Between the years of 1975 to 1979 an estimated 2 million people were brutally slaughtered, throughout the country of Cambodia, in a mass genocide that is quite unknown to the Western World…or at least it was to me! During that time, the Communist Party of Cambodia, known as the “Khmer Rouge” literally targeted anyone with an education.
(Touring “S-21”, one of the detention and torture centers during the regime’s reign)
The Infamous Leader of the regime, Pol Pot, instituted a radical program that included isolating the country from foreign influence, closing schools, hospitals and factories, abolishing banking, finance and currency, outlawing all religions, confiscating all private property and relocating people from urban areas to collective farms where forced labor was widespread. The purpose of this policy was to turn Cambodians into “Old People” through agricultural labor. These actions resulted in massive deaths through executions, work exhaustion, illness, and starvation.
(Torture Tactics)
Entering this country, I had no idea about any of this, along with most of my squad. It was quite a reality check when we realized that most people we meet in Cambodia have either been directly affected by this recent event or know someone who has. There seemed to be something very sad about the environment as the local people are still struggling to rebuild their nation. I felt like there was a barrier between the locals and myself since I could not relate to the tragedy most people are somehow connected to. I found myself wondering how to bring a message of hope to a seemingly hopeless situation.
Since coming to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tricia and I have spent much of our time with two of the teams from our squad, mainly teaching English. This morning, Carmen, a girl from Team Eleutheroo (which means “FREE” in Greek), gave an amazing message to a church service full of Cambodian boys and girls. This is the same church her team has been serving under this month, teaching English to the kids. In her message she spoke about the shame and guilt that so many of us have from our past and how this shame and guilt keeps us from walking in the FREEDOM that Christ offers.
(Tricia and I with team “Eleutheroo”)
Michelle, another girl from the team, courageously shared a testimony of her life and how God has freed her from much of the shame she lived in for many years. The message Carmen spoke and the testimony Michelle shared created such an environment of HOPE. Hope that comes from the life of one person, Jesus! Towards the end of the church service, Carmen asked the group if anyone wanted to come forward to receive the Freedom that Jesus offers us all. I was surprised to see so many young Cambodian boys and girls immediately come to the front. As the rest of the team and myself joined them so that we could pray for them, tears of joy started to pour out. It was an amazing moment that only an environment of love and grace could bring. God opened my eyes to see the hope that all of Cambodia has. No matter how tragic their past might be or what type of broken homes these kids come from, I truly believe Jesus can heal them ALL!
Please keep this country in your hearts and prayers this Christmas Season as well as the rest of Q Squad, many of whom will be missing home, including myself (love you Mama!). I love you all and am so thankful to have such strong support from back home!!
(Enjoying the local Khmer Cuisine)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.�
