While strolling around Angkor Wat we obviously saw several monks. Like most monks I’ve seen and spoken with, they were friendly and soft spoken and very agreeable to have their photos taken. They usually find it amusing that people would want to take their picture. And many of them usually find me amusing for one reason or another so they’ll stop and chit chat for a minute or two but are always careful to keep their distance because if a monk is touched by a woman, they then have to go through a seven day cleansing process.
As Elizabeth and I were nearing a 12 hour day at Angkor Wat (partly due to a promise I made a boy at Love in Action) we headed toward our tuk-tuk when I noticed a monk with a young boy and another man with their backs to us staring at the mote. It would have made an extrememly beautiful photograph.
However, as I tried to take the trios photo I realized that my SD card was full and I had no more memory. As quickly as I possibly could, I deleted photos to make room for one more however by that time the monk noticed me. I then asked permission to take a photo (obviously a little late at this point) and he agreed. Of course by now there was laughter among him and his companions.
As I thanked him there was the usual chit chat but then he did something I’ve never experienced. He asked us to sit with him. I couldn’t believe it!
His name was Dar. He’s 22 years old and was visiting Angkor Wat with his younger brother. This was his fifth visit. He had been a monk for one year. Dar is one of those people that I could instantly be friends with in America. He proudly showed us the souveniers that he had bought his sister and introduced us to his 13 year old brother.
As we walked away I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. Dar’s a Buddist monk so unless he comes to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior, I won’t see him again. The thought of him spending eternity in Hell really bothers me. All his good works won’t get him into Heaven.
So please, as you’re reading this right now, pray for Dar’s salvation and continue to keep him in your prayers.
