked sunburnt, exhausted, and yet somehow still poised to rush from the bridge at any moment. They were oblivious to us as we crossed over the wall and onto some of the holiest ground on earth.

I’ve walked and prayed in many places but none like this. None like this! Yet I knew in that moment, in fact more than I’ve ever known, that God is Spirit, and that I can and should worship Him in spirit and in truth. He is not bound to any of the systems, structures, or environments that surrounded us on that day. And I’m certain that He desires peace and a united heart towards Him for all who seek Him there. My father raised me to know that it is better to be a small part of a big thing than a big part of a small thing. I’m glad to announce that SEAPC is now participating as part of an exciting new big thing: a prayer movement that began in Jerusalem last year with the goals of unity, peace, freedom, and national revival at its core. Last month Jessica and I joined 600 plus delegates from 70 nations gathered together inside of the Knesset to hear testimonies of the governmental miracles occurring in Israel and around the world as a result of prayer. I joined by sharing our testimonies from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China, and India into the mix. The nations rejoiced.I do believe that our vision at SEAPC — to witness a world connected through prayer that brings Christ-based change to those in need — is coming to pass. And as we worship together in the spirit of the Living God, giving honor to Jesus for the work that He has done, wooden bridges and their memories of division will fade away and new bridges will form in unity around the world.Please pray for Jerusalem, keep this new open door in prayer, and consider standing with us in support as we bring Christ-based health, education, parenting, and economic development into the Middle East.