Cambodia Team is Back!

The 2012 Cambodia team is back! Some people are still getting over jetlag and last-minute illnesses, so please continue praying for the team to transition back to life in the States well. Please also be praying for the team as they continue processing the trip and remembering what God showed us and taught us there, while also trying to live and incorporate it into life back home. 

There will be a team sharing time this Sunday, 9/2, at the church office (2811 Faber St. Union City, CA) @ 12:45 PM for those interested in hearing about the trip in more detail. Some food (Costco pizzas) will be provided, so please come if you have the time!

Prayer Walk

Walking down Street 136 tonight and the surrounding areas in Phnom Penh gave our team a small glimpse of the red light district.  At first, seeing foreigners being guided by women into massage parlors and women calling out to me point out how blatant prostitution can be.

As I walk further down, I hear a teammate's account of a man approaching a boy  in the middle of the street and I realize there is much more that occurs underground and behind the tinted glass windows.  

Seeing a boy and girl playfully chase each other just a block away from these scenes saddened me even further; it confirms to me that many of the sights and sounds I have seen (as well as the unseen) have already infiltrated into society as part of the "norm."

I understand there are numerous factors which contribute to prostitution and sex slavery.  I also see how the men, women, and children involved are in bondage, and sadly, this is a never ending cycle for most.  At this moment, I have to believe in the power of prayer.

I want to thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  As our team approaches the last leg of the missions trip, please continue to pray that:

-Christ will funnel and direct our thoughts and emotions (formed particularly  from tonight) and that we will pursue His will.

-We finish strong, by focusing on what is to come for our remaining days in Cambodia.

Thanks,

John

Jansport Jesus

Hi Everyone,

This is Vinod, I hope you're all well and thanks for keeping up with us on the trip!  We really appreciate your prayer.

Pastor Jamron told us weeks before we left that we need to realize that we're not "bringing Jesus" to Cambodia with us.  Jesus is fully present before we ever came and will be right here after we leave.  It's not as if I'm taking Him out of my handy Jansport backpack to show the people here and then packing Him up when we go.

This has taken a lot of pressure off of me.  I've felt very free to enjoy the hospitality that has been lavished upon us at every church we have visited.  As Pastor Brian mentioned during one of our nightly debrief sessions, I feel like a guest more than a tourist and there's been absolutely no guilt in that.  To say no to their gifts and welcoming attitudes would diminish the Christ-like behavior that our hosts have showed us.  We serve to the best of our abilities and the churches have done the same to us, it's a beautiful thing.

Prayer Requests:
1.  Headaches.  Rachel and Vicky have been feeling the effects of fatigue and extreme temperature changes and that's caused some discomfort today.  We're heading out for dinner soon so hopefully some good food and a relaxed atmosphere will help us all decompress.

2. Finishing Well.  We're headed home really soon and I hope that doesn't keep our minds from drifting beyond what's ahead of us the next couple days.  Please pray that we would remain focused and excited for the things that God still has for us to experience.

That's about all I've got.  I'm so grateful that God has kept us safe and sound.  A personal prayer request of mine was that we'd love each other as much during the trip as we did before we left.  I know I love my teammates now more than ever, HA!  Thanks again to you for praying, it's undeniable that God has been clutching us tightly.

Providence

We've finished the main part of our ministry in Battambang and learned so much about how God is working in the church in this provence.  Praise God for the opportunities we've had to partner with Vision for Cambodia.  The leaders are humble and make incredible sacrifices to do the work and share the Gospel.  As we have reflected upon each day in leading with the local church leaders and ministering to the churches, there is a common theme of providence.  There is much faith in a God that provides for their needs.  

I want to share about a story in learning this theme.  At the first local church we attended, I had an opportunity to share my testimony in front of the adult congregation.  As I was sharing, it began to rain and it grew increasingly louder.  I immediately thought to myself, "wow, someone must really not want to share my testimony."  I spoke louder and with more confidence, but the rain poured the point where the congregation could barely hear me.  Eventually, the rain died down and I finished my brief testimony about choosing to praise God even through difficult circumstances.  What I didn't know...   
was that the people were praising God for bringing the rain.  There is a severe drought in the land, just like in California, and water levels were the lowest in a long time.  The people of Cambodia need the rain.  Their water supply depends on it.  It is a basic need that I often take for granted living in the States.  It also reminded me of a verse in Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  I couldn't see, in that moment, the bigger picture of what the people needed.  It was a bit humbling, but I appreciated the reminders that God is their provider, and mine as well.  

Prayer Requests: 
* Please pray that we would have open hearts and minds to see what God would have us do in the continued work in Cambodia, and specifically in Battambang.
* Please pray for the churches we have visited as their greatest need is water.
* We have had some recent illness and injuries.  Please pray for Dorothy as she had some food poisoning and now some sickness.  Please pray for Stacey (me) as he decided a knee a marble staircase at the top of the stairs, and for Brian because of a recurring back pain that causes frequent discomfort.

