Posted by: Tim Perkins
This morning we boarded buses to head to S-21 or Tuol Sleng (literally means a poisonous hill or place on a mound to keep those who bear or supply guilt) , a former high school that Pol Pot's regime converted to a prison and torture facility. I'll spare you the details simply because they are too troubling to rehash. The pictures of the precious, wide-eyed children moved many of us to tears. It makes you wonder what kind of beast could perpetrate such an act of depravity.
From there, we proceeded to the Killing Fields, a place that needs little introduction. I was moved to stay in a spirit of prayer the entire time if only to ward off the intense heaviness that surrounded the place. So many mass graves, so many piles of bones, such a reason to pray for these people. Keep them in your heart for this place has so far to go and only God can completely restore the hope that is absent.
Our interpreters are so great! They are all saved and little fireballs for Christ. They talk about teaching English to others, then using the classes as springboard for preaching the Gospel. They really, really disciple their students, and they themselves are SO YOUNG! One young man named Dong has unbelievable facility with American English. He knows all the jargon and colloquialisms. He learned from Americans who live in his town right outside Phnom Penh. He said that there are over 900 Americans living in Phnom Penh, most with various ministries.
Later in the day, we had an amazing venture to the "Russian market." It was your typical indoor straw market, but the goods were anything but. I was amazed at some of the hand-crafted artisan furniture, ranging from small trinkets to huge chests. More amazing were the prices. They started low as it was, but once you started to walk away, the haggling began, and oh my goodness, these folks want to make a deal.
We started tag-teaming vendors with the whole good cop, bad cop routine. They had seen it all: the frown, the walkaway, the indignation. It was a fun afternoon - I just may need more luggage.
Tomorrow we're off to Singapore for the day and one evening. Then, we'll be headed back to all you guys who've been lifting us up. Thank you so much - you're loved and appreciated.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sunday Update
Posted by: Jeff Billingsley
It's 5pm on Sunday here. Right about the time our festival is winding down here the service will be ramping up at The Life Church in Memphis. Just because I'm on the other side of the planet is the only reason I would miss Sonya's muffins and scones on a Sunday morning.
I'm still kind of processing the mountain and the "Killing Caves" used by the Khmer Rouge during their massacre in the late 70s. Between 1.2 and 3.2 million people were killed during that time frame. I could give you all kinds of facts (1200 steps down) but that experience has to be related from the heart. I'm still working on that.
The Cambodian people are so friendly. People in other countries I've visited give you the impression they are nice to get your tourist money. These folks are nice in the first place and very much laid back and respectful. We could use some of this perspective in our country. I'm already considering changes in my life when I get back home. I'm respectful of our planet but not like the stereotypical tree hugger. Not until you leave our country do you realize how much we waste and how much we have that we simply take for granted. It's been everything everyone said it would be and more. I'm learning the great difference in your experience when simply taking a personal vacation vs. coming to a country with the intentional purpose of sharing the wonderful Gospel of Jesus.
The festival is now over and it was amazing. Words don't do justice to the great enthusiasm the Cambodian people had. We came here to be a blessing to them and we were certainly blessed by them. During the Khmer portion the words were foreign to us but the music crosses all cultural and geographical lines. When the invitation was given hands shot up from front to back, side to side.
We went to church this morning. The Cambodian pastor and congregation read Psalm 40 (pronounced Sam to them) and our own Pastor John covered Psalm 84:1-7 as part of having the right attitude. We gave our own testimony and I was plenty concerned about how I would be accepted as a police officer in the US. I was encouraged by their response and pray that I planted the seed in their hearts and prayer life about the great reformation only God can do in the hearts of police officers across their country... and ours too. Please lift up the Moriah Presbyterian Church Fellowship Church in prayer.
