Psalm 100 Reflections

Psalm 100

New International Version (NIV)
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.2     Worship the Lord with gladness;    come before him with joyful songs.3 Know that the Lord is God.    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving    and his courts with praise;    give thanks to him and praise his name.5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

When I read this Psalm today I a lot of connections were made for me between it and what God is really trying to teach me through the Bible studies, sermons, and experiences I am having right now.  

1. First I should "Know...God"

2. I'm a dumb (helpless) sheep, but I live in God's pasture and that's why I am okay!

3. God is faithful in loving me - forever! 

Read it from a different translation:

Psalm 100

New Century Version (NCV)

A Call to Praise the Lord

A psalm of thanks.

1 Shout to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serve the Lord with joy;

    come before him with singing.

3 Know that the Lord is God.

    He made us, and we belong to him;

    we are his people, the sheep he tends.

4 Come into his city with songs of thanksgiving

    and into his courtyards with songs of praise.

    Thank him and praise his name.

5 The Lord is good. His love is forever,

    and his loyalty goes on and on.

Life is supposed to be happy, and I have noticed my happiest moments are when I am completely and utterly focused on knowing the Lord.  My deepest depressions and fears come when I am distracted by images, activities, and sin that are contrary or absent of God.  

A side note: how do you worship?  Is it loud?  Is it with shouts?  Or are you one of those people who shy away cause you "can't" sing???  This psalm challenges us to be loudly proclaiming our excitement about who He is and what He has done for us.  

I like how the NCV puts verse 3 concerning us, "the sheep He tends."  God is tending to our needs, tending to our mistakes, and tending to our hearts that need cleansing.  He does that through Jesus at the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  It's not a once and done deal (getting dunked in the water is crucial, but it's not the finish line).  God is "tending" to us every day.

I have a dog, she isn't very well trained, but I know she loves me very very much.  The problem is I don't think she is very loyal to me.  Whoever comes out and feeds her, pets her, and shows her attention - boy that's her favorite person right then.  She shows her love and affection immediately to me when I come out, but she does that to almost everyone who does.  Well God isn't like that, He does love no matter what - but He is also "loyal", and when God is loyal He expects us to be loyal too.  God doesn't get distracted like my dog does, He doesn't leave loving us just because someone better walked into the room.  His "loyalty goes on and on." 

Pray for Cambodia 

-That they would know God

-That they would let the good shepherd guide them

-And that they would experience the everlasting love of our faithful God

Psalm 95 reflections

As I continue to find myself touched by the experience in Cambodia, I want to continue using it to reflect on the Psalms I read.  During the first week of being home I taught Wednesday night Bible study (day after I got home actually), preached Sunday night, and watched like three new movies in the theater.  Now you might say I was little crazy with the movies, but I was in relax mode since my body clock was all messed up any way I enjoyed the craziness.

But you know what I enjoyed even more than all those movies?  It was the study of God's Word!  I study it often, and I didn't actually spend an unusual amount of time (couldn't the movies took up so much, along with the 10+ hours of sleep each time that ended around noon or so some days).  The reason I enjoyed it so much was because I felt God really speaking to me, sure I was creating lessons for other people, trying to be prepared to lead a discussion through some classic stories in Israel's history, but the fact of the matter was I was learning.

This Psalm really explains what I felt at the beginning, relates to the stories we studied the last two weeks on Wednesday nights (Wilderness Wanderings), and challenges my life:


Psalm 95
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
7 for he is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,
8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
    as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors tested me;
    they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
    I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
    and they have not known my ways.’
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

So, we are God's people, the sheep under His care.  And the challenge to our lives is to "hear" His voice and react differently than people have in the past.  I know you've read the Bible over and over (and if you haven't well Today's always a great day to start), you've heard the stories of the Exodus, David, Jesus...etc but have you hardened your heart?  Are you walking aimlessly in a desert of despair or sadness?  Or are you entering into the very real "rest" of God here and now!

In Cambodia I was challenged by our Sunday worship service experiences.  And on the plane ride back I worked on my sermon for the Sunday night I was preaching right away.  I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to preach on Worship, and how we need to be focused on glorifying God through our lives and relationships not just with the songs we sing on Sunday.  The text we studied that Sunday night was Colossians 3:12-17.

Don't test the Lord your God rather come before the Lord our maker with sincere songs, that you sing from your heart every day and are evident by the behaviors, actions, and relationships you have!

Travel Home - Day 21 and 22

Searching back in my memory for what happened after Sunday.  We had a blast Sunday afternoon going shopping at the Russian market.  I got a banner that is made by an NGO with both Khmer and English translations of Romans 12:2.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

-Romans 12:2 NIV

I am hoping to add onto our missions board in the church foyer a segment on Cambodia.  I am super excited about ordering shirts, engaging with Agape International Missions more, and seeing where God leads us as a church in praying for Cambodia.  

At the Russian market Janel and I bought "Same same but different" shirts.  We had fun walking around and experiencing what shopping is like in Cambodia.  Most of our team was all shopped out from the beginning of the trip and buying stuff at Raphas house.  We still were able to have fun shopping for trinkets and gifts for our friends, family, and supporters.  

That evening we walked down and had dinner at a restaurant along the main river drag.  I sat up on the balcony for the last time and listened again to the sounds and smelled the smells of Phnom Penh, it finally dawned how fast the trip really had gone and how ready I was to be home.  Summer was beginning for everyone, others had already been enjoying it, and I was stoked to get back and start in on all the plans I have for this Summer.  