Thanks!
stace

Wednesday

After driving on a long bumpy road we finally arrived at the church. The buildings are made with simple materials, but constructed with great thought and care. Three walls for the sanctuary, to allow air flow and space for the growing numbers. Windows that frame the fields right outside. Slanted roofs to catch rainfall. Big platforms for people to gather and eat. This church is nestled on flat land, surrounded by vast acres. You can see for miles and miles -- the sky is a canvas. Today, the clouds are glorious. Deep and dense. Defined by dynamic shades of grey. A spontaneous church service starts to gather for the adults, while the kids off in the distance are laughing at the skits played by our team. I slipped away so that i could hear the worship team play, for they were fervently practicing just moments before. The service focused on two things: one, to hear testimonies from the members of the church and two, to pray for the RAIN to come. The fields, the people, all thirst for water. They asked (more like told) Brian to come up and share the Word of God. As I sat there, I closed my eyes and begged God to show himself. And he did. I felt him in the wind that blew through every crack and window of the building. I heard him in Brian's voice as he boldly asked God to provide for spiritual and physical needs. I saw him in the faces of the church members as they responded in nods and Amens. We all stood up as one body, praising Him for being our provider, our savior, our daily bread. It was so powerful. And I was truly humbled. The people here have such great faith that I am learning I need. I was hoping for a dramatic rain effect as pastor Brian spoke. But it didn't. Instead all of us were filled with joy and greatly encouraged with one another.

God was faithful and God provided because an hour after we left it started to POUR RAIN. God replenished the earth with water and he overfilled my heart with hope.

Please continue to pray for us:
- That we would stay healthy and rested. Some are having a few stomach problems.
- That we would have safe travels to our next destination.
- That we would be sensitive to the spirit as the team learns more about the people and churches here in Cambodia

Rachel

Crossing an Indiana Jones-Type Bridge

In three days, I feel like my life has already changed to the point of no return. Of course, I'm an overdramatic person, but I really am praying that these things I've been learning about myself and Jesus on this trip are long-lasting and, really, life changing.

Today was our first official team stop in partnership with Vision for Cambodia. We visited a prison just outside of Battambang where our translator's mother (Pastor Long Sokim) headed up a prison ministry. We sat through five or six worship songs in Khmer (pronounced "k•mai"), three or four testimonies, a sermon from Brian, and a sermon from Pastor Long Sokim, and then passed out the food and medical supplies Vision for Cambodia had requested us bring. In short, it was a lot of sitting and listening and not understanding. Some of our team got restless and really wanted to just DO something, while others checked out or observed the baby with impeccable motor skills sitting in front of us scoop rice all over his face. The entire time, our team sat in chairs in a neat little row while 50+ prisoners (men, women, and children) sat on bright green tarp on the ground in their bright purple prison outfits. It felt a little like we were being paraded like circus animals, but it seemed the prisoners took a genuine interest in all of us.

After the prison, we got to visit Pastor Timothy's house - a typical Cambodian house church in a village right outside Battambang. The place was humble, to say the least, with about only 500 square feet of room for an entire congregation. When I saw the area, my first thought was, "Do they expect me to take my shoes off?" and then, "Where the heck do people sit during service?"

((I realize this would have a lot better context with pictures, but since I didn't bring any devices that could capture and instantly upload with me, hopefully my words can paint a really fuzzy picture for now))

In the afternoon, we ran our first children's ministry at a small village half an hour's drive from Battambang while Brian spoke to the congregation. It was at this small village filled with wooden huts on stilts and unpaved roads and chickens and cows and dogs running around that I think I began my journey in understanding what perspective means. Right as we were ending our planned activities, it started to pour cats and dogs - it literally sounded like someone was banging the toms on the tent above us that was already leaking gallons of water through the holes in the side. During one of the games at the end, a little girl maybe 8 or so came to stand at my side and then slowly inched her way into my arms. She cautiously placed her little hand in mine, and, without thinking, I gripped hers back. With that, I was instantly attached to that little girl. She wouldn't let go of my hand until we literally got separated by a blockade of chairs, and then found me again on the other side and grasped my hands with both of hers, hugging it tightly to her chest. Honestly, it felt pretty darn nice to be so simply loved by a little girl who just met me and knew nothing about me other than the fact that I was a loud leader and maniacal dancer.

Then the rules we had established as a team popped into my head: Don't hug or touch the kids. I was suddenly extremely conscious of the little girl looking up at me just wanting me to love her back, and of the fact that another little girl had found my hand with hers, and was also clinging on as if I were her mother. Upon such a realization, I turned to Victor and asked, "I'm breaking all the rules with this, huh?" He nodded and sadly told me it would be best if I could detach myself from them and not let it happen anymore.