I don't want to lose sight of the fact that God is already doing a mighty thing in this country. We ran into many missionaries and folks teaching English. The pastors here are on fire for God and the thirst in the local churches was easily seen. Perhaps the biggest blessing, especially in Cambodia's unique situation, is that the youth are amazingly on fire for God. I was truly blessed to see many older folks there at the festival as well.
More later. We leave early on Monday to return to Phnom Penh. Thank you again for your prayers. We've felt a great amount of spiritual warfare but have been terribly blessed. The trip has exceeded any of my expectations thus far.
For more updates on the trip, check out our lead pastor's blog at johnsiebeling.com. Also, pictures will be up shortly! Stay tuned!
It's 5pm on Sunday here. Right about the time our festival is winding down here the service will be ramping up at The Life Church in Memphis. Just because I'm on the other side of the planet is the only reason I would miss Sonya's muffins and scones on a Sunday morning.
I'm still kind of processing the mountain and the "Killing Caves" used by the Khmer Rouge during their massacre in the late 70s. Between 1.2 and 3.2 million people were killed during that time frame. I could give you all kinds of facts (1200 steps down) but that experience has to be related from the heart. I'm still working on that.
The Cambodian people are so friendly. People in other countries I've visited give you the impression they are nice to get your tourist money. These folks are nice in the first place and very much laid back and respectful. We could use some of this perspective in our country. I'm already considering changes in my life when I get back home. I'm respectful of our planet but not like the stereotypical tree hugger. Not until you leave our country do you realize how much we waste and how much we have that we simply take for granted. It's been everything everyone said it would be and more. I'm learning the great difference in your experience when simply taking a personal vacation vs. coming to a country with the intentional purpose of sharing the wonderful Gospel of Jesus.
The festival is now over and it was amazing. Words don't do justice to the great enthusiasm the Cambodian people had. We came here to be a blessing to them and we were certainly blessed by them. During the Khmer portion the words were foreign to us but the music crosses all cultural and geographical lines. When the invitation was given hands shot up from front to back, side to side.
We went to church this morning. The Cambodian pastor and congregation read Psalm 40 (pronounced Sam to them) and our own Pastor John covered Psalm 84:1-7 as part of having the right attitude. We gave our own testimony and I was plenty concerned about how I would be accepted as a police officer in the US. I was encouraged by their response and pray that I planted the seed in their hearts and prayer life about the great reformation only God can do in the hearts of police officers across their country... and ours too. Please lift up the Moriah Presbyterian Church Fellowship Church in prayer.
I don't want to lose sight of the fact that God is already doing a mighty thing in this country. We ran into many missionaries and folks teaching English. The pastors here are on fire for God and the thirst in the local churches was easily seen. Perhaps the biggest blessing, especially in Cambodia's unique situation, is that the youth are amazingly on fire for God. I was truly blessed to see many older folks there at the festival as well.
More later. We leave early on Monday to return to Phnom Penh. Thank you again for your prayers. We've felt a great amount of spiritual warfare but have been terribly blessed. The trip has exceeded any of my expectations thus far.
For more updates on the trip, check out our lead pastor's blog at johnsiebeling.com. Also, pictures will be up shortly! Stay tuned!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Bringing hope to Battambang...
Posted by Jeff Billingsley:
One word describes the worship service on Saturday night: WOW!!!! Unlike anything I had ever seen in my entire life and I've been to quite a few non-christian music concerts. The Holy Spirit was rolling like a runaway train, picking up speed as the service continued. People from 2-65 were jamming, screaming, jumping, waving arms, you name it. It was amazing. It's really hard for me to describe. When I think of those who have given up on church because it's boring and not worth our time they wouldn't have known what to make of this service or our service every Sun and Wed. Pastor John, the lead pastor of my church gave the gospel message and it was amazing with his style of presentation. It was amazing the number of people who raised their hands to accept Jesus. And then the number of people who came to the altar to request prayer for their needs was amazing. Unlike anything I've ever seen.