Monday morning was a lazy one we did go down for breakfast, after I finished packing all my stuff away.  Christian was still feeling very sick, but had antibiotics that were starting to finally do their job.  We stored all the bags in my room with Christian and checked out of all the other hotel rooms.  Our flight out of Phnom Penh to Seoul, Korea was at 11:55pm.  So we took the morning to walk down by the Palace (which was unfortunately closed that day).  We got rained on, I mean soaked thru and thru on our way to getting on the bus.  From there we had lunch at Sorya mall, a really new and cool mall in the middle of town.  Our plan included spending quite a while there at the mall and we got ice cream and had fun just hanging out, even walked down a few blocks back to the Central Market which is a little different than the Russian Market in terms of merchandise.

Monday evening we spent some time with Joe Conway again.  He was gonna take us bowling but the alley had closed down a couple weeks before (but he didn't know, it was so funny to show up and see a pile of rubble expecting to see a bowling alley!)  Dinner was at the airport, Burger King.  And it really did taste very legit.  We arrived really early to the airport, but in many ways we were all ready to be there and anxious to get on the plane.

The airport in Seoul is actually called Incheon.  It is about an hour outside of Seoul.  Our layover was listed at nearly 10 hours!  So the airlines paid for us to take about a 4 hour tour of Seoul.  We saw the Blue house (the presidents palace, or similar to the White House).  After that we went to a pagoda (or temple) right smack dab in the middle of the city.  Lunch was included at a traditional Korean barbecue.  Very delicious boggy beaf and rice.  We did get a chance to wander the shopping district for about half an hour, but didn't end up buying anything.  On our bus ride back to the airport the entire team slept.  The seats were a lot more comfortable in many ways than the seats on the plane even.  I think it had to do with the amount they leaned back.  I would like to visit Korea again, and for longer I think.

In the airport we found the really nice and up to date free lounge area.  It had a movie theater, free showers, and sofa chairs (or at least that's the best way I can think of describing them).  I slept for a couple hours there, took a shower, and found some good food at a Starbucks!  That rest really helped with the long flight home.  I felt really good when we got to Seattle.

In Seattle I had to say goodbye to Janel, she flew from there to LA.  It was a blast being on the same trip together, and it was nice to have that extended time with her instead of just saying good bye back in May.  The flight into Eugene was nice, except for the fact I was really cold!  I gave my shoes all away to Rahab's house along with a few shirts, so all I had were my flip flops, which worked great in the security line (when you have to take your shoes on and off) but were a little chilly on the plane rides.

When I arrived home, mom and Hans were there to greet me, and my aunt Lynn and cousin Shawna too!  It was fun seeing all the teams families and friends coming down to support.  When I landed I also thought of all of you, and the support you gave in prayer and by reading this blog.

Thank you thank you!!!

The last week and a half have been my Sabbath of Rest.  I really took the days to enjoy catching up with my mom, spending time in my Bible, and sleeping a lot.  The body needs rest, and so does the mind and spirit.  Here is a Psalm I suggest for your Sabbath of Rest - and if you don't take one ever, I challenge you to find a way to build that into your life.  Maybe you're like my Aunt and Uncle who take a 10 day camping trip every year, or like my family who enjoy a week long ski trip each year.  It doesn't have to even be out of town, it could be like mine was recently.  I went to the movies, and enjoyed being around home with little plans but plenty of opportunity to rest.

Psalm 92 NIV


1 It is good to praise the Lord
    and make music to your name, O Most High,
2 proclaiming your love in the morning
    and your faithfulness at night,
3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
    and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
    I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
5 How great are your works, Lord,
    how profound your thoughts!
6 Senseless people do not know,
    fools do not understand,
7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
    and all evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, Lord, are forever exalted.
9 For surely your enemies, Lord,
    surely your enemies will perish;
    all evildoers will be scattered.
10 You have exalted my horn[b] like that of a wild ox;
    fine oils have been poured on me.
11 My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
    my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.
12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
13 planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Find rest in God your rock this week!

Sunday, church at Rahab's - Day 20

This really marked the end of our trip.  My friend Christian was very sick and that was a rough way to end the trip.  Breakfast was normal and I grabbed my water bottle headed to the bus.  I wore my slacks and dress shirt again which is always hotter than normal, but nothing could really have been cool in that sanctuary where we met.  I was familiar with the sanctuary, it was where we taught the kids.

We pulled up a few minutes after 8am, and church had already started.  We filed into the very packed room full of chairs and easily a couple hundred Cambodians.  They were singing their hearts out! The disciples that I had been serving, and playing with all week were there and leading the worship.  Standing in front of me was the relentless energy I could hardly believe was possible.  These kids, in some regards, were so passionate about Jesus I couldn't help but be too! After standing some we also sat down and sang.  I realized my pants were grey and they really showed the "sweat" (note to self, grey is not the color for hot situations).  I was sweating so much my pants were changing color.  None of that distracted me from the experience.

The worship was so good because of the relationships we had developed throughout the week before serving with them.  The pastor got up to preach and engaged us with a few english phrases worked into his sermon, even "same same but different" which is a classic Southeast Asian phrase found on t-shirts in the markets.  After the first couple minutes of the sermon I realized I was hearing english too! Rattanak and Darie were sitting on either side of me a few people away, translating for me and my teammates.  They poured their hearts into the sermon too, it was more than a translation!  One of the better sermons I've sat through in a while.

We sang our song, Open the Eyes of My Heart.  Phillip LaRue led us in a worship song and sang a song he wrote about human trafficking with his wife, very powerful and beautiful.  Pastor Troy also shared a short message with his box illustration about us being hidden with God in Christ.  The mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory from Colossians chapter 1.  It tied in with the local pastors lesson perfectly, which was titled "Living for the Glory of God".

My reading of the Psalms just went past Psalm 91.  This was my grandmothers favorite Psalm.  She has passed away.  I truly believe she lived for the glory of God!  She also shared a lot of the travel memories with me.  We were room buddies in Norway, motorhome pals in Australia and New Zealand, and I will still always call 747 jets "grammie planes".  I miss her, this Psalm is in KJV as she always quoted it that way.

