The past few nights we have continued to teach the university students at HEC. Morgan and I have a fun group ranging from 5-9 people. We went through the story of Nehemiah and began looking at Jesus’ leadership. Last night, we went to the English service at HEC. After worship, Pastor Chey asked the students to share what they have learned in their groups. Four of our members shared and said they learned about servanthood, compassion, prayer, and Nehemiah. We were pleased that what we have been teached has been conveyed. Please pray for us as we continue to teach them in the next few weeks. We will be joining some of the students on Sunday by going to another province to help at a church they have planted.
Morgan and I with our class.
We are still looking for other ministries to partner with during the day. This week we visited the Jars of Clay coffee shop. The coffee shop was started by 8 Cambodian women. The profits from the coffee shop are used to support their families and nearby ministries and community needs. The food and coffee was amazing! We will be sure to visit again!
Yesterday, Annie, Morgan, and I went to visit the ChildSafe project. The ChildSafe project warns tourists about giving money and/or food to the street children because it reinforces them living on the street. They also provide training for guesthouse owners, tuktuk drivers, police, etc about the warning signs of child abuse. The ChildSafe staff explained that it takes away from the social workers who are trying to convince the children they are other ways. ChildSafe partners with a ministry called Friends International. “Friends International has been working with street children to develop creative projects that effectively support the children to become independent and productors of their society.” It appears to be a neat, effective, and organized ministry. Learn more about Friends International on the website http://www.friends-international.org We made sure to visit their store that sold items made by children and women. Morgan, Annie, and I each purchased wallets made out of old laundry bags and newspapers. We think they’re pretty cool.
Today, Morgan, Annie, and I met with Miu-Ling and Davis who are Free Methodist missionaries in Cambodia. I was given thier contact information by Diane Kurtz at Spring Arbor University. Miu-ling went to the FMC General Conference in Spring Arbor this summer. It was fun to talk to her about what she did and who she met in Spring Arbor. Miu-ling and Davis picked us up in their truck and took us to a wonderful Khmer-Thai restaurant. Davis ordered for us and we ate family style trying everything. We had papaya salad, roasted fish with mango, pad thai, spring rolls, fried rice, and refillable lemon grass drink. It was so yummy! We talked to them about their ministry in Cambodia. Miu-ling works with the International Childcare Ministry. We are planning to visit one of their childcare centers with her next week. Davis is helping to start micro-enterprise ideas in Cambodia. He has given loans for people to start pig farms and has ideas to start stores and restaurants. It was a blessing to meet with them, hear their heart for Cambodia, and learn more about the culture and ministry opportunities.
We have also been checking into helping New Life Fellowship Church (the church that Team 61 and Revolution are working with). Annie, Morgan, and I visited the church today as they were having a program for street children. One volunteer told me that they have approximately 300 children when they all come. The volunteer staff sang songs, played games, puppet shows, and skits. It was somewhat chaotic as kids were running, jumping, fighting everywhere. It was neat to see the children and interact with them.
