Such wonderful things (most of the time)! We all need them! Many times in the Bible we're told to remember something:
- the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8)
- "you were a slave in the land of Egypt..." (Deut 5:15, 16:12, 24:18, 24:22 ...) Yes, this was to the Israelites, but I think it also applies to our lives today. (We were slaves in this world before God brought us out through the blood of His Son, Jesus. At least for those who've put their faith and trust in Him.)
- Many times Jesus asked His disciples, "do you not remember ... when I did this miracle, or that miracle ...?" (paraphrased, of course)
A reminder for you: We work with college students (so, ages 17-24 mostly, and old students in their mid to late 20's).
Earlier this year, a Bible study that my roommate led, became a church. While they were still a Bible study, my roommate asked our team leader, Mr. K, to start doing the teaching. So now he does most of the teaching and is trying to get the Cambodians to take over and be a independent church group without any foreigner support. This group averages about 5-10 people / week. Please be in prayer for them as there are only two believing guy right now, and one is very adamant about not taking any kind of leadership positions.
This Sunday, they didn't meet because of protests. (That's a story all in itself) Since they didn't meet Sunday, they decided to meet today. It's a holiday, so nobody had to go to school. Mr. K invited me and Brandon, the 5 month volunteer, to join. At the beginning of the time, Mr. K asked each of the people there (3, but three more arrived a little later) to share their testimony. They each shared how God had been working in their lives for several years, and while they studied English at the student center, they learned more about Him and believed. Wow!
I'd heard each of their stories before, but it was good to be reminded:
- of how GREAT, LOVING, GENEROUS, COMPASSIONATE ... our God is to bring each of these young people (including myself) to know Him!
- that I'm here for a reason! (sometimes it's hard to see the fruit)
- God is working through us and the ministry that He's given us, to reach Cambodians for His kingdom!
Tear-E was one of those three. It's been great to see her growth over the past (almost year). She believed about 11 1/2 months ago!
Application ...
1. Remember God's word and the purpose I'm here (on this earth) - to go make disciples and teach them His commands.
2. "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Please pray for me, my team, our ministry, our students, OUR brothers and sisters here in Cambodia, especially this particular group!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Guests ...
On Tuesday, we had some students / friends over to make spring rolls and ____(I forgot the name of the other dish :-D )____ .
Two people said they were going to come over at 10am to start preparing, then everybody else was going to come from 1-3. Ten o'clock rolled around then 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 ... by 1:45, we thought maybe they weren't coming after all. It is Cambodia! We were talking about if we had anybody's phone number and I heard the gate squeeking. (The sound that tells us somebody is trying to get in who doesn't know the secret to opening the gate) Sure enough, it was them! Apparently, one of the girls who was supposed to come at 10, didn't answer the other lady's phone call until 1, so they didn't come until later.
Below are some pictures of what it looks like for Cambodians to prepare a meal, and me and Crystal learning how to make spring rolls.
It's all done on the floor ... there's not much counter space in houses here.
Unlike in America, it's perfectly okay for the guest to open the refrigerator, freezer, cabinet, closets ... The refrigerator was only half full and they made a comment about how there was so much food in there. Crystal explained how most Americans only go to the market once per week, or every two weeks, so they put things in the refrigerator so they'll keep longer. Many Cambodians don't even have a refrigerator. They all go to the market every single day, and even multiple times a day.
Us making the spring rolls in the hallway b/c the kitchen was full.
Step 1: separate the wraps Step 2: put a TINY amount of the meat, cabbage ... mix on the wrap.
Step 3: Roll it up (similar to a burrito)
Step 4: seal the edge with raw scrabbled eggs ... Wah-lah! One spring roll ready to be fried!
Me making spring rolls Eating the first batch while making more!
hLL
This is how it's done! A plate of raw spring rolls
You can see every bit of counter space we have :-)
Frying the spring rolls Done and ready to eat!
Everybody who came (except me of course) getting ready to eat! Most Cambodians eat on a mat on the floor!