Psalm 91 KJV


1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

I hope you hear the message my grandmother impressed onto me: Trust in God, make Him your refuge and dwelling place!

Be blessed this day by the Almighty.

Saturday Debrief - Day 19

Saturday was a reflection day.  It is funny to reflect on the reflection actually, so in writing this post I will share several of the things I reflected upon and give you an idea of what our teams debrief was like as best I can.

The morning was very nice, we were given an extra hour to get down for breakfast.  I enjoyed as always visiting with Dinah (our waiter) and the other restaurant staff.  Our mornings had become a routine of "1 lime juice, and banana pancake...thank you..."  Dinah was the hotel owners brother and had worked there for more than a decade.  Friendly guy, all of them were.  The food was so so some of the time, but the smiles made it well worth it.

After our breakfast routine we headed out in the bus to the Cambodia Women's Crisis Center.  There we got a chance to hear a presentation covering issues ranging from domestic violence to trafficking.  This NGO (non governmental organization) worked hard to prosecute and even counsel men who were abusive.  Our visit was fairly short, but it was good to see another organization involved in the care of trafficked and abused girls.

Our lunch was at Divine Pizza and Ribs again. Our friend Joe really treated us like family. And we were so blessed by him. He joined us for dinner several nights too. After we ate we turned to some reflections:

Expectations - things were different than I had expected. I really under expected the experience with AIM ministries and especially Don Brewster.

What surprised you? - the disciples at Rahabs house, they are the real deal!

Hardest part? - being at Raphas house and Agape's Restoration Center. Not knowing how to interact with the abused girls, being that I am a guy.

Aha moment? - sitting with Darie, who asked: why do you know God?

How did God grow you? - I learned more about relating with my peers to experiences overseas and dealing with ministry reflections.

Action items-
1. Get a hold of Isaac from ATC and get shirts made
2. Share at 3 churches over the next year
3. Get in touch with local Eugene Sex trafficking prevention work

How to remember?- Like Agape's facebook page, connect with staff, and add Cambodia to mission board in church foyer.

How will you live differntly? - I will take Daries advice and sing more Jesus songs.

Psalm 89:1-8 NIV

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. [2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. [3] You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, [4] ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’ ” [5] The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. [6] For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? [7] In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. [8] Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

This psalm speaks to that last point of our teams reflections. I am excited to live passionately now that I am home from Cambodia!

Grace to you!

Friday Kids club - Day 18

It's the final day of ministry at Svay Pak. A mixture of joy and depression. Last night we ate at a fun place called Freebird, but the Shwarma I ate did not sit well in my tummy. Without grossing you out, I got very very sick that night and was in pretty bad straights all day. Still pushed through and participated in almost everything at kids club even. God is a God of strength! There was some filling up and overflowing of the Holy Spirit happening in Cambodia!

I woke up and took some medicine that helped, our team calls them the magic pills. The reality is they are prescription meds for early signs of dysentery, needless to say it really solved my problems, I can happily say I am feeling 100% now after a day or so. 

After a very brief breakfast we took our normal route to Svay Pak. Driving past now familiar sights, I feel a strong connection to this little village on the skirts of Phnom Penh. I know some of the stories of people who live near by, I teach some of the children that come from the houses I passed, and I know the loving disciples at Rahabs house who are ministering to them just like I am trying to minister to the community of Eugene and Springfield. 

We arrived close to 9am this time and I took the opportunity to walk a little and pray. I prayed as best I could with my head and stomach hurting. I was dehydrated because I wasn't drinking as much water as normal, but I was afraid to drink because I had thrown up in the night and still felt queasy. My walk ended with me sitting in my normal spot amongst the children watching cartoons. I ministered again through the gift of joy through art. This time being able to simply sit and observe them work diligently over the art they created. I prayed over the kids, sometimes reflecting on what Jesus would have done, would he have sat them down and told them a Bible story? What can I do? I don't speak their language, I am not prepared, what can I do? I am putting this in writing here so that I will execute on this: I want to have a children's picture Bible app on my iPad. Either as something I have created myself...(PowerPoint or something) or an actual app that someone has designed for mission trips as an easy way to tell stories without words or speaking the same language. The joy of The Lord is still the most powerful tool, and God gave me the strength to smile and share that joy through even my limited usefulness of my iPad. Here is some of their work:

Amazing what God has created, He instilled creativity! And I am continually amazed by the children, the talents, and the love that comes from God's best design: His Children. I found the hardship of these kids so profound and overwhelming. What possibly can be done to help them? And then I look around at the impact Rahabs house has made. AIM is changing not just some hearts in the community but actually changing the landscape too! Because of AIM old brothels are now used to teach children and house rescued girls. Because of AIM there is a factory employing at risk or rescued girls. Because of AIM visitors like Nick Vuijic come. God is working through organizations like AIM to change and affect communities!

Today I taught the lesson in kids club. The story I chose was the Prodigal son. Troy our campus pastor and group leader was the father and his son Chase played the prodigal. It was a blast working one more time translating with Rattanak. The theme was neighbors are welcoming. The father welcomes his son back, even when he was foolish and unwise; this is what God does for us! He welcomes us back from sin and foolish choices, like the prodigal's story of gambling and party lifestyle, we end up crashing from the high life of money and fame. Realizing that in many ways this story is the real life experience of the kids I was teaching made it come even more alive! The difference though was that the father welcomed the son back, in the culture and the village around Rahabs house fathers are not so forgiving, loving, and caring. Instead the children often learn the foolish behaviors from their fathers who sit outside all day drinking coffee, playing cards, gambling, smoking, drinking...etc I was shocked walking around even this small community at how many parents, despite their poor living conditions, were not working. They did not pay attention to their children, instead kids just ran about on the brick, glass, and garbage infested streets, that were not paved either. This is not the picture we get in the story Jesus told, instead we see a father who is longing for his son to return. He is standing, watching, waiting, and hoping to see his son again. When he does there is action behind his watching - earnest action - the father runs and embraces his son, and gives him a big kiss! The affection of the father is what God the Heavenly Father has for us. 

