Cambodia trip - part Buen

I went around the house yesterday for a little while without shoes – just to remind myself of Cambodia where it is impolite to wear your shoes inside. My feet got crumbs and water on them and yes, the memories of constantly dirty feet returned. In the hot weather, the cool tile floors felt nice. But here in East TN where the weather is beginning to be cooler, I needed to put my shoes back on.
We spent at least part of each day in prayer for the nation of Cambodia. A few days we took time to split into smaller teams and walk different ways to our favorite restaurant and spend time praying as we walked. Many of us found ourselves praying for the leaders and business owners in Kampot, knowing that they carry great influence and if won to Christ would be a tremendous asset in helping the young church there spread the Gospel.
We went to the market one day and walked through the stalls in an attitude of prayer. Of course, we also had to get in just a little bit of trouble along the way. Sarah, Katherine and I were caught with our shoes on in one of the shops. Evidently one must also remove her shoes when in a tiled store in the market. From then on, we were careful not to step on the tile.
Another day we traveled to a church building that is no longer in use to pray and ask the Lord if this building could be a blessing to the new church Vutha would plant in Kampot (at this writing, the new church had its first meeting last Sunday morning! So they will meet in homes or wherever until the Lord says otherwise). This particular building was somewhat of a contradiction as it had a Christian cross painted above the doorway, while it also had symbols of Buddhism in other decorative places. Were the previous tenants confused? We were unsure.
We took two different days to spend time praying at the schools the children are attending. The first school was for K-8th grade, where most of the children attend. The second school is for 9th – 12th grade (the one mentioned in an earlier post). Both schools are Buddhist. Therefore, all the Heritage House children will face a challenge to their faith each day in that they will be swimming upstream against the religion of their nation. Again, please remember to pray for them as often as possible.
We also found ourselves praying for the children on other prayer walks through the city – and not just Heritage House’s children, but all the children in the city. I don’t know how many times I saw a young person or a young child out alone – riding a bike or in the street and my heart ached for them. Maybe you’re thinking they’re safe enough, but Cambodia is not really a safe place for children as they are often mistreated in ways I’d rather not go into. The Lord must bring justice to the young in Cambodia as they are crying out in their hearts for love and freedom!
I know that freedom will come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it spreads in the cities and towns of Cambodia.
As it stands now, there is a missions team consisting of a young couple and their daughter, dorm moms, and several children ages 2 to 18 who will be faithful to cry out for freedom in their city.
Please join them in their cry!