We still have another full day in Battambang. The third and final festival will be Sun evening and then we drive back to Phnom Penh on Monday. We fly to Singapore and hang out there for a day as well. Then it's a marathon airplane ride back to Memphis via Seoul South Korea, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.
I'm so lucky I didn't bring a large piece of luggage. I've met at least 10 kids I would happily bring home. Leaving the orphanage was very difficult. We played volleyball with balloons, it was amazing. It's beyond words to see the fruits of your monetary donations right there in front of you.
The preliminary numbers are in. The attendance is estimated between 3000 and 5000. The outside courtyard was full of people as well. There was a huge screen and a sound system outside.
Gone to bed. I feel pretty good about saying that you're gonna have a great Saturday. I've already been through Saturday; it was great!!! :-)
We can't thank you enough for your prayers.
One word describes the worship service on Saturday night: WOW!!!! Unlike anything I had ever seen in my entire life and I've been to quite a few non-christian music concerts. The Holy Spirit was rolling like a runaway train, picking up speed as the service continued. People from 2-65 were jamming, screaming, jumping, waving arms, you name it. It was amazing. It's really hard for me to describe. When I think of those who have given up on church because it's boring and not worth our time they wouldn't have known what to make of this service or our service every Sun and Wed. Pastor John, the lead pastor of my church gave the gospel message and it was amazing with his style of presentation. It was amazing the number of people who raised their hands to accept Jesus. And then the number of people who came to the altar to request prayer for their needs was amazing. Unlike anything I've ever seen.
We still have another full day in Battambang. The third and final festival will be Sun evening and then we drive back to Phnom Penh on Monday. We fly to Singapore and hang out there for a day as well. Then it's a marathon airplane ride back to Memphis via Seoul South Korea, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.
I'm so lucky I didn't bring a large piece of luggage. I've met at least 10 kids I would happily bring home. Leaving the orphanage was very difficult. We played volleyball with balloons, it was amazing. It's beyond words to see the fruits of your monetary donations right there in front of you.
The preliminary numbers are in. The attendance is estimated between 3000 and 5000. The outside courtyard was full of people as well. There was a huge screen and a sound system outside.
Gone to bed. I feel pretty good about saying that you're gonna have a great Saturday. I've already been through Saturday; it was great!!! :-)
We can't thank you enough for your prayers.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Day 1 in Battambang
Today was our first full day of ministry work… And what a FULL day it was!!!
During the day, we split into three teams going to prison ministry, leadership training and children’s ministry.
Prison ministry:
Wow… what to say?! We were all blown away by what we saw in the prison. We were able to hand out care packages to the prisoners, many of whom looked like teenagers. Many of the women who lived in the prison did so with their children in the prison as well. It was so tough to see the look on their faces, but we were encouraged to see that the ministry was able to reach out to this population. We left with hope that the new class rooms built will be used to teach the gospel to the prisoner.
Leadership Training:
After some awesome praise and worship, people from each church shared a leadership training lesson with about 400 local Cambodian church leaders. Sherrie Serca really brought it!! She had the opportunity to teach a lesson alongside two other team leaders about leadership and team building. The Cambodian people were very responsive and were encouraged by the messages and fellowship.
Children’s Ministry:
This morning we were greeted by 40 adorable Cambodian orphans who could not quit smiling!!! Many of us had the opportunity to paint in the beautiful orphanage that the church contributed money to build. We also had plenty of time to spend with the children and play games, eat candy and sing ABC’s and 1-2-3s!!
Festival of Hope:
To round out the evening, we went to the kickoff of the Festival of Hope! We had an amazing night of Cambodian worship, traditional Cambodian dancing, topped off with a fabulous time with the worship team of the combined churches. Finally, Pastor Dino Rizzo of Healing Place Church shared the incredible message of salvation with about 2000 local Cambodian people. We can’t wait to see what else God has in store for the rest of the festival.
During the day, we split into three teams going to prison ministry, leadership training and children’s ministry.
