round the World

CALIFORNIA
Paul Sokun Nhem
Minister to Cambodians
was ordained to the _ ''
Christian ministry
Christian Church and
participated. Nhem
was charged with
preaching the gospel to people of
Cambodian descent in Long Beach, location
of the largest Cambodian community
outside southeast Asia, and in other areas of
the world where the refugees have been
resettled.
The Cambodian Christian Church has
been a ministry of First Christian since 1983,
providing financial support and use of the
facilities at 501 Atlantic Avenue. Interna
tional Disaster Emergency Service (IDES)
and the Southeast Asia Evangelizing
lyiission have also been instrumental in
support of the work among the Cambodian
refugees.
Mr. Nhem escaped the holocaust that
swept through Cambodiafrom 1975through
1979 following the end of the Vietnam \War
and withdrawal of US forces. Thousands of
Cambodian refugees came to Christ as a
result of his preaching in internment camps
along the Thai-Cambodia border. Their
resettlement in other countries has resulted
in the planting of churches around the
world.
Born to Buddhist parents in 1949, Mr.
Nhem accepted Christ at the age of 7 and
was later to know the joy of winning his
entire family to Christ. He was educated in
Bibie in Pnomh Penh, capital of Cambodia,
and later studied at Cincinnati Bible
Seminary and Pacific Christian College,
where he received his degree in 1985.
Spkun_NJ^m.was born in Cambodia, October 5, 19^9, to Buddhist parents. He be
came a Christian as a boy. He diligently studied the Bible given him as a gift,
and began to preach quite early in life, wherever he coihld find an audience: in
schools, on the streets, and in the market places. He preached to thousands. In
the years 1973~?5 he baptized some 100,000 people in Cambodia's major city.
When the Communists took over Cambodia in 1975i s- ^reign of terror began. Thous
ands were killed, other thousands were imprisoned, Under such persecution other thou
sands managed to flee to safety tc nsl^:hboring countries, particularly Thailand.
The persecution hit the family of Paul Nhem with major impact. He notes that of
fifty-one family members, only he and his wife. Mala, managed to survive. And they
were separated for a long time. Paul, along with many others was imprisoned on an
island where only a little food was available. He managed to escape when his arms
became so skinney that he could slip out of his handcuffs. He returned to Phnom
Penh, the capital city, only to be jailed again. Managing to escape again he made
his way to Thailand, joining his wife in a laxge refugee camp. There he renewed
his preaching ministry.
Paul's ministry was very effective, according to those who observed it. Witnesses
state that people flocked to hear him - - with people crowding the thatch and
bamboo church house. There were many, many baptisms. Friends sought to arrange
for Paul to come to the United States because his life continued to be in danger.
In 1980, Charles and Henrietta Luttrell, missionaries in Honolulu responded to a
request from Thai missionaries and agreed to serve as sponsors for the Nhem family.
Transportation was arranged, and late in that year Paul, Mala and a son, Samuel,
arrived in Honolulu and lived in a small apartment on the Palolo Valley Church
mission property. But, because of Paul's desire for further educatoon, the family
moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Paul enrolled at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. There
support was found among interested Christians. Professor LaVerne Morse and the
International Disaster Emergency Services were especially helpful.
In Cincinnati Paul received frequent requests from fellow Cambodian Christians
scattered in pockets of settlement around the United States and in other countries.
The most challenging of such calls seemed to come from Southern California, with
the. result that in 1983 a decision was made that Paul move to Long Beach, where
there was a large concentration of Cambodian refugees. With the continuing assis-
tanceof IDES the move was made and Long Beach First Christian Church opened its
doors to a new Cambodian work.
In Long Beach Bro. Nhem found much work to be done. He was tireless in his response.
He called night and day upon his fellow refugees, ministering to ihheir many needs,
both spiritual and material. He had their love and respect, and he soon gained
such from those with whom he was working the members of First Christian Church.
The work grew, and the church did likewise. Attendance at the Sui^ay afternoon
Cambodian services grew, doubling and redoubling. Paul's work with Cambodian
youth was especially effective with as many as 50 attending Friday evening study
group meetings..