Psalm 80:1-19 NIV

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth [2] before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. [3] Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. [4] How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? [5] You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. [6] You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. [7] Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. [8] You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. [9] You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. [10] The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. [11] Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River. [12] Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes? [13] Boars from the forest ravage it, and insects from the fields feed on it. [14] Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine, [15] the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself. [16] Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish. [17] Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. [18] Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. [19] Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

We served at Agape's Rahab house, but earlier on we did visit Agape's restoration center. I believe the name for their safe house (ARC) having restoration in the title was a great choice. The work in these broken communities is what this Psalm is talking about.  Cambodia needs God's face to shine upon them, they need restoration, and this comes through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord restore you as you call on His Name!

Thursday kids club - Day 17

Today we got to sleep in! It was really good, because last night I stayed up really late skyping with my parents. It was good talking with them and catching up on the goings on at home. The morning came really early. Breakfast was my usual: lime juice and banana pancake. We piled in the bus and headed out about a half hour later than usual. At Rahabs I spent the morning writing some of my blog and reading Psalms. I read out where the kids watch tv. Just like the day before it only took a few minutes and I had a whole crowd around me. 

This time I decided to try drawing a picture. They really got into it and helped me draw this picture:

After I showed them how a couple of the boys really got into it. They drew these on their own while I held the iPad:

 

 

It was lots of fun seeing them find joy in a simple whiteboard application. 

Every day this week I have eaten at the same table with several of the boy disciples. Rat Ti is thirteen and we sit next to each other. His english wasn't great, but we shared smiles and laughs. The simple ministry of being present with people is worth far more than we consciously think. I found myself touched over and over by the questions, care, and concern for me that the local staff and disciples had. Wanting to know how I was feeling, if I liked the food, and other really trivial stuff about my experience in Cambodia. They especially wanted to know if I had been here before, so I got to share with several my childhood story of living in Vietnam. As I said before, many of the families in Svay Pak are Vietnamese so the staff actually speak some Vietnamese too. I made a few special friendships by sharing some Vietnamese words back and forth during Volleyball and goodbyes.

Our kids club today was on neighbors are forgiving. Kelsay taught the lesson of Zacheus during the story time and I taught them Deep and Wide in the singing time. We sang the Grow song again too, and they loved it all over again. I noticed today how consistent the disciples are in their ministry. 4 days into kids club and there was no waning in the energy or joy. I have that kinda energy when I'm directing my youth rally, or at summer camp, but thinking about doing that almost every day of the week, all year round! I was totally impressed. 

Psalm 79:1-13 NIV

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. [2] They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. [3] They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. [4] We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us. [5] How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? [6] Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; [7] for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. [8] Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. [9] Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. [10] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. [11] May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die. [12] Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord. [13] Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.

This is one of the Psalms I read sitting out amongst the children. I felt the meaning really rising from the situation facing Cambodia. This idea that evil has invaded God's temple, in the new covenant the church is the temple of the living God. People are God's sacred space, and here in Cambodia their lives are not respected. Girls are abused, trafficked, sold, enslaved, and murdered by Cambodian men and foreigners taking advantage of the broken laws here. I can only imagine the questions the church here is asking, the questions of God that the disciples are asking...Why oh God would you allow this? Will you be angry with my country forever? Will you not restore us again, will you not help us for the glory of your name? Like the psalmist asks, they plead with God to hear the groans of the prisoners. I met some crazy strong servants of Jesus here and I would love to come back and see generation after generation that are proclaiming like this one is the praise of YHWH God! 

There wasn't the regular group of volleyball players again so I joined in playing soccer and just never quite. I ran around and kicked at the ball (hitting it some of the time) mostly enjoying fun times with the kids and some of the adults from the village. Physical exercise really is good for your spirit too. I found that the days I worked harder physically I felt better spiritually. 

May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

Wednesday kids club - Day 16

Waking up I was very sore, which means I'm working hard. This morning I hung out in the main entrance where we eat food. They have a tv out there with cartoons on while the kids are waiting for activities to start. Most of the kids come in from the community in the afternoon, but some of the kids live right next door and go to school all day at Rahabs house. So there's always kids coming and going throughout the day. For most of the morning I sat and visited with one of the disciples, she is really on fire for God. Knows her Bible and had some great questions for me about: how did you come to know God? What is the church like in America? The days here are like one big devotional! It's like having VBS every day! The disciples have a leader devotional in the morning, they spend time praying, and leading a kids bible club. 

Today was a special day with extra flurry of activity! Nick Vujic came and spoke. Nick has no arms or legs. He was born that way and his testimony is profound. Like Paul in Romans 1:16, Nick is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! He talked to the kids, staff, and community gathered here, let them ask questions, and gave everyone who wanted one a hug. The joy he had was contagious! See his story here: 

Our team was blessed to be here when he came to visit. We got a special audience in the office with him, got to take a group picture, and we got to pray for him and his team. He is married and has a 3 month old baby, and so we prayed for his family especially because of all the traveling he has planned. We prayed for the spread of the gospel, and for special dream of his about getting millions to donate just $1 a month to a fund that would be used to generate economic growth, stop human trafficking, and relieve poverty in places like Cambodia. 

Our afternoon was amazing. I got to ride with the van to pick up the children at the riverside, brick factories, and other neighborhoods about 5 minutes away from here. We bring usually two van loads of about 20-30 each trip. Lots of the kids do live within walking distance, but these kids we pick up are even more poor than the kids living next to Rahabs house. I went on both trips. The first time I had kids all over me, sitting on my lap, petting my arm hair, and hitting the back of my head or shoulders. It was a really full van. The second trip out after dropping off the first group I got out of the van and walked with Janel and two of the disciples. We passed so many kids, parents, and grandparents. It is hard to imagine parents being complicit, or worse the perpetrators themselves, of trafficking their own kids. Now it is was obvious not all of the kids were being trafficked, but they were and are at an extremely high risk. Not only is trafficking a problem but simple sanitization does not exist, very little children are naked in the street running around on uneven brick infested ground that is perilous for even shoed people. Standing water, no refrigeration for food, animals running loose, and bad drinking water - it's not just the trafficking piece that moves you to compassion here, but the overwhelming poverty and apathy to it that hurts deep. 

