Playing in the muddy open area by the school.

God’s work of Redeeming, Restoring and Releasing hasn’t been an easy road at the MineField Village these past few months. What joy and peace to know that God is in FULL control even when things feel utterly out of control.

I know most of you have followed my prayer emails and been so steadfast to pray these past months.

Oh, what powerful work God has done through the faithful prayers of His people! praying with such devotion. Here’s just a quick recap:

* School officially opened in January with 177 children enrolled and now receiving their education together.

* In April, initial plans were drawn for the clean water purification system.

* In May, our in-country leader, Sareth, was arrested under false charges and held in prison for over 30 days. He was arrested in the village while villagers helplessly watched.

* In June, God miraculously released Sareth and all charges were legally dropped. God also paved the way for our short-term mission team from Colorado to go to the MineField for a week of incredible ministry. As an organization, our work was officially recognized and an open invitation was extended to LightBridge International to work in the country.

* Immediately following Sareth’s release, he was formerly invited to be the right-hand man of Senator Ung Te (a high level Senator in Cambodia). Sareth is now involved in overseeing Protestant ministries for the entire nation of Cambodia.

* In July, the Mayor and assistant Mayor of the major town near the MineField Village lost their jobs due to their corrupt participation in Sareth’s arrest and imprisonment.

* In July, the rainy season began and will continue until November.

The past nine months have been an intense season out at the MineField Village. The events during this time have caused an enormous amount of

upheaval for the work in the village. Thankfully, the school has continued as best it could throughout the months of uncertainty, imprisonment and (to be quite honest) spiritual attack. I am fully aware and profoundly thankful that the Lord worked in truly miraculous ways. Through your faithful prayer support, the attacks of the enemy have been met head on during this time.

Sitting at their new desks listening to the lessonBut, the ramifications of these attacks have certainly slowed the progress and plans from what we had hoped and expected as it relates to the projects still vitally needed in the MineField Village. We have learned that the enemy is fervently opposed to the work God is doing in this little village and has worked in countless ways to ‘steal, kill and destroy’ anything he can.

With you, we have stood against his evil schemes through the power of Christ. Thank you for joining us in this battle. It certainly is not against flesh and blood. Would you please continue to stand with us as we prepare for several upcoming things the next few months?

Sitting at their desks listening to a lesson.

Please pray for:

* The building of the water project after the rainy season. Essential to the progress made at the MineField Village is the building of a water purification system in the village. Clean water, and access to it, is of vital importance for the entire village.

One of the villagers who was all smiles at Sareth’s release.

* The plans and building of a feeding center for the children at the school. For most of the children, our feeding program will be the only meal they receive on a consistent basis each day.

* The design and building of a playground for the children. We so long for the children to have a safe and fun-filled place to play. We are so excited for the day when a playground sits in front of the school full of children squealing with delight.

* The ongoing education of the children in the village. Learning, in an actual school, is something most of these children never had before this year. Would you pray over the teachers and administrator as they continue teaching the children? Pray for wisdom, patience and disciplined love.

It is now the rainy season in Cambodia so construction projects are on hold until the rains clear and the mud dries. Thank you for partnering with us! Together, we are joining God as He continues His work to Redeem, Restore and Release villagers who are precious to Him.

Laboring Together…

Karla Tillapaugh Director, LightBridge International

One of the villagers who was all smiles after Sareth’s arrest.

Entering the village with Sareth for the first time since he was arrested.

Todd, Paul (Bradley), Sareth and Senator Uta — this Senator has oversight of all Protestant ministries in Cambodia.  He was instrumental in getting Sareth released and also invited Sareth to be his right hand guy in oversight of the Protestant ministries in Cambodia — incredible doors being opened in the country.