Thinking it over, I realized that my giving such temporary and misunderstood affection for them would only deter them from truly connecting with someone who could invest in their lives and growth. By trying to make them feel good with my extremely short time spent giving them attention, I was playing into my own ego and desire to feel needed as well. Back at our hotel, Victor had a good talk with me where he challenged me to start seeing things from a different perspective, with different understandings. I had come to Cambodia hoping to learn and observe and understand the people and their culture, thinking I could do so by pretending to be as not tourist-y and not American as possible, but never thought about how that mindset, and the mindset of needing to serve and not be served was just a way to play into my own pride of feeling useful and needed. The fact that I was uncomfortable with being treated like a royal guest was just proof that maybe, subconsciously, I didn't think they were at a level where I could accept their service and lavish love. My mindset for the whole trip has really changed, and my understanding of how to be an honored guest with the right attitude has really altered, too. I'm reminded of the widow that Jesus noticed as she was putting her two copper coins into the offering box and can see that Jesus would have said the same of the prisoners and village church we visited today. I can't help but think Jesus would have referred to me today as He did the Pharisees that day, too. I, who have everything I could ever need and want, think that I could do so much or offer so much with my 10% tithe and short term missions trips to Cambodia, while I'm doing it to feel good and maybe even be noticed. But these people gave out of their poverty and because they genuinely and simply want to love us and treat us as the honored guests we are. And not only do I not accept, I make them out to be poorer than they are in believing that they can't possibly serve someone like me? Jesus would have been shaking His head at me the way He shook His head at the Pharisees who scorned the woman's two copper coins.

Today, I truly began learning about what perspective means - to see things not as Western culture sees, not as I see, not even as Cambodian culture sees, but as Jesus sees. Sitting at that prison was not just a time of sitting, then, but a time of receiving what the prisoners had to offer. Seeing Pastor Timothy's house was not just a time to observe how much more money he needs to finish the roof of his expanded walls, but a time to marvel at how God was using the Cambodian people to bless the Cambodian people. And letting go of that little girl's hand was more than simply letting go of a little girl's hand - it was letting go of my pride, personal agenda, and rose-colored glasses to see the world, and allowing Jesus to really give me His vision for Cambodia

in His grace,
Vicky Lin

From Phnom Penh to Battambang

(Sunday) As we flew into Phnom Penh, we looked out our windows to see a vast expanse of tropical green, cut across by large brown rivers. Concentrated in pockets were rice fields etched into the ground, and buildings with rust and brightly blue covered roofs. And when we landed, a surge of excitement and sense of gravity hit me: We are in Cambodia.

After settling in the Comfort Star Hotel (purportedly one of the many hotels that is friendly to prostitution) we visited Tuol Sleng, a school that was converted into one of the many prisons that Pol Pot setup to detain, interrogate, and torture those under his regime. 20,000 people were kept and killed here. It was chilling to see the rooms, the metal bed frames on which men and women were tied to, and the playground that was turned into a torture machine. It was all too easy to imagine. We walked into one room that displayed the mug shots of all those who were processed at Tuol Sleng, and it was so many, I struggled to keep myself from simply being desensitized to the faces. Other photos showed the grotesque scene that was discovered after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.

We also visited the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - a name fittingly cold for one of the 300 killing fields, or mass extermination sites and graves scattered throughout Cambodia. Despite seeing strips of clothing, bones, and teeth not only in glass presentation cases, but also sticking out from beneath the dirt walk path, it was hard to fathom the calculated and massive cruelty.

Some of us walked away wondering how such a massive holocaust could have been allowed. Others of us felt ashamed at how little we knew about such a recent massacre - and how complicit our country had been in recognizing Pol Pot's regime. I left having hard questions about Cambodia has been and is seeking to move forward. Is there a movement to seek justice? forgiveness? reconciliation? Or was the horror so great that many have tried to leave the past silent and untouched in the past? What does it even mean that Cambodia is moving forward? I struggle to wrap my mind around not only what happened, but also what is happening now - trying to let Cambodia's past and present speak for itself rather than trying to fit it into categories that are convenient for me.

That was yesterday.


Today, we made the 6 hour drive to Battambang where we will be spending the bulk of our week. We met with one of the apostolic leaders of Vision for Cambodia. One of the pastors, Pastor Timothy, was the man who led the only top Khmer Rouge leader to Christ; he has since been the only man in the entire Pol Pot regime to confess to his crimes and continues strong in his faith, even as he is in prison. One of the other pastors began in the local prison; she began by discipling one new Christian in the prison - and now 2/3 of the hundreds of prisoners have now come to Christ.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), we will be ministering in the prison. I will be preaching and sharing about why we are in Cambodia. We will be handing out care packages as well. We will also be spending time with one of the local village churches, worshiping, preaching, leading kids ministry, and visiting people's homes.

Please pray for us!
* For energy. We haven't yet adjusted to the time zone, we wake up very early, but get tired very early as well.
* That I will be able to encourage the prisoners and the village churches with the Word of God.
* That our children's ministry will connect with the kids.
* That we will be good and Christ-like guests.
* That we will see, hear, participate in, and learn what God leads us to. There is so much to take in, but what do we make of it?

-Brian