GOOD TIMES!!!
Two people said they were going to come over at 10am to start preparing, then everybody else was going to come from 1-3. Ten o'clock rolled around then 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 ... by 1:45, we thought maybe they weren't coming after all. It is Cambodia! We were talking about if we had anybody's phone number and I heard the gate squeeking. (The sound that tells us somebody is trying to get in who doesn't know the secret to opening the gate) Sure enough, it was them! Apparently, one of the girls who was supposed to come at 10, didn't answer the other lady's phone call until 1, so they didn't come until later.
Below are some pictures of what it looks like for Cambodians to prepare a meal, and me and Crystal learning how to make spring rolls.
It's all done on the floor ... there's not much counter space in houses here.
Unlike in America, it's perfectly okay for the guest to open the refrigerator, freezer, cabinet, closets ... The refrigerator was only half full and they made a comment about how there was so much food in there. Crystal explained how most Americans only go to the market once per week, or every two weeks, so they put things in the refrigerator so they'll keep longer. Many Cambodians don't even have a refrigerator. They all go to the market every single day, and even multiple times a day.
Us making the spring rolls in the hallway b/c the kitchen was full.
Step 1: separate the wraps Step 2: put a TINY amount of the meat, cabbage ... mix on the wrap.
Step 3: Roll it up (similar to a burrito)
Step 4: seal the edge with raw scrabbled eggs ... Wah-lah! One spring roll ready to be fried!
Me making spring rolls Eating the first batch while making more!
hLL
This is how it's done! A plate of raw spring rolls
You can see every bit of counter space we have :-)
Frying the spring rolls Done and ready to eat!
Everybody who came (except me of course) getting ready to eat! Most Cambodians eat on a mat on the floor!
GOOD TIMES!!!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
What Is Christmas?
Earlier this month, I asked my students to each answer the following questions:
1. What do you think Christmas is about?
2. What did you used to think Christmas was about?
Now many students know Christmas is the celebration of the day Jesus was born on earth. They know that He was born to die then live again, taking the full punishment for OUR sins, so that all who believe in Him will have a relationship with God and live with Him forever.
For the 1st question, all but one of my students wrote that it is about the birth of Jesus / Jesus' birthday. Jesus came to save the world ...
Before, many thought it was:
- a Western / US holiday
- New Year for European / Western countries
- the day of love where "honeys" give gifts to each other. (Valentine's Day)
- a festival / holiday for people to celebrate and be happy
- a holiday for people to be "happy in their country for friend, family, and all people join together."
- a day to have parties
- a program that people made up to have a party and exchange gifts
- an international holiday for the end of the year.
- "wish day. (everyone wish for me)"
- "ceremony of Christian"
- "I never used to think Christmas before."
- to share candy
- "Before I used to think Christmas was about the program of Christians. One more thing I used to think they just celebrate it to make their group happy.
(For some, "before" meant 1 month ago, while for others it could be several years ago.)
1. What do you think Christmas is about?
2. What did you used to think Christmas was about?
Now many students know Christmas is the celebration of the day Jesus was born on earth. They know that He was born to die then live again, taking the full punishment for OUR sins, so that all who believe in Him will have a relationship with God and live with Him forever.
For the 1st question, all but one of my students wrote that it is about the birth of Jesus / Jesus' birthday. Jesus came to save the world ...
Before, many thought it was:
- a Western / US holiday
- New Year for European / Western countries
- the day of love where "honeys" give gifts to each other. (Valentine's Day)
- a festival / holiday for people to celebrate and be happy
- a holiday for people to be "happy in their country for friend, family, and all people join together."
- a day to have parties
- a program that people made up to have a party and exchange gifts
- an international holiday for the end of the year.
- "wish day. (everyone wish for me)"
- "ceremony of Christian"
- "I never used to think Christmas before."
- to share candy
- "Before I used to think Christmas was about the program of Christians. One more thing I used to think they just celebrate it to make their group happy.
(For some, "before" meant 1 month ago, while for others it could be several years ago.)
