On the second day of teaching in a mostly Muslim village, this woman really made me nervous. Her expression never changed – she just stared at me. She sat in the same spot and did not move during the class sessions. I was clueless as to what she thought about our teachings about Jesus, but she did not seem very happy to be in the room. As we shared Jesus with these precious souls many laughed at our illustrative stories while others seemed to show great interest in the One we called Jesus. But this Muslim woman just stared at me.
I figured she was mad at me and hoped she did not get violent. I figured I could outrun her but had no idea where I would run to.
I asked the group if they had ever heard the Bible read. None had! So I asked Sokhom to read the Bible to them. Many smiled and showed interest while others were extremely respectful; however, this Muslim woman just stared at me.
Taking a chance, I asked if anyone had any questions, and she raised her hand. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “Here we go!” To my complete surprise, she asked Sokhom and me, “Why are you only going to teach us for two days? Why will you not stay for at least one month?” I was relieved, elated, excited, humbled, and thankful to the Lord. What did I ever do to deserve such an honor as to be the first one to share Jesus with these adorable souls!
This kind of thing happens regularly in our ministry in Cambodia. We share God’s loving truth with Muslims and Buddhists who have never heard the name Jesus. There is no greater honor for a preacher than to be the first to tell the story of our great Savior and Lord.
Terrence owned a mobile phone installation business and had everything going his way until alcohol and drugs interrupted the good life. His life spiraled out of control until he bumped into Jesus and was baptized. Terrence still lives in transition today, looking for life to break the right way for him. Most of his money is actually made by recycling the cans and bottles he finds on his “route” that he rides on his bicycle everyday. Recently, Terrence was touched by the story of the floods in Cambodia and commented on the abundance around him. He gave 60 dollars to feed families in Cambodia. That’s a lot of cans and bottles!
I met Chamnan April 20, 2012 – I thought Sokhom had lost his mind. He and I were conducting a three day seminar for village house church leaders along with our Cambodia Bible School (CBS) students. As I glanced across the room it looked like we had some very capable men to equip with God’s word. Then I noticed this frail, 90 pound guy who was partially hunched over with crippled up hands. He spoke broken English with the squeakiest voice I’d ever heard. I asked Sokhom why he would bring this unimpressive house church leader to the seminar when funds and space were so limited. Sokhom said, “He is not a house church leader brother. He is a new full-time preaching student.” Then I really thought he was off his rocker.
One of the greatest honors and privileges in the world for a Christian is to share Jesus with those who do not know Him. This is commonplace in Cambodia where over 90% of the people are Buddhists. Some have heard of Jesus but most know little or nothing about Him!
This little girl came to one of our CCM workers with a snake in one hand and a bird in the other. Fortunately they were both dead! She was proudly walking around with her plunder and was looking for someone to cook them for her. On the one hand, you have to admire the ingenuity and ability of the poor Cambodians in the villages who know how to make it from day to day. On the other hand, there are so many needs that Christian love can fulfill.
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