"There are no surprises to God"
July 2021
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Friends of Rescue Cambodia & Marie Ens,
This month Blaine and Shelly Sylvester are writing to you on behalf of Marie Ens. (Shelly’s Mom). We have some important news to share with you all!
A few weeks ago during Marie Ens’ routine physical, a spot was discovered on her right lung. A biopsy soon confirmed that it is indeed cancer. So, on July 16 at Rescue, hundreds of kids and Grannies and families living with HIV/AIDS and our Cambodian staff surrounded Marie to pray for her and lovingly send her off to Thailand. There, she will remain in quarantine at a Bangkok hotel until the end of July. On August 1st she will meet with some specialists at a world-class hospital where they will do an MRI before deciding on the next step.
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We admit that all of this has come as a surprise. While Marie is now 86 years old, she has been in excellent health and actively serving at Rescue with no plans to retire or return to Canada. But we rest in the truth that THERE ARE NO SURPRISES TO GOD! He is still in control come what may!
As she deals with this diagnosis, Marie finds herself far from her home in Canada. Thankfully there in Cambodia, Marie is surrounded by many who love and care for her. Most importantly, her son and daughter-in-law, David and Patti Ens, are nearby in the capital city of Phnom Penh where they serve as missionaries with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. They provide the family support that ‘Mom’ so needs right now.
Through it all, Marie remains steadfast in her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Her desire is that He be glorified in all things, even cancer! She remains undaunted and hopes to continue serving at Rescue for many years to come. She remains a great encouragement and example to the Cambodian staff and loves being ‘Mak Yeay’ (Grandma) to hundreds of Cambodian children.
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Director of Rescue Cambodia
Pastor Sokthon Chhat
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Looking ahead….
Since Rescue began in 2003, Marie has worked alongside a strong group of Cambodian leaders who have shared the same vision as she has – to provide a haven for orphan children, families living with HIV/AIDS, and destitute elderly women, loving them day after day in Jesus’ name. Currently, the staff at Rescue is led by Pastor Sokthon Chhat. Along with his leadership team, they give direction to the work at all three Rescue Centres in Cambodia. We ask you to pray for them now more than ever as they capably lead this compassion and justice ministry. Whatever happens, Rescue Cambodia is in good hands! They have been working side-by-side with Marie for many years and they all hope that will continue. Come what may, they are ready to carry on this work, both now and into the future!
As always we are deeply grateful for your support for Rescue. Marie and her team will continue “to care for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27) as you continue to partner with them. They couldn’t do it without you!
Gratefully,
Blaine & Shelly Sylvester
(Questions? Call Blaine at 403-973-5470)
PS - To track Marie’s health journey, follow her on Facebook
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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
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