Friday, December 6, 2013
God is truly AMAZING!!!
I wrote most of this on Saturday night, Nov 29th (the same time I wrote the Newsletter and the post, "Lazarus"), but didn't want to overwhelm you too much, so I saved it for now! This post is mostly stories that I've heard and been a part of the past few weeks, and ways that you can Pray for specific individuals! Please pray for each of them as you read ...
Another sister ...
Another sister ...
The first week of class, I gave my student sheet to fill out
their information. On the sheet, I asked if they went to church, the name of
the church, if they were a Christian, and if so, how long they believed.
Tut-se-ah has been going to one of the local churches for a few months, which I
knew already, but she answered “yes” she was a Christian. I honestly thought
she was just confused and was thinking it was about going to church. About a
week ago, I finally asked her about it. She said, yes she’d chosen to believe
in Jesus about a month earlier! Praise the Lord! I asked her a few questions
then later one of the strong believing girls talked to her about it. Like many
other Cambodians she had a problem, prayed to the True God about it, and He
answered, so she believed!
Baptism ... Tut-se-ah & Sa-rye
She’s learning about baptism and is planning on being
baptized in January. Sa-rye has been going to the same church and is also
planning to be baptized in January. Please pray for both Tut-se-ah and Sa-rye,
to continue to grow in love and obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Also, many
times Cambodians do not tell their parents right when they believe and don’t
tell them they’re going to be baptized because the parents will forbid them
from being baptized. God commands us to honor our mother and father, but at the
same time we have to obey God over our parents. Pray that God would give them
wisdom in talking to their family and that whenever they do, their families
will have a soft heart.
P2
Speaking of hardship with families … nobody has heard from
P2 in several months. He finally chose to follow Jesus at the end of July and
has only been able to go to church a handful of times since then. When his
sister was out of town a couple months ago he came to the student center. He
was having a really hard time. One of the worst things is that he doesn’t have
contact with other brothers and sisters in Christ (the body of Christ). He's no longer on Facebook, and from what I understand, nobody from the church has been able to get ahold of him. Pray
for P2 as the Spirit leads you.
Afternoon Bible Study
At the beginning of the term, one of my students asked me
what I do on the weekend. I told them that on Sunday morning I study the Bible
with some of my students … I just said it as information. After class So-pay-ak
asked me about it because she wanted to join. This is very out of the ordinary
in America, but even more so here for people to invite themselves to something.
She’s really hungry to know God! Unfortunately, she’s not able to join that
Bible study, but fortunately, it’s because she goes to church at that time. This
week I started studying with her after class. A couple other students want to
study too, but they don’t come regularly. Through this time I’ve gotten to talk
to her more. She said that sometimes she thinks she believes Jesus, but
sometimes she doesn’t. She is close! Pray for God to continue to open So-pay-ak’s
heart and give her faith to really believe. She’s also been having some
problems with her health since March. Ask our gracious Father to use this
problem to heal her, so that she will follow Him and be a witness for Him! Pray
also for her friend, Sau-vwree. She also has some problems and is comparing Buddah
and Jesus. Pray that Sau-vwree will see that Jesus is The Only Way!
On Thursday, So-pay-ak, Dah-lean, We-ray-ak, Tia-vwee, Bo-pah, and Ne-ung joined the afternoon Bible study. The first 3 are not yet believers, and the last 3 all claim to be Christians. Ne-ung is a member of LS Church (and was actually baptized on the first Sunday I was in Cambodia)! I plan on asking her to help me lead the group. I'm praying that Ne-ung will see this Bible study as an opportunity to learn more herself, grow in her own relationship with God, reach out to the others in the group, and learn how to lead so that in the future she'll be comfortable to start a group herself!