Health problems began several months ago, but Paul refused to slow down. His efforts
began to take their toll. Unfortunately no one realized the nature of his physical
problems, until it was too late. Finally, he became so weak he could hardly stand
alone. He was hospitalized briefly, and then returned to the home of Cambodian friends,
because in his own home he was constantly being besieged by those needing his help
and advice.^ His contition worsened and he returned to the hospital after doctors
diagnosed his condition as cancer of the liver - a cancer already spread to other
areas. His pain was considerable, but his spirit continued strong and hopeful.
The prayers of family, and of fellow Christian of many different backgrounds were
raised in his behalf. God chose not to restore him to health and he passed from
this life, continuing to speak of his love for Christ and his desire to serve Him,
on Saturday, February 22nd.
Paul is survived by his wife, Mala, and four children: Samuel, Ruth, Simon
and Lydia* Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 26 and conducted
by leaders of the Long Beach Cambodian Christian Church, by Sam 01 Seth, a
former associate of Paul's in the refugee camps in Thailand and now minister
of the Cambodian Christian Church in San Jose, California, by John Snabnit,
minister fif First Christian Church, Long Beach, and by Paul Grimm, Gary Tiffin, G.B. (
Gordon and Kenneth Stewart who are directors of the newly organized Cambodian
Evangelism Mission International.
ISSION
Charles and Henrietta Luttrell
P. 0. Box 25W
Waianae* HI 9^792
Ph (808) 668 9968
IViARCH. 1986
Dear Brethren in Christ:
Greetings in the naine of God the Father and His Son and our Savior!
How grateful we are to be a part of His family! Instead of our usual
February letter we are sending this one in March, We broke a type
writer belt and had trouble getting a replacement.
Our most exciting news is a baptism at the Maili Christian Church.
One of the young members has been bringing his girl friend to all
the services in recent months. The preacher has been using a course on
becoming a Christian in the Bible School class, and on February 2 Yumi
was immersed at the Pokai Bay Beach Park. She is a high school senior
of Japanese descentquiet, shy, but a leader at school. She is president
of student government.
The children in the Maili after-school Bible club are getting more inter
ested. One boy brought two of his friends to the Sunday night service,
brought another friend to the Bible club who later brought her sister,
and was the first one to memorize the books of the New Testament. This
past week we had a record attendance of nine. Usually they need to be
reminded but this time they came on their own initiative.
Since we attend the night services at Maili Christian Church, are involved
in many projects there, it is near us, and will need our help for many
years, we decided to place our fellowship with them. We live fifteen miles
from Waipahu and they have dedicated and capable adults to take care of
their spiritual and physical needs, so when they get English-speaking
teachers of their own we will probably not be needed there. Right now we
are filling a vital need at Waipahu because the young people do not read
nor write the Ilocano dialect of their parents and need to be taught^in
English. The adults understand English but are not comfortable enough in
its use to teach in it.
The preacher, Felipe Bayani, still has four of his five children in the
Philippians, His oldest daughter became quite ill and depressed so Felipe
spent the first two weeks of February there. She is all right now. He
also took his 7-year old grandson. Now they are back but concerned about
the economic and political condition of the country. I preached for the
entire congregation for the three Sundays he was away. The folks are so
grateful for what we do for them, it is a pleasure to help.
Our daughter, Lora, is finishing her third year at Ozark Christian College.
Now she is assisting in the direction of their big Easter pageant. This
summer she will be available to serve as a missionary for Vacation Bible
Schools, camps, rallies, etc. We would like to arrange an itinerary to
keep her busy all summer. If YOU can use her, please write to us. We
tMnk-y^im find her to be effective in challenging your young people
^ a deepfer life in the Lord, She is enthusiastic and has had lots of
experience \n working with children and young people of all ages.