Why would God allow this here? Why would he allow it on the planet period?  Listen:

Psalm 75:1-10 NIV

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. [2] You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. [3] When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. [4] To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. [5] Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. ’ ” [6] No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. [7] It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. [8] In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. [9] As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, [10] who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

I have observed in my missions here that even in the darkest corners of the world there are people lifting up praise. These are the people who are joyful, because they have hope! And they don't shy away from singing about Jesus and God! Our mission is not to "fix the world" ourselves, or compel God to "act", no! God is in charge, he appoints the time to act and judge. Our job is to declare forever the faithfulness of God's justice and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ! 

Today's Kids club was a blast. We taught the lesson of the Good Samaritan, teaching that neighbors are bold. I taught them some songs with hand motions: Jesus Loves Me and The Growing song. Many of them knew Jesus loves me already but the hand motions were new. Read your bible and pray ever day and you'll grow, grow, grow was new for them, but they picked it up really quick and loved it. I led several songs during the closing time, and we enjoyed singing Peel Banana together too. Kids are awesome and don't require you to have everything perfect or smooth, just put a big smile on and invite them to join you. 

Volleyball was more relaxed today after kids club and I got a chance to play with a few more of the staff since the volleyball team was traveling. Several of the disciples now know I speak a little Vietnamese and so we share a few words back and forth: how are you? I'm fine thank you. Sorry. See you tomorrow...etc simple but fun, they laugh like crazy.

Grace and peace!

Tuesday kids club - Day 15

Morning started early again. Monday I toured the facility with a small group while classes were led and taught by others in the team. I learned a lot about Agape's work here in Phnom Penh, their dreams for the future, and some of the problems they face. Troy was able to tell me about all the changes that have been made from garbage dumps to gardens, brothels to safe houses - the transformation is amazing, and yet there are still a lot of evil present in this small community. On our tour and walk I prayed, one of the more powerful prayer walks I have been on. 

Tuesday morning was different, this time I went with Troy to the soccer field and got roped into playing a pick up game with the kids. These boys are amazing! I am not very good at soccer but I had a blast and worked hard. I played and watched for an hour and a half. It was really hot. 

I wish I had pictures to show you, but you'll have to understand my word pictures since I don't carry a camera on me during this part of the trip. Before lunch a small group of us went back out to the soccer field to pick up garbage. We picked up over 5 bags of garbage over two days. This is not the same concept as "dirty" fields in the states. Imagine this, every kid buys a drink, candy, or water bottle and bring them to the soccer field. After consuming they just tossing them all on the ground, half eaten sometimes. Almost every day they come and play outside, and the trash never gets cleaned up! You can see where plastic bags or cups have become part of the ground because of being smashed in to the grass and ground. Often a team will come in and help clean up a section of their land, and so we decided to help with the main part of the soccer and volleyball fields. It looks a lot better, seems like a surface ministry - just picking up garbage big woop - but we did it for the leaders, the disciples, and as an example to the village. We are the spark that can help get their fire back burning brighter. 

I was thinking about how important and inspirational having a guest speaker is at a church, and how short term missions is very similar. Long term is always lauded as more effective, but there is truth in the need for short term missions to be that igniter. Consider this Psalm:

Psalm 70:1-5 NIV

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. [2] May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. [3] May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. [4] But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” [5] But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

Do you ever pray with urgency? Needs are real here, life is actually hard, people really need God...but we do too! Like the Apostle John, I pray "come Lord Jesus, come!" Come quickly to turn around the injustice and poverty I see. Come quickly to solve the stress, depression, and apathy. Come quickly to mend broken families, lives and hearts. Come quickly to make things new. For now I will live as Jesus did, I will declare, "The Lord is great!" For it is God who delivers the slaves, the trafficking victims, and heals countries. He restores by sending out His messengers: you and me! Short term or long term, burning coals or igniting sparks: 

Hebrews 1:7 NIV

In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”

Angel means messenger, and in some cases I believe I have met angels in my short experience of global missions. Experiences with people that were such a God send! But my main emphasis in bringing up this verse was to say: we are His servants and we are called flames of fire. How are we burning people? Bonfire? Or city limits marshmallow roaster with one piece of wood? Set fire to the rain - to quote a contemporary music artist. 

To finish about my day. Kids club was again in the afternoon. Kelsay, a communication major on our team, taught the bible story about Elijah and the widow in Zerephath. We taught the kids that neighbors are giving. After kids club we went to the volleyball courts and played some intense volleyball. I even joined the coach and Janel for several drills. I ended up being the setter for that piece. I'm still in need of some serious training but that's okay, I have fun and try to keep up her! That's a huge part of life: finding common joy.

May the joy of The Lord fill you up with strength and courage in Jesus Name!

Rahab's House kids club - Day 14

Today was the first time we arrived in Svay Pak. Day 1 of the kids club where we are leading a VBS. The kids are awesome here. Rahab's house is a ministry by Agape International Missions to reach out to a very poor neighborhood (or village really) in the outskirts of Phnom Penh. They help at risk or rescued kids that are predominately Vietnamese, but have lived here there whole life. The Svay Pak community has a lot of Vietnamese families in it, but they speak Khemer mostly because all the schools don't teach Vietnamese. Rahab's house has a school in it for many of the kids in the community, the building is a flurry of activity from 8am on until late afternoon. 

