Finally Making Sense
Phen had just prayed to receive Christ. The Christ he knew only by name up until today. “My son came back from Penom Penh two years ago where he had become a Christian,” Phen continued to explain, “It was not until today when I heard Andrew tell me about Jesus that I understood how to become a Christian myself...I prayed today and Jesus is in my heart” Phen was unusual in that he actually had some prior exposure to the name of Jesus. Some we met had never heard the name of Jesus before and almost all never knew that this Great God above all gods loved them.
Coordinated Effort
This was our repeated experience as we visited Cambodian communist military camps and spoke to soldiers and their family. By the invitation of a Cambodian General, Paul Bradley of Cadence and I had the privilege of touching lives that exist in almost complete social and economic isolation. Also joining the group was Serath, a Cambodian national who is the Cadence Cambodian national director. Serath had prearranged for a local Christian leader to be present so someone could follow up on those who made decisions for Christ.
In this context Paul was able to create a project that teamed us up with an Optometrist and his family who agreed to offer free eye exams and glasses to these families (this family asked we not use their names). Most who needed glasses had never had glasses before. This created a perfect opportunity to present the Gospel to people who were truly thankful as well as genuinely curious as to why we would care about them.
Not Much of a Life
The military is still so feared that no one in the community will interact with the soldiers or their families. On top of being social outcasts the soldiers are paid only 10 to 30 dollars a month out of which they must clothe, feed and house their families. This leaves the soldier and his family in a world of desperation and loneliness.
Jesus is more Powerful than Tattoos
Getting to know the soldiers was an interesting affair. Many of the military men have tattoos engraved on their bodies. A special one on the chest to stop bullets, one on the arm to give strength, one on each foot to give protection from land mines. When asking one soldier where the power comes from he said, “You have to pay a lot of money to a powerful witch doctor to get them. They are very painful to have put on and sometimes one will take almost a week to complete.” After a few seconds of reflecting he added, “They don't work so well anymore”. One soldier showed us the snake tattoo on his hand which he said was very powerful. He informed us that many people tired to photograph the tattoo but it would not appear in the picture. Paul asked if he could take a picture of it and the man said, “You can try.” When Paul showed the man the picture on the camera's LCD screen the soldier replied, “You must have a special power” to which Serath replied, “They are Christians, that means they have more power than any spirit or tattoo.”
Rough Roads
Traveling in the back country of Cambodia is quite the adventure. The main roads are in such disrepair that they are impassable during parts of the year. We broke a shock trying to drive from one town to another. Another day we almost drove off a five foot drop into a rice paddy because the road just ended. We saw snakes and scorpions; spent many hours being tossed around in our little truck and wished everyday we could see our families.
But all these minor inconveniences pale when you look into someone's face who just received Christ. And many of those people made a point to say thank you. Thank you for coming and caring enough to bring Jesus. And by “us” they really mean all of us; those who went and those who sent. Together Jesus has given us the honor of changing lives for eternity. | 
Andrew and Phen
Paul and Sereth passing out water filters
Paul Bradley
scorpions under log
visual Bible lesson
|
|