We were sadqened and shocked to receive word this week of the death of
Paul Sokun Nhem from cancer of the liver and lungs. By the time he got"
medical attention it was too late to help him. You may remember that
in 1980 the Palolo Valley Church sponsored Sokun, his wife Mala, and
jabySa-muel so that they could leave the refugee camp in Thailand, He
had been preaching in the camp, converted thousands to Christianity,
and the Buddhist officials were threatening his life. In I98I he went
to Cincinnati to study at the Bible college there, to teach his country
men about the Lord, and to train them for leadership. He had been a
commercial artist and used this talent in publishing Christian papers
that were sent around the world. Recently he has been leading the Cam
bodian congregation which meets in facilities of the First Christian
Church in Long Beach, California, One of the young men he helped to
train is leading a new congregation which meets at San Jose Bible College.
In only five short yers his life has made a tremendous impact for Christ
among his own people and among the Americans with whom he worked. In
one of our newsletters we wrote, "Remember this name - Sokun Nhem - you
will be hearing it many times." You will continue to hear because of
the lives he has touched. His wife is left with four children and another
on the way.
Our finances are still a matter of concern and prayero In Jsinuary we did
meet our "budget (see financial statement below), but as we write it is
the last week of February and we have received just over $900, We do not
have funds to pay the last of our salary nor write a check for the booth
at the NAA and MM Conventions in Indianapolis in July. We are grateful
for those who have supported us so loyally through the yearsi and trust
that the Lord will continue to supply our needs through you, His people.
May He continue to supply your needs through His riches in glory.
Your brother in Christ,
For display materials write to: Mrso Delbert Spence
Box ^^'2
Rockfield, IN ^1-6997
CONTRIBUTORS - DECEIVIBER THRU FEBRUARY
Churches/groups
Converse, IN
Moran, KS
Leanna, KS
Macedonia,Kokomo,IN
Faith,Burlington,IN
Lord's Reapers,OCC,
Joplin, MO
Berea, MO
Kokomo, IN
Prescott, AZ
PVCC.Honolulu,HI
Lincoln,NE
Carrollton.GA
Osage Hills-
Tulsa,OK
New Point, MO
Westside, Colum
bia, MO
J,0,B,'s-Green-
ville, IL
Wymore, NE
Couples/lndividuals
Scott Stuart
Cleo M Parcell
John Doyle
C M Breedlove
Thelma Imel
Joel Duke Young
James F Roberts
Ron Simpson
Wayne Gerdsen
Charles Brandt
Clyde Siefers
Etta Cain
Joyce Vance
Herbert Kurtz
Julian H Whitworth Ralph Blazer
Mary DeHoff
Larry Wapiennik
Ellen Sneed
Ruth L Shoemate
Irene Agemy
Leslie Hayes
Bonnie O'Rourke
Kenneth Stewart
Allan McMillan
Leonard Smith
Estil Cottle
Paul Johnson
Betty Horton
Mark Luttrell
H, H, Yelton
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Balance on hand, January 1,
RECEIPTS
0*000
DISBURSEMENTS:
Travel (for Lora)
Supplies
Payroll taxes
Take-home salary
Reporting to Churches
Utilities
Equipment/repair
Medical Insurance
Vehicle Expense
Housing Allowance
Miscellaneous
Balance, December 31 1985
HAWAII CALLS MISSION
Mr. John Page
130^ Robert Ray Dr.
Columbia, MO 65202
Total
1985
. $ 833.29
16184,76
170180O5
767. J^l
157.83
109^.22
5755.02
607.^0
1039.01
52.00
21^1-080
2360093
-^-SOO.OO
276,00
168714-,12
$ 1^3.93
Budgeted
For 1986
I8OOO0OO
503.00
160.00
13^0,00
6506,00
70O0OO
1100.00
100,00
215.00
2300,00
k'00,00
23.00
I8OOO0OO
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U. S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 276
COLUMBIA, MO 65202
MISSION SERVICES ASSN.
BOX 2427
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901
Don Tingle, field rcprcscntalivc. Christian Ara
bic Services, was guest speaker for Spiritual Em
phasis Week held at First church. Havre De Grace,
MD, March 16-21, Clifford Smith is the mini.sier.