There are some AIM directors here working with Don and Bridget Brewster that are Americans, but they have a very large local staff too. The Pastors wife is the main cook, Rattanak is one of the youth pastors, and there are probably 20 disciples (young leaders, who help with kids club). Rattanak is an awesome leader, he teaches the kids really, really well. Lots of energy, he speaks English, Khemer, and some Vietnamese. I am enjoying working with him and hearing his heart for these kids and people here. 

At kids club I taught the first days lesson. I taught about Abraham and the 3 visitors. We are teaching the kids about being neighbors who are Friendly, Give, who are Bold, Forgive, and who Welcome others. The lesson was fun to do with Rattanak translating. He is really good and puts his own voices and style into teaching which is lots of fun to work with. 

After kids club we went out and played volleyball with many of the helpers (disciples) and a volleyball club that practices at the same field. Janel was really excited about playing. There were two groups, one with all the "good" players and the other one just for fun. Janel and I played with the volleyball coach and several of the good volleyball players. Rattanak also played with us. 

Long day of fun and getting to the heart of our ministry time here. Simply visiting, saying hello, and praying is a huge part of showing the people here the love of Jesus. 

Psalm 67:1-7 NIV

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us--- [2] so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. [3] May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. [4] May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. [5] May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. [6] The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. [7] May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Receive God's blessing this week and make known to your friends what God has done! 

New Life Fellowship - Day 13

Sunday morning, truly every day is the day The Lord has made, but this Sunday was one I felt that more so.  Worship with NLF Phnom Penh was awesome.  I had worshiped there once before in 2007.  Coming back was amazing, it felt good and strange. Almost deja vu....ish. This time they even had headsets for english speakers with a translator (like what you see in the U.N. I felt very special.  Many of my team was feeling very ill.  Most have recovered but a couple are still down with stomach issues, prayers are definitely a request. 

The lesson was brought by an American who was doing a workshop over the weekend and then heading out to the villages outside Phnom Penh.  The sermon was kinda his conclusion to the events of Saturday.  In it he talked about Community and the very necessary need we have for community and also how that can be a positive and negative force in our faith.  

After church we spent the afternoon at a pizza place called "Divine Pizza & Ribs" very good place. Troy's friend Joe, who we met in Battambang, manages the place. After lunch we spent some time planning about our VBS we are putting on Monday thru Friday. Agape International Missions has a house called Rahab's house just outside of Phnom Penh and they host kids club every weekday for the village children from 2pm - 3:30pm. We are joined this week by a team from William Jessup University, a Christian college that Troy actually taught at before coming to Eugene. Joe Womack, our president, was the Vice President at William Jessup first too. Their team leaders actually came o Cambodia with Troy several years ago, so it's pretty cool having an extra 9 or so volunteers to help with the controlled chaos that is called Kids club. 

This psalm rang true to my feelings today - 

Psalm 62:1-2,5,10-12 NIV

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. [2] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. [5] Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. [10] Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. [11] One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, [12] and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

I found myself pouring not just my voice into worship at NLF but my heart. I rested in knowing that God's love is enough, that He is everything. I found myself for the first time this trip completely forgetting where I was, what I was doing and just being completely in the presence of God. I realized that the rest I need so desperately is not from the heat here in Cambodia, or the homework at college, or even the drama in ministry - no what I need is rest from my worrying mind. I need rest from being my own boss. I found rest Sunday in God, "truly he is my rock and my salvation...my fortress...my hope comes from him."

The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make his make his face shine upon you and be gracious toward you! 

Agape Restoration Ministries - Day 12

Saturday morning we had a group devotional after breakfast. The last couple mornings I have been eating a pancake with banana every morning. It is actually really tasty. At the devo this morning Jason shared a Psalm with us and we sang a few worship songs. Singing together is great, I really love worship that is wholistic, realizing that I'm singing but also going out later in the day and serving other people.

About 10am we arrived at an Agape International Missions safe house. The directors were very nice and gave a tour of their facility. Again we aren't allowed pictures or to tell details, but I will tell you that the smiling faces of the girls were a big sign of hope that is so desperately needed here. After visiting the killing fields the day before, we were in a sort of depression as a team, but visiting and playing games with the rescued girls was awesome! Their joy was expressed through dance, song, smiles, and energy. We spent about 2 concentrated hours with the girls and staff. We made visors, flower leis, and played a matching game. 

A change of scenery in the afternoon, we took a break and enjoyed some baked goods. We ate cupcakes at Phnom Penhs famous Bloom cafe. It was a good rest after a long morning. While some rested in Bloom enjoying the free wifi, good food, and fun drinks; several of us walked to a local bookstore. This team has several education majors on it, so they got into looking at the funny children's books. In the evening several of us went to the night market just a block from our hotel. I bought some fake Oakley sunglasses and a few other trinkets. 

Psalm 60:1-12 NIV

You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry---now restore us! [2] You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. [3] You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. [4] But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. [5] Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. [6] God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. [7] Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. [8] Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph. ” [9] Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? [10] Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? [11] Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. [12] With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

You might read this Psalm and just keep on reading - not a bad thing, but just cause it seems to not relate due to all the wacky names doesn't mean you can disregard it. Pause with me on Psalm 60. Realize that Cambodia is a very forsaken place, that very bad things have happened here. Like God not going out with Israel to battle, Cambodia feels as if God has given it over to destructive forces and evil people. Just as in the days of Israel there is a remnant, a people who "fear The Lord" and trust Him. God has not forsaken them, He has not forsaken the people of Cambodia, He has not forsaken us. "Human help" doesn't cut it, we need God, and with Him we "will gain the victory"! Gain the victory in your life and pray that the Cambodians can do the same. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!

Killing Fields - Day 11

Today I woke up and we had breakfast at our hotels little restaurant outside on the sidewalk near the street. Our hotel is very simple and right downtown Phnom Penh. The sounds, sights, and smells of the city surround us even in our rooms. 