Possibly another sister!On Thursday, So-pay-ak, Dah-lean, We-ray-ak, Tia-vwee, Bo-pah, and Ne-ung joined the afternoon Bible study. The first 3 are not yet believers, and the last 3 all claim to be Christians. Ne-ung is a member of LS Church (and was actually baptized on the first Sunday I was in Cambodia)! I plan on asking her to help me lead the group. I'm praying that Ne-ung will see this Bible study as an opportunity to learn more herself, grow in her own relationship with God, reach out to the others in the group, and learn how to lead so that in the future she'll be comfortable to start a group herself!
Earlier this week, a small group of us were talking and
So-pay-ak asked Bo-pah if she was a Christian. Bo-pah said, “yes.” They talked
for a minute, then I asked Bo-pah about it. How long? à about three months. Oh, I
didn’t know à
That’s why I study the Bible on Sunday. Ren-treeah studies too and he’s not a
believer à
Yea, but he’s interested … then it was time for class to start, and I was so
surprised I didn’t know what else to say. On top of that, I felt very
inadequate, not knowing what to ask, and her English is very poor and my Khmer
is even more limited! J
On the following Sunday (a couple days ago) I was able to talk to her more. Ren-tree-ah's class rescheduled for that time so he came really late & Bo-pah and I started talking before he got there (that means there was no translator). From our hour long conversation, I think she may really believe! I tried talking to her about what it means to follow Jesus and for Him to be Lord. I asked her if she wanted to be baptized and she responded, "my mom is Buddhist." The conversation led into the fact that God has the MOST authority and sometimes obeying God means breaking the law (in some countries), disobeying parents ... Pray for Bo-pah to be willing to follow Jesus in baptism and for grace with her parents. Also pray for Ren-tree-ah to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
This Sunday, the 8th, I will study with Bo-pah and Ren-tree-ah about the importance of the Body of Christ. I'm praying that they, especially Bo-pah, will be encouraged and have a desire to go to church. They could go in the morning (30min earlier than the time we usually meet) to LS Church, where they both know Ne-ung. Or, they could go in the afternoon to LOL. There are other good churches in the area, but these are the two that we are most connected with. I've considered inviting them to the church I go to in the afternoon, HOL, but I think it's best for them to not follow me, or feel obligated to go to church to please me. I also think they'll have better opportunities to grow ... at LS or LOL. All that being said, this Sunday will be our last meeting for Bible study. If they are interested in learning more they can go to church, and / or be a part of the afternoon Bible Study!
Pray for Humility ...
We-ray-ak has started studying again and as always, he has a lot of questions. I think he is determined to have ALL the answers before he’ll choose Jesus. The problem is we CAN’T know everything! I’ve shared my favorite verse with him many times, “… Isaiah 55:8-9. He had some question and we ended up talking about peace and joy … He said, “I want to know that feeling!” Pray that We-ray-ak would humble himself and accept the FREE gift of grace at the HIGH PRICE of dying to himself to live for Jesus.
A couple weeks ago Chan-Da told Crystal that she's been praying to God that she will believe! Please pray with us! And praise the Lord that she is so close! Just about a year ago she'd said she had no interest in studying the Bible. With God all things are possible! Also be praying for Rah-chanah. They've both said they'd go to church on Sunday! Pray that some action would follow those words and that God would open up both of their hearts!
Thank you for praying for each of these people! If you've read and prayed for those I written about in my Newsletters and other blog posts, then you've already had a part in P2, Tut-se-ah, and possibly Bo-pah coming to faith!!! Praise the Lord, and thank you!
On the following Sunday (a couple days ago) I was able to talk to her more. Ren-tree-ah's class rescheduled for that time so he came really late & Bo-pah and I started talking before he got there (that means there was no translator). From our hour long conversation, I think she may really believe! I tried talking to her about what it means to follow Jesus and for Him to be Lord. I asked her if she wanted to be baptized and she responded, "my mom is Buddhist." The conversation led into the fact that God has the MOST authority and sometimes obeying God means breaking the law (in some countries), disobeying parents ... Pray for Bo-pah to be willing to follow Jesus in baptism and for grace with her parents. Also pray for Ren-tree-ah to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
This Sunday, the 8th, I will study with Bo-pah and Ren-tree-ah about the importance of the Body of Christ. I'm praying that they, especially Bo-pah, will be encouraged and have a desire to go to church. They could go in the morning (30min earlier than the time we usually meet) to LS Church, where they both know Ne-ung. Or, they could go in the afternoon to LOL. There are other good churches in the area, but these are the two that we are most connected with. I've considered inviting them to the church I go to in the afternoon, HOL, but I think it's best for them to not follow me, or feel obligated to go to church to please me. I also think they'll have better opportunities to grow ... at LS or LOL. All that being said, this Sunday will be our last meeting for Bible study. If they are interested in learning more they can go to church, and / or be a part of the afternoon Bible Study!