Prison ministry:
Wow… what to say?! We were all blown away by what we saw in the prison. We were able to hand out care packages to the prisoners, many of whom looked like teenagers. Many of the women who lived in the prison did so with their children in the prison as well. It was so tough to see the look on their faces, but we were encouraged to see that the ministry was able to reach out to this population. We left with hope that the new class rooms built will be used to teach the gospel to the prisoner.
Leadership Training:After some awesome praise and worship, people from each church shared a leadership training lesson with about 400 local Cambodian church leaders. Sherrie Serca really brought it!! She had the opportunity to teach a lesson alongside two other team leaders about leadership and team building. The Cambodian people were very responsive and were encouraged by the messages and fellowship.
Children’s Ministry:This morning we were greeted by 40 adorable Cambodian orphans who could not quit smiling!!! Many of us had the opportunity to paint in the beautiful orphanage that the church contributed money to build. We also had plenty of time to spend with the children and play games, eat candy and sing ABC’s and 1-2-3s!!
Festival of Hope:To round out the evening, we went to the kickoff of the Festival of Hope! We had an amazing night of Cambodian worship, traditional Cambodian dancing, topped off with a fabulous time with the worship team of the combined churches. Finally, Pastor Dino Rizzo of Healing Place Church shared the incredible message of salvation with about 2000 local Cambodian people. We can’t wait to see what else God has in store for the rest of the festival.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Hope is Alive in Cambodia!
Posted by Tim Perkins:
This place is like none I've ever been (obviously). Our hotel sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of the city, as it is really nice amongst quite dilapidated surroundings. There are so many people out on the streets, it's as if we are navigating vehicles through a crowded mall as schools of fish dodge out of our way at the last second. The people here must be fearless; especially the ones on mopeds! They weave in and out of traffic with no regard for personal safety or the safety of their infants which are usually riding squeezed between two adults or just up on the handle-bars. It was quite unnerving to watch and definitely inspired some quick blessings over those children.
I have an overwhelming sense of expectancy for these people. I feel that God is ready to open the eyes of this nation in a miraculous way. I know that He is going to reveal Himself in all of His glory and no one will ever be the same.
Please pray for the festival in Battambang. The government here is Buddhist and perhaps fearful of the impact of our endeavors. Last week, the government switched venues at the last second for Hillsong London, moving them from a 10,000 seat arena to a 700 seat auditorium. You know this didn't stop God though; over a thousand people gave their lives the first weekend! We are not concerne for God has sent us here "for such a time as this," as Mordecai would say. Nonetheless, we need the power of your prayers and agreement that God will shine His favor upon us.
This place is like none I've ever been (obviously). Our hotel sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of the city, as it is really nice amongst quite dilapidated surroundings. There are so many people out on the streets, it's as if we are navigating vehicles through a crowded mall as schools of fish dodge out of our way at the last second. The people here must be fearless; especially the ones on mopeds! They weave in and out of traffic with no regard for personal safety or the safety of their infants which are usually riding squeezed between two adults or just up on the handle-bars. It was quite unnerving to watch and definitely inspired some quick blessings over those children.
I have an overwhelming sense of expectancy for these people. I feel that God is ready to open the eyes of this nation in a miraculous way. I know that He is going to reveal Himself in all of His glory and no one will ever be the same.
Please pray for the festival in Battambang. The government here is Buddhist and perhaps fearful of the impact of our endeavors. Last week, the government switched venues at the last second for Hillsong London, moving them from a 10,000 seat arena to a 700 seat auditorium. You know this didn't stop God though; over a thousand people gave their lives the first weekend! We are not concerne for God has sent us here "for such a time as this," as Mordecai would say. Nonetheless, we need the power of your prayers and agreement that God will shine His favor upon us.
We're Here!
Well we made it safely to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday evening after over 36 hours of nonstop travel! All our bags made it here, too. We'll write more after getting a good night's sleep... On to Battambang tomorrow! Thanks for all your prayers...
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