Glen Wheeler, executive director. The Ohio
Church Development Fund, Columbus, OH, re
ports the following speaking engagements in Ohio
during February: Hocking Hills (Logan) Lancaster
ministers" meeting; Canton area ministers' meeting,
senior citizens group. Sciotoville; Batavia and Man
chester and Clear Creek churches; Till He Comes
Evangelistic Association; Round Lake ministers re
treat; Johnny Appleseed evangelistic association;
and Rushsylvania area ministers a.ssociation.
Kenneth Eade retired as postmaster at Eckerty,
IN. after thirty years of service. He and his wife,
Helen, continue their ministry with small churches
in the English, IN, area, especially the Jericho
church at Taswell, IN.
Deaths
"Blessed ore the dead which die in the
Lordfrom henceforth ... that they may rest
from their labours; and their worksdofollow
them" (Revelation 14:13).
Hazel Purvis Wise, Las Crucc, NM, died, Feb.
16. She attended Cincinnati Bible Seminary for two
years in the early I940's. and served in the United
States Naval Reserve for five years. During her
years of service she advanced to the rating of Dis
bursing Clerk First Class, It was during these years
that she met and married Daniel B. Wise. To DanJ
and Hazel were bom two children, Patricia Ann and[
Sherman Thomas. Hazel was a loyal member of>
churches of Christ/Christian churches during her
entire lifetime. She was also an active member of
the Ladies Auxiliary of The Fleet Reserve Associa
tion of El Paso, TX. Survivors in addition to those
already mentionedHncludc her father, Sherman Pur
vis, two grandchildren, and a brother. Memorial
service was conducted by Chaplain Steve Thompa-
son.
died, Dec. 31, The sixty- j|
two-year-old missionary's 11
funeral service was held f|
on New Year's Day in |l
Ban, Italy, amidst the li:
people with whom he and ^ U
Wilma had served since I
1953. Giulio Lavermi-
cocca and Cesare Cas-
sano, two of the leaders in
the Barl congregation, led the service. Brethren and
fellow missionaty workers from all over Southern
Italy joined in the service. A memorial was also
held in the United States at First Christian Church in
Waynesboro. VA, two weeks later. Eddie Forehand,
Harvey Powell, Cleveland Boshcr, and J. D. Hunt
III spoke; Marvene Leitch and Denny Coffey (niece
and nephew) presented special music. "Mac" was
born in Augusta County, VA. in November. 1923.
He entered the Cincinnati Bible Seminary in 1946,
ministered with First church. Wayncsvillc. OH, and
upon graduation in 1951, he became involved in
new church planning in Altavista. VA. He and
Wilma soon felt led to work in Italy and began their
for April 6, 1986
service there in January 1953. Survivors include his
widow, Wilma; four children, Patricia (Kcefer),
Mark, Scott, Valeri (Herrick), and their families.
Wilma remains in Italy to continue her ministry with
the Italian Christians. Daughter Valeri and her hus
band, Steve Herrick, plan to Join the work in Italy
later this year, when they have completed raising
their support.
Martha Poole Rlggs, BTL',
age 98, the oldest mem- [!i^'
ber of First Christian
Church, Sour TX,
died, Jan. 9. She had been
a faithful member of the
for sixty-
five "Miss Mar-
tha" or "Matt" as she af-
fectionately was called
was indeed an inspiration
to all whose paths crossed hers. Living daily by the
Word, her life was a song of praise. She had served
as a Bible-school teacher and until recent months
had been a regular attender at the all services of the
church. The memorial services were conducted at
the church with Buford I. Cole officiating. Special
music was brought by a granddaughter, Sut^'ivors
include three sons, Frank Poole of Waco, TX. Louis
Poole of San Manteo, CA, and Tommy Poole of
Vidor; two daughters, Billie Douglas of Sour Lake
and Jacquelin Langley of Rosenberg. TX; ten
gran^cbiWrefHsjwelve great grandchildren and two
^/Smers. AmemonM fund was set upfor FirstChris
tian Church. \
Paul Nhem. CambMian evangelist and minister
inLong Beach. CAytiied, Feb. 22. Brother Nhem
^as only thirty-jjwn years old, but had converted
nTOr&4haii-55"^(J00 Cambodians to the Lord while in
a refugee camp. While in the camp he held daily
Bible studies, led in building a church and then
preached daily, all day long, in that church which
was filled to capacity at each service, with more
than 5.000 people crowding in at a time. Forty-nine
of fifty-one people in his immediate family were
killed by the Communists. Before coming to the
United States. Paul was imprisoned by the Commu
nists because of his Chri.stian preaching. In the sec
ond imprisonment, he received two/three spoons of
porridge a day, some salt, and water as his total diet.