Pray for Humility ...
We-ray-ak has started studying again and as always, he has a lot of questions. I think he is determined to have ALL the answers before he’ll choose Jesus. The problem is we CAN’T know everything! I’ve shared my favorite verse with him many times, “… Isaiah 55:8-9. He had some question and we ended up talking about peace and joy … He said, “I want to know that feeling!” Pray that We-ray-ak would humble himself and accept the FREE gift of grace at the HIGH PRICE of dying to himself to live for Jesus.
A couple weeks ago Chan-Da told Crystal that she's been praying to God that she will believe! Please pray with us! And praise the Lord that she is so close! Just about a year ago she'd said she had no interest in studying the Bible. With God all things are possible! Also be praying for Rah-chanah. They've both said they'd go to church on Sunday! Pray that some action would follow those words and that God would open up both of their hearts!
Thank you for praying for each of these people! If you've read and prayed for those I written about in my Newsletters and other blog posts, then you've already had a part in P2, Tut-se-ah, and possibly Bo-pah coming to faith!!! Praise the Lord, and thank you!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Lazarus ...
Around the middle of November, one of the wives of my team told us a story she'd just heard from another couple that works in a village about 30 minutes away from the city. This couple came to Cambodia through the same organization as the rest of my team. I don't know everything that they do, but I know they have some medical experience.
Anyways, there was a man from the village who had believed in Jesus (I'm not sure for how long), but he got very sick. He went to many doctors and even went to Vietnam to see doctors. They all basically told him to go back home and get ready to die. There were preparations for the funeral and everything. A church or someone took an offering to help pay for the funeral and everything. His wife was praying and making sacrifices to Buddha and his two sons had just given up hope.
Through tears, he told his family, "juuah Preah Yae-soo," which translates, "believe in Jesus." Other believers were praying around him asking God to spare his life for this man's wife and two grown sons to believe in Him. Finally his wife said, basically that God's will be done. Just shortly after that he responded in some way. The couple loaded him in a van and took him to the hospital that some other M's from the states run. Several believers rode with him to the hospital and prayed over him. I think they said he smiled. And I think it was at this time that his blood oxygen levels were at a 30, which means nothing to most of us, but apparently that's really bad. Under "normal" circumstances he should've been dead, but even if by some miracle he made it, then he should've had serious brain damage.
NOPE! I think it was the same day, he was talking, and two days later, he was sitting up joking around. Within a short time, maybe a week or so, he went back to work. That is the work of the One True Living God!!! Today (Nov 30, 2013) I heard this man give praise to The Living God and share his story! He said there was a period of time that he said he saw Jesus (clothed in red because He took his sin upon Himself) and there were two other men standing by Jesus. I know the couple who witnessed all of this and heard this man tell his story, with my own ears! God is capable of doing far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!!! - Eph 3:19-20
Now I am able to share his story with you, and he is able to share his story with SO MANY Cambodians. His wife is very close to choosing to follow Jesus, but there is a lot of opposition from her family. One of their sons has already made that decision and the other one has a softer heart, but it's still pretty hard. A lot of people have heard his story and God is making His name known among these people.
Please pray for this man, that he would remain on fire, and never forget or belittle this miracle that God has performed. Right now he's working 4 days and sharing in the other villages 1 day per week. Also pray for his family to believe and follow Jesus, and that God would prepare the hearts of those who will hear his story, that they will be ready to surrender their lives to The Most High God! PRAY FOR REVIVAL IN CAMBODIA!