After breakfast we traveled out to S-21, or better known as "The Killing Station".  Our tour guide was a lady who as a child escaped from the Khemer Rouge into Vietnam. Her father, sister, and brother were all killed before she and her mother escaped. Very powerful personal testimony. 

Touring the rooms where people were tortured and held for months on end was very heavy. Blood stains were still seen, pictures from when the prison was captured by Vietnamese soldiers that found bodies dead. It is almost too much to type out. There were many survivors from S-21, most of the time they escaped when taken to the killing fields to be executed - but most did not come forward to tell their stories, or simply did not live very long after.

7 reported survivors were rescued and 2 of them are still living. The two men were actually at S-21 selling their books, paintings, and conducting special Q/A. Both men had smiling faces, so impressive that they can return, their mission - to tell the stories for the future generations. 

On the third floor of one of the buildings was an exhibit from Japan, Okinawa has a similar tragic story. Near the end of World War II the Japanese held out and would not surrender. Even after bombing so heavily the landscape was changed, the Japanese soldiers would rather commit suicide than surrender. The soldiers also forced the villagers to remain hidden, starving them to death, and in many instances "eliminating them" before the Americans came. If people tried to run out to surrender the Japanese imperial soldiers would fire on their own people. This resembles the tragic actions of the Khemer rouge, who rounded up people, not based on race but on class or education. Even later they made trumped up charges and would execute mindlessly. The brutality is now on record in both the S-21 museum and a special World Peace and Human Rights center in Okinawa, Japan. The point is that we cannot forget the horrendous crimes committed, we must remember so as to not allow this to happen again!

Lunch was a good break from the intensity. We went to a great Mexican restaurant, and it actually was real Mexican taste. The chips were made from hand made flour tortillas and it was air conditioned in the restaurant! They even had fritos pie!!!

After lunch we drove out to the killing fields. There we saw depressions in the ground where the mass graves had been and were uncovered. In the center of the area was a tower full of skulls that were found there. Around the building was a pathway to walk and read about the killing fields. At several spots there was a sign about the clothing that was collected. It said "the victims clothes have been cleaned and stored here to keep on." This powerful phrase, "to keep on", means so much! I think they might mean to translate it "keep on remembering" the loss, but I actually think the simple "keep on" means that we have our memory of what happened, and we have to "keep on" living. Tragedy may come but we must push on and remember who we are and who we belong to.

Seeing what the Khemer Rouge did to its people and seeing also what the current government allows makes me remember a Psalm I memorized part of:

Psalm 58:1-11 NIV

Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? [2] No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. [3] Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. [4] Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, [5] that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. [6] Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! [7] Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. [8] May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. [9] Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns---whether they be green or dry---the wicked will be swept away. [10] The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

May the God of peace bring you peace through the Name of Jesus and the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit!

Bus Ride to Phnom Penh - Day 10

This couple days have been full. I am writing about yesterday because I ended up taking a good mental break on the long bus ride by watching movies. Then while we toured the killing fields in Phnom Penh I did not spend much time writing either, really trying to soak in the experience.

Thursday morning was really fun. We visited with our friends the Stocks and saw their bakery under construction, it will be beautiful once it's done. After taking a tour with them we went to Lucky Mall and got snacks for our bus ride and chatted more with Matthew and Melissa. 

At the mall I got some snacks from my childhood. These jello type snacks which I will take a picture of and hope to post later. I also found some soft milk candies that resemble ones I had in Taiwan growing up, very tasty. 

We really enjoyed our little hotel in Siem Reap and said our good byes, packed our luggage in a bus and headed for the main bus station. Our big bus was really fun and nice. As I already mentioned we watched movies on it and had ver slow wifi. The bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was 7 hours including a couple restroom stops. 

One stop we actually got off for 30 min and had lunch. Janel and I shared some French fries and fried rice. 

Arriving in Phnom Penh means we really start our main mission piece. For now most of what we have done is informational. We have visited historic sights, seen bad guy places where trafficking happens, and met some really cool NGO's doing things ranging from care for trafficked people, local restaurants, and fair trade products. Here in Phnom Penh we will spend our last week working a VBS for a kids club. So now is the time to ramp up your prayers. We will be spending several hours each day with the kids. Pray for strength. 

Psalm 56:1-13 NIV

Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. [2] My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. [3] When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise---in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [5] All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. [6] They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. [7] Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. [8] Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll---are they not in your record? [9] Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. [10] In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise--- [11] in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? [12] I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. [13] For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

The one thing I did not rest from on the last two days was God's word. The word in whom I trust. The reality is that in this country where so much death has happened I am reminded of my own death, the death I died with Jesus, the burial in water, and the resurrection by the power of Jesus at the cross to new life, life in the light of God. I get to go home at the end of this trip to a comfortable, happy, and hopeful place - but no matter where I am, happy or desolate, America or Cambodia, I get to walk in the light of Jesus! 

I'm pressing on the upward way

New heights I'm gaining every day

Still praying as I onward bound

Lord plant my feet in higher ground!

May The Lord lift your hearts this week as you walk in the Sonlight! 

Angkor Wat - Day 9

Last night was fun with seeing the cultural show, we all were exhausted.  Some of us are still getting over the tummy bug and others are just beginning the painful cycle.  All in all this morning came way to early, as most do.  I don't know about you but I usually like routines, however our 7 am routine definitely would have been something I broke if not for the exciting adventures I knew lay ahead!

Breakfast in our little Boutique hotel is lovely, of course it is so small that we have to stagger our eating times.  My roomate, Christian, and I chose the 7am slot (the earliest).  It was nice we got done right about the time the second and third waves were beginning to show up.  I had a bran cereal of sorts with raisans today and yesterday morning for breakfast. 