His left arm and leg were kept in a chain. His weight
was reduced to only fifty pounds. He was able to
escape when he became so thin that his arms and
legs slipped through the manacles. He fled to
Phnom Penh where he was jailed the third time, but
finally escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand where
he was reunited with his wife in 1979. Paul came to
the United States in 1980. He studied at Cincinnati
Bible College and received a BA degree from Pa
cific Christian College in 1985. He was the main
catalyst for Cambodian evangelism in the Long
Beach area where more than 20,000 Cambodians
live. In 1983, the Cambodian Christian Church be
gan in the facilities of First Christian Church in
Long Beach, Today the membership is more than
300. From that start, other Cambodian congrega
tions have begun in Santa Ana, Tustin. San Bernar
dino. and San Jose, CA. The loss of Paul Nhem is a
very significant loss for Cambodian evangelism in
Southern California. Survivors include his widow.
Mayla; and four children, Samuel, Ruth, Simon,
and Lydia. Memorial services were held at First
church in Long Beach with John Enabnit. Gary Tif
fin, Saman Nget, Jack Jensen, Paul Grimm, T^ing
Sang, Kenneth Stewart, and Mo.ses Sam Ol'Scth
participating,
Robert O. Rainwater, age 66, Pittsburgh, PA,
died, Sept. 24, after a six months struggle with can
cer. He was a retired |X>stal clerk. He was involved
with the Lord's work for many years and was an
active member of the Homevitle Christian Church
serving as an elder, deacon, trustee, Bible-school
superintendent and teacher. Survivors include his
widow, Margaret; one daughter, Gerry of Pitts
burgh, PA; two brothers and one sister Memorial
services were conducted by Donald Brookshire,
William D. Barber. Henry Koch, and Harold L,
Newlan.
V, K. Allison, a long-time mini.ster. died in his
home in Santa Cruz, CA, Feb. 17. Had he lived
another two weeks he would have been 98 years
old. His ministry began many years ago as a song
evangelist. These meetings took him to Oregon and
the beginning of his preaching ministry. He minis
tered with churches in Brownsville, Ashland, and
Klamath Falls in Oregon before going to California
where he served with the church in Santa Cruz for a
number of years. In 1940 he accepted a call from
San Jose Bible College and taught Old Testament,
Christian Evidences, and Biblical Doctrine until his
retirement in 1959. During his long retirement he
did supply preaching and held several evangelistic
meetings. Memorial services were held at the
church in Santa Cruz, Feb. 22. Craig Fox con
ducted the service and was assisted by Bill Jessup
and Gale McGuire. He is survived by his wife of
seventy years, Mrs. Laura Allison and a daughter,
Rosemary Phillips,
Coming Events
Intermountain Youth Workers Conference to be
held at First church, Boise, ID, April 10-12. David
Roadcup, Tim Coop, Paul Schlieker, and Gary
Zustiak are the scheduled speakers.
Ordinations
Terry Allcorn, 1985 graduate of Kentucky Chris
tian College, was ordained at Sebring (OH) Church
of Christ, Oct. 13, 1985. He and his wife. Jac
queline, are now in language school in Edinburg,
TX, preparing for new church work in Puerto Rico
with John and Mary Recce, Pictured with Terry are
those men who participated in the service; Mike
Hazelton, Clyde Allcorn (father), Don Andrews,
Roger Grecnamyer, Jerry Billingslcy. Gene Kitzmil-
ler, Bruce Slagle, John Studcbaker. and David Car-
rick. Virginia Studcbaker (mother-in-law) and Jac
queline Allcorn provided special music.
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