Anyways, there was a man from the village who had believed in Jesus (I'm not sure for how long), but he got very sick. He went to many doctors and even went to Vietnam to see doctors. They all basically told him to go back home and get ready to die. There were preparations for the funeral and everything. A church or someone took an offering to help pay for the funeral and everything. His wife was praying and making sacrifices to Buddha and his two sons had just given up hope.
Through tears, he told his family, "juuah Preah Yae-soo," which translates, "believe in Jesus." Other believers were praying around him asking God to spare his life for this man's wife and two grown sons to believe in Him. Finally his wife said, basically that God's will be done. Just shortly after that he responded in some way. The couple loaded him in a van and took him to the hospital that some other M's from the states run. Several believers rode with him to the hospital and prayed over him. I think they said he smiled. And I think it was at this time that his blood oxygen levels were at a 30, which means nothing to most of us, but apparently that's really bad. Under "normal" circumstances he should've been dead, but even if by some miracle he made it, then he should've had serious brain damage.
NOPE! I think it was the same day, he was talking, and two days later, he was sitting up joking around. Within a short time, maybe a week or so, he went back to work. That is the work of the One True Living God!!! Today (Nov 30, 2013) I heard this man give praise to The Living God and share his story! He said there was a period of time that he said he saw Jesus (clothed in red because He took his sin upon Himself) and there were two other men standing by Jesus. I know the couple who witnessed all of this and heard this man tell his story, with my own ears! God is capable of doing far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!!! - Eph 3:19-20
Now I am able to share his story with you, and he is able to share his story with SO MANY Cambodians. His wife is very close to choosing to follow Jesus, but there is a lot of opposition from her family. One of their sons has already made that decision and the other one has a softer heart, but it's still pretty hard. A lot of people have heard his story and God is making His name known among these people.
Please pray for this man, that he would remain on fire, and never forget or belittle this miracle that God has performed. Right now he's working 4 days and sharing in the other villages 1 day per week. Also pray for his family to believe and follow Jesus, and that God would prepare the hearts of those who will hear his story, that they will be ready to surrender their lives to The Most High God! PRAY FOR REVIVAL IN CAMBODIA!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
'Tis The Season ...
There has been a lot happen this month, but I have to write my newsletter in a few days, so I'll save it for the newsletter!!! :-)
I would however, like for you to think about holidays ... below is an old post (from March 17) with some additions. It fits very well, as Christmas is approaching. You can click the following link to view, the original blog post, "Righteousness?", or read below.
Back in March, my friend Tear-E asked why there are so many eggs for Easter and what they are for. We had watched “The Rise of the Guardians” just two days before. This brought up interesting conversation about American holidays.
Many American Christians believe that since our holidays are not religious that it’s okay to celebrate them. Cambodian holidays are all spiritual and involve feeding spirits or worshiping gods … so Cambodian Christians are often told they should not partake in these holiday events after they choose to follow Jesus. I have heard this brought up several times, and wonder myself, “what is right?” Look at Romans 14 (it's originally talking about food, but I think it applies here)! Here's Rom 14:10-12, but I encourage you to read more! It's good stuff! 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
–- Should Cambodians not celebrate Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben … holidays that “all” Cambodians celebrate. It’s clear in Scripture that you shall have no other gods before the One True God and you shall not make any graven images, or worship or serve them. But what if they are not worshiping other gods. Pchum Ben for example, is believed to be the day that the spirits in the lowest level / worst hell are released for one day. On that day they come up and people throw rolled up balls of rice at the temples. They believe that these spirits don’t get food throughout the whole year and their mouths are so small that they can only eat these tiny balls of rice. People do not know if any of their ancestors are in this hell so they go feed them just in case. If they don’t go and they do have an ancestor there, then the ancestor will basically “haunt” them over the next year because they did not feed them. Some people say they don’t go to feed the spirits, but like to do it because it’s tradition and it’s fun to throw rice-balls at the temples. Should a follower of Jesus partake in this???
