Blogging once again! Sorry for not keeping you as updated as I would like. I only get internet on the weekends this month and last week I really didn’t know what to say. Therefore if you ever want to know more specifics or anything just send me a request and I’ll fill you in! This month in Cambodia has been amazing as always from climbing coconut trees, home to home Bible studies, guitar lessons, picking beans, leading church, clearing ground, and of course camping! Everything is going well.
We lead three bible studies a day at different houses in the village and it has been a great way to brush up on basics that are commonly overlooked as well as see how God is working in the lives of the people here in Cambodia. Currently we have one Bible study with an older gentleman who sees the truth of Christ but lacks the understanding of its importance as Buddhism and tradition have a strong grip on him. Many days it seems as if everything that we discuss goes by without further thought and we can only lean on the Holy Spirit to open his heart and truly listen.
This month has been eye opening as we share the gospel with a select few and possibly to some for the first time. We have definitely felt an evil presence in the village as there is such a strong hold with tolerance and fear of bad karma for even receiving prayer from Christians. Here in Cambodia Buddhism has really taken a toll, creating an atmosphere full of deeds and fear of bringing bad karma on themselves or family. One thing I have noticed on the race though is that no matter what stronghold the enemy has God is bigger and always provides a way. It always seems that the darker places we go the stronger, bolder, and more filled with the Holy Spirit the Christians become. Some of the family Bible studies are eager learn more about the Awesome God we serve. One in particular is in a small hut with one LED light powered by a car battery. The best part however is their hunger to know and understand God more. To see his riches and powers that He gently reveals to us. The father has become very humble as he can’t read he has to have his 12 year old daughter read to him and is learning the basics just like her. Every night we ask for prayer requests and I’m astonished at the desire of both of their young hearts, asking God for wisdom and more understanding of his greatness.
The church we go to is one of the best I have been to. I say this because it has everything a church should have biblically while worldly has nothing. The church is located in a rented one bedroom house by a new believer. Her sister owns the room below who is still Buddhist and lives down stairs with her idols! Our team makes up half of the congregation and only part of us get chairs. When I stand up in the “sanctuary” the ceiling fan is at my neck! I say all this just to create a picture of what a church will most likely look like in a 95% Buddhist country. And although it doesn’t have high ceilings or thirty foot stained glassed windows it has the most important aspect of any church which is the work of Christ our Savior.
Well that is it for now. God has been planning the way for logistics to take its course this month as always and is providing in BIG ways but that’s another blog. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and forgive me for not keeping you as posted as I would like. Here are some of my prayer requests and photos from this month.
Prayer Requests:
- That I will become more of a man of Christ who continually prays and gives thanks (1 Thess. 5:16-19)
- For the locals in the village to truly hear and understand God’s words
- For finalizing logistics to Malaysia by the 28th
- For the health of our team as parasites have been a hindrance for some
- That I myself will continue in understanding, knowledge and my personal walk with
- ChristThat my new team will challenge my growth in Christ and that we will work well together
By the way I have a new team changes have occurred. Teams always change in the world race and are good because they change things up, challenge people in new ways, and can be necessary in certain situations. I love my last team dearly and will see them every time we travel from country to country.
Helping Transport green beans after picking them.
Our breakfast!
Made it to the top! Coconut tree still got the better of me as i had scrapes all over.
Me and Clay going to Bible study with our translator Buna.
