Dear CCAM Partners and Friends,

One of our most exciting pursuits so far in 2012 has been exploring new projects with Kelsey Wilson, the AIM intern who has chosen to work with CCAMS as part of her mission internship. Last year she began by teaching a very creative conversational English class. In January this year, she became Gioia's partner to launch our new preschool program, which Kelsey is now continuing to teach on her own.

In addition to that, Kelsey is currently receiving training at Fount of Wisdom Publishing House, learning specialized computer software skills, so that she can instruct CCAMS students about preparing children's picture books for publication. Gioia teaches students to create culturally appropriate, scripturally based stories and illustrations, and Noren partners with Gioia to prepare the bi-lingual translations. Please pray for the financial donations needed to print and distribute these children's books.

Since the beginning of this year, we have had frequent visits from friends and partners coming to CCAMS from far off places. The CCAMS kids have enjoyed fieldtrips to the amusement park and to the zoo. Now they are planning special activities for next week's school break to celebrate our version of Khmer New Year, including lots of games (both traditional and original), egg dying and hunting, BINGO, videos every night, and a fieldtrip to Soriya Mall.

All year long, fun events like these alternate with the regular school schedule, performances, and other important ministry pursuits. Recently, Sophun preached about "Training a Child" for the baby dedication of former CCAMS students. Gioia and Sophun were team teachers at Russey Keo Baptist Women's Conference, teaching about "Faithfulness in Ministry." They also teamed up at Tidachan Sewing School to teach about "Preserving Unity." At the women's conference, the CCAMS dancers performed "Garlands Instead of Ashes," and at the sewing school, they performed "The Lord Is My Fortress." At both venues, Sophun and the dancers shared personal testimonies.

The CCAMS Performing Team opened the Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia (EFC) Annual Conference with "The Welcome Dance" and closed it with two dances interpreting the congregational Lord's Supper: "The Bread of Life," and "The Cup of Promise." We also blessed the Joy of Christ Church Anniversary Celebration with "The Blessing Dance," "The Dedication Dance," and "The Coconut Dance." Later on, the CCAMS dancers kicked off the Phnom Penh Bible School Foundation Day Celebration with "The Welcome Dance."

On Easter Sunday, we joined with EFC churches and organizations for a combined Easter Celebration. Our students were invited to lead the worship with Khmer Christian songs accompanied by our student orchestra playing traditional instruments. We also opened the celebration with "The Blessing Dance" and closed with "The Resurrection Dance."

In addition to everything else, we are very excited about two new dances currently being created:

"The Farewell Dance" – Music and Vocals by Pastor Bin David, Lyrics by Gioia Michelotti and Noren Vann Kim, Choreography by Sophun Ty and Reaksmey Long Ty. [This piece is created in traditional yigay style. It will become the companion for "The Welcome Dance," which is in traditional chayam style.]

"The Dew of Life" – Music and Lyrics by Rin Yame (former CCAMS student), Vocals by Doungchan Leoung, Dina Pen, and Buntheep Chun, Choreography by Gioia Michelotti and Reaksmey Long Ty. [The song for this piece is included on our "Garlands for Ashes" album. This dance drama integrates both modern ballet and Khmer classical styles.]

Please pray for the continuing development of all of these exciting pursuits, especially that they will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God by beautifying the worship of the One True God, by encouraging the Cambodian Church, and by proclaiming the Good News to those who have never heard.

Partners Together,
Gioia and Noren