I ask, "What about "American holidays" that ARE religious??? Christmas and Easter!!! It's the exact opposite as Cambodia. Most Cambodians know that their holidays are related to spirits, but most, or maybe I should say, "many" Americans think holidays are just a time to spend with family, have time off from work and school, ... Many families, such as my own (at least growing up) celebrated CHRISTmas without CHRIST and Easter doesn't even have Christ in the name, so that definitely isn't about Christ.
-- Should Americans not practice many Christmas traditions or tell their kids to believe in Santa? Seriously, as followers of Christ, how often do our conversations revolve more around Santa and other traditions than Jesus, Who is the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas, and the reason we are here on earth? I am not saying Santa or Christmas trees, candy canes, presents, parties, ... are bad or anything like that. Honestly, I don't know what is "right." But I am saying LET'S MAKE CHRISTMAS ABOUT CHRIST! Do these things bring God glory?
Many people don't like to talk about religion ... And honestly, how dare you ask a person if they know Jesus (in Oklahoma). Of course they do (not always), but many people get offended because they are good people, or they go to church sometimes, or their mom is a Sunday School teacher ... "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (emphasis mine) If you're like me and normally find it difficult to ask people about Jesus, but you want to, then use this time of year to DO IT! Ask what their family does on Christmas, if they have family traditions, if they go to church on Christmas day or other days, if they'd like to see your kids (or other kids at your church) perform in the Christmas play ... share how your family celebrates ...
Make an effort this year and every year to talk less and worry less about Santa, gifts, stress, parties, ... and talk more about Jesus CHRIST, the ULTIMATE gift! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
I know easier said than done, but I am committing to pray that you and I will pray for "God to remind us to pray and remind us to tell others what CHRISTmas is really about and how CHRIST has changed our lives!" Make the most of every opportunity He gives you! Apart from Him we can do nothing! I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
I would however, like for you to think about holidays ... below is an old post (from March 17) with some additions. It fits very well, as Christmas is approaching. You can click the following link to view, the original blog post, "Righteousness?", or read below.
Back in March, my friend Tear-E asked why there are so many eggs for Easter and what they are for. We had watched “The Rise of the Guardians” just two days before. This brought up interesting conversation about American holidays.
Many American Christians believe that since our holidays are not religious that it’s okay to celebrate them. Cambodian holidays are all spiritual and involve feeding spirits or worshiping gods … so Cambodian Christians are often told they should not partake in these holiday events after they choose to follow Jesus. I have heard this brought up several times, and wonder myself, “what is right?” Look at Romans 14 (it's originally talking about food, but I think it applies here)! Here's Rom 14:10-12, but I encourage you to read more! It's good stuff! 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
–- Should Cambodians not celebrate Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben … holidays that “all” Cambodians celebrate. It’s clear in Scripture that you shall have no other gods before the One True God and you shall not make any graven images, or worship or serve them. But what if they are not worshiping other gods. Pchum Ben for example, is believed to be the day that the spirits in the lowest level / worst hell are released for one day. On that day they come up and people throw rolled up balls of rice at the temples. They believe that these spirits don’t get food throughout the whole year and their mouths are so small that they can only eat these tiny balls of rice. People do not know if any of their ancestors are in this hell so they go feed them just in case. If they don’t go and they do have an ancestor there, then the ancestor will basically “haunt” them over the next year because they did not feed them. Some people say they don’t go to feed the spirits, but like to do it because it’s tradition and it’s fun to throw rice-balls at the temples. Should a follower of Jesus partake in this???
I ask, "What about "American holidays" that ARE religious??? Christmas and Easter!!! It's the exact opposite as Cambodia. Most Cambodians know that their holidays are related to spirits, but most, or maybe I should say, "many" Americans think holidays are just a time to spend with family, have time off from work and school, ... Many families, such as my own (at least growing up) celebrated CHRISTmas without CHRIST and Easter doesn't even have Christ in the name, so that definitely isn't about Christ.
