This month Kiatera and
g:racers have had the privilege to partner with an amazing ministry. Pastor
Keat and his wife Sally survived the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, fled to a refuge camp in Thailand, lived in the US for eight years, and
then returned to Cambodia to bring the hope of Christ to their own people.
Since
returning to Cambodia in 1994, Pastor Keat and Sally have started the New Life
in Christ Church. They have a beautiful vision of drawing their community to
Christ and meeting a major need by providing affordable education. While Pastor
Keat
is running New Life in Christ, Sally is the principal of New Hope
Preschool/Elementary School. Right now, the school has classes for ages 3-3rd
grade, but parents are already asking for more grades to be added. This school
teaches math, reading, science, social studies, English, and Bible.
Cambodia
is a very class-based society. It is perfectly acceptable to talk to children
or those “socially below” you in the same manner that you would address your
dog. However, New Hope is challenging these cultural norms by teaching their
students that all people are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) and thus
deserve respect. Children are taking this truth back to their homes and
families are being transformed.
Another
ministry of New Life is evening ESL classes for young adults. Currently there
are about 75 students attending these classes. The people of Cambodia have a
strong desire to learn English because it opens more job opportunities for
them. English classes cost $5/month for classes Monday-Friday from 5:30-6:30
p.m. Pastor Keat and Sally wanted to provide classes to all, not just those who
can pay $5, so they have provided an alternative. The church holds eight
services per week (Saturday night youth/young adults’ service & Sunday
morning service). If you can’t afford the payment, you can attend 5 services to
replace the $5 fee. In a nation that is 98% Buddhist, many people come to the
church seeking education and end up finding eternal life. There 
is even a new
conversational class entitled “What Christians Believe” for those who have
begun to ask questions. Students are coming and receiving English education,
but they are also being drawn into relationship with the True & Living God
who loves them. To read about one example of the Lord’s pursuit, check out Krystle’s blog: http://krystlelongmire.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-god-of-pursuit
The harvest is plentiful,
but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into His harvest field.
Matthew 9:37-38
Here
in Phnom Penh the above scripture is very true. The fields are ripe for
harvest, but the workers are few. We are joining Pastor Keat and Sally in
asking the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers. If your heart is stirred
by what the Lord is doing here, check our New Life’s website: http://www.cambodiachurch.org/newlife.htm. Pray. Consider
coming to Cambodia.
How can they call on the
One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they
have not heard? And how can they hear unless someone tells them?…How
beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News.
Romans 10:14-15