After that we rode on our bus to the Angkor Wat complex.  In Siem Reap there are hundreds of temples (or locally known as "wats")  Angkor Wat is the biggest temple and surrounding it are several others that are large and well known.  We saw 5 temples today.  I don't remember all the names, 3 in the morning before lunch and 2 afterwards.  The 3 in the morning were very fun.  We started with taking lots of group pictures which I hope to get from others in the group eventually.  Our guide spoke pretty good english and enjoyed showing us all the great picture spots and funny pictures.  The second temple in Angkor Thom (which means big city, there were two temples in this ancient city) was new to me.  When I came before to Siem Reap the temple was under thorough restoration, we walked around it and saw the giant reclining buddha, but this time we were actually able to climb up to the top story.  This was a more ancient temple than most, with more Hindu orginal architecture, contrast to the buddhist tendencies that dominate many of the others. 

Our last stop before lunch was the tree infested temple, famous for its part in Tomb Raider.  This temple gives a very good look into what it might have been like to discover these temples all over grown and falling down.  Reminds me of Indian Jones ride from Disneyland! The trees literally grow right out of the ruins.

Lunch was fun, I finally had my fresh coconut! Very refreshing, unfortunately Janel didn't like hers, so fortunately I got two coconuts for lunch!

The second part of the day was primarily spent at Angkor Wat, the largest temple.  Roughly 65 meters tall at the highest point, it is the tallest building in Siem Reap from ground up.  This temple was built they believe somewhere in the 12th-13th centuries A.D. The stone and surrounding environment create a stunning view.  On top you look out and see the treeline stretching for miles and realize the size of the Wat, incredible workmanship.  Troubling reasons though - filled with misleading legends, perverted rituals, and oppressive leaders.  The fall of man into sin was terrible, and man's depravity is evident even at these awesome wonders of the ancient world.  Reminding me that even awesome things can be used for evil.  Take the internet that allows me to upload these blogs - it is also a doorway and instrument into a very dark and evil place of pornography.  Good and evil exist in the same place and the challenge for us is to stay in the light, for there our evil is in full view because of the light of Christ.  Jesus gives us the power to identify and overcome, but that is only possible when we walk in the light, confessing our sins, and putting our trust and confidence in the right person - Jesus Christ!

Enough preaching right?  Sorry I've been a little cooped up inside myself with the whole Hindu and Buddhist stuff.  I love Jesus can you tell?

Seems like a good time for a Psalm:

Psalm 46:1-11 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. [5] God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. [6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. [7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [8] Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. [9] He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

To finish out our time at Angkor Wat complex, Janel and I rode an elephant for about 20 minutes.  The ride took us to the top of one a small mountain that has a Wat on it.  This is the popular spot to watch the sunset. Three of the other team also took an elephant ride up to the top and together we all walked down.  There was a storm coming (in fact it rained on us heavily at dinner) so we didn't have a chance to see the sunset.  It was nice and cool though, compared to earlier in the day.  At the bottom we rode a tuk tuk home since the bus took everyone else home before the elephants.  All in all a lovely day. 

On the elephant together! 

Tonight was full of food, or at least I was very full!  We had another dinner with the Stocks at a very good western style food place.  The pizza was good and the burgers tasted great.  The owner had a pool table nearby so several of us played some pool, even got the bus driver to play along too!

The night is nearing bed time and I will sign off.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace.

Siem Reap tour - Day 8

Today we met Don and Bridget Brewster. They are a great couple working hard in the after care of trafficked girls. Primarily they work out of Phnom Penh but they also have part of their ministry AIM here in Siem Reap. (For now I will just refer to Don, but Bridget was very cool too and shared specifically about the ministry here in Siem Reap and oriented us to some of the staff). Don has been here 8 years and is a director for Agape International Mission.  Here is their website check it out:

http://agapewebsite.org/

Don took us on a tour of Siem Reap, but this wasn't a normal tour like I'm used to, instead Don drove us by brothels, hostess bars, and Karaoke clubs. These are really bad places where often 10s to 100s of girls and under age girls are trafficked or used. These places look normal or just like regular bars or night clubs, but they are full of corruption and pure evil. After listening to Don today I have a better handle on the evilness of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the people in Noah's day who's every thought was evil! Ever wanted the Bible to come to life, the horrors seem pretty real to me right now, but so does the hope and life found in Jesus!

I was so encouraged by Don's testimony about the real solution to the problem of trafficking: Christ. I can't count on two hands how many times he said that "there are many good things, but nothing like the transforming power of Christ! 

This place is a Karaoke club that is pure evil. Don says they could be forcing up to 500 girls. It's a tough thing to see and this is only the beginning. 

I cannot do justice on this blog to what I saw and heard. My girlfriend, who is also on the trip, has been blogging as well. She is going to be posting soon some pictures and thoughts on Don's tour. So I will point you to her for more info: 

http://janelfetterelli.blogspot.com/

After the tour of the city and several heart wrenching hours of raw information - we went to the Silk Worm farm and saw how silk is made. It was cool to see something again that I remember seeing as a child. I don't think we ever came to this specific farm but the process was familiar. I learned the Silk from worms here is yellow naturally because of the heat and the Silk from worms in China is white because of the cooler less tropical climate. 

Dinner tonight was at a cultural show. We had a good buffet and ate a lot of mangos! They had on stage a cultural and traditional dance. The dance was similar to what I have seen in other places. After dinner we walked over to a super market and got ice cream. It is such a shock to see so much ice cream and for it to taste so good - since when I was younger the best you got was a drumstick or little individual ice cream from New Zealand. Matthew and Melissa Stock met us at the ice cream place. 

So much to see, so much to share...so little time! 

Psalm 43:1-5 NIV

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. [2] You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? [3] Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. [4] Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. [5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The events of today put a bit of a rain cloud on our team. It's tough to be told and shown evil and have it so close, yet not be able to defeat it. This Psalm reminds me to get my happy on and be filled with hope. 

Grace, mercy, and peace!