-- Should Americans not practice many Christmas traditions or tell their kids to believe in Santa? Seriously, as followers of Christ, how often do our conversations revolve more around Santa and other traditions than Jesus, Who is the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas, and the reason we are here on earth? I am not saying Santa or Christmas trees, candy canes, presents, parties, ... are bad or anything like that. Honestly, I don't know what is "right." But I am saying LET'S MAKE CHRISTMAS ABOUT CHRIST! Do these things bring God glory?
Many people don't like to talk about religion ... And honestly, how dare you ask a person if they know Jesus (in Oklahoma). Of course they do (not always), but many people get offended because they are good people, or they go to church sometimes, or their mom is a Sunday School teacher ... "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (emphasis mine) If you're like me and normally find it difficult to ask people about Jesus, but you want to, then use this time of year to DO IT! Ask what their family does on Christmas, if they have family traditions, if they go to church on Christmas day or other days, if they'd like to see your kids (or other kids at your church) perform in the Christmas play ... share how your family celebrates ...
Make an effort this year and every year to talk less and worry less about Santa, gifts, stress, parties, ... and talk more about Jesus CHRIST, the ULTIMATE gift! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
I know easier said than done, but I am committing to pray that you and I will pray for "God to remind us to pray and remind us to tell others what CHRISTmas is really about and how CHRIST has changed our lives!" Make the most of every opportunity He gives you! Apart from Him we can do nothing! I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
Friday, November 8, 2013
New Students ...
Here are the pictures of my classes!
The first week of class, we always have a lot of students, but by the end of the term at least a third of them stop coming. In some ways that's sad, but it also means that we can focus more on the fewer students who stick around.
Pray for God to work in all of their hearts for as long as they come and even after they leave!
My 5:30 Class
This class has about 20 returning students (from last term) and 25 new students.
My 3:30 Class
I love all of my classes, but I'm especially excited about this 3:30 class. I asked to teach the students with the lowest English level. Some of them are really really low. It's forcing me to speak more Khmer and is encouraging me to learn more Khmer. I shared my testimony with this class through really choppy English, very choppy Khmer, and drawing (along with the help of a couple of the "higher" level English speakers. This class also gives me more patience to speak with other students who don't know very much English.
My 1:30 Class
My 1:30 class has a couple of students who know quite a bit of English.
Sadly, I speak more like a Cambodian speaking English than an American speaking English. I rarely use contractions, and often speak in choppy sentences leaving out words like, "this, it, is, to, the ..." Even when I teach, I talk like that :-( It's hard, because so many students won't understand if I speak 100% normal, but this class is making me think more about the way I talk. I hope to speak correctly and for them to still understand, especially when we're talking about the Word of God!
The first week of class, we always have a lot of students, but by the end of the term at least a third of them stop coming. In some ways that's sad, but it also means that we can focus more on the fewer students who stick around.
Pray for God to work in all of their hearts for as long as they come and even after they leave!
My 5:30 Class
This class has about 20 returning students (from last term) and 25 new students.
My 3:30 Class
I love all of my classes, but I'm especially excited about this 3:30 class. I asked to teach the students with the lowest English level. Some of them are really really low. It's forcing me to speak more Khmer and is encouraging me to learn more Khmer. I shared my testimony with this class through really choppy English, very choppy Khmer, and drawing (along with the help of a couple of the "higher" level English speakers. This class also gives me more patience to speak with other students who don't know very much English.
My 1:30 Class
My 1:30 class has a couple of students who know quite a bit of English.
Sadly, I speak more like a Cambodian speaking English than an American speaking English. I rarely use contractions, and often speak in choppy sentences leaving out words like, "this, it, is, to, the ..." Even when I teach, I talk like that :-( It's hard, because so many students won't understand if I speak 100% normal, but this class is making me think more about the way I talk. I hope to speak correctly and for them to still understand, especially when we're talking about the Word of God!
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