We went to church on New Year’s Eve and were part of
a very nice little fellowship with a few people. Was thinking back at what was
happening all around the world while listening to Isaac, leading the worship.
Quite an interesting year this was. We definitely saw God’s hand in all the
things we are doing and know that new things are in the pipeline. This happens
every 10 years and we know that: “a change is as good as a holiday.” Doing
ministry in the remote areas also got its challenges. My friends that are
helping me are getting busier and it seems that I need to start working more
over weekends. Exciting news is that there are some real good outreach
opportunities with an old friend from Baray and I will follow up on it soon.
We are entering a very unsettling time in Cambodia
as there will be elections in July and it is a very touchy subject at this
time. People are afraid what will happen in the future and we can only pray for
the country we love. God have us here for a reason and we know it. We believe
that the time is right to proclaim His wonderful word to people and that people
are very open to listen. Pray with us for Cambodia as we seek to bring people
closer to God as well as help them getting rid of all their fear for life and
that they can look forward to a prosperous new year.
Pray for my friends who are helping me in my
ministry. Samai is working in Stung Treng but mostly in Ratanakiri, doing
church planting. John and his family are running a small church in Kabal
Domrey. Heang and his family are starting a new outreach near their place in
Thor Piang Rosey. Pray also for my good friend James in Banlung. He had an
accident and broke a small bone in his foot. I look up to these local guys as
they are an inspiration to me working hard to further the Kingdom of God.
Pray for my friends Xerxes and Grace Casas as they
are preparing to help rebuild our beloved village in the very remote. If you
are in Philippines or nearby and want to donate some items, please contact them
and they will be more than willing to receive whatever you have to give or any
volunteer that want to go and help. Email: project100mefm2037@yahoo.com or
connect with them on Facebook: Grace Casas.
“Remembering this beautiful village now
turned empty after the Typhoon Vinta washed them off. Please pray and join us
as we Reachout, Restore and Rebuild Pegalongan the village tried but strongly
will stand because God is with them!” February first we will be the walk down
to Pegalongan for the restoration of the church and village. We so much in mind
stuff we need to bring. We need looootts! of volunteer this time. Salamay kaayo
sa tabang!”
Cannot but have to share this testimony from my friends
Gordon and Bee in Ratanakiri.
Light shining in the darkness
This past month the Christians in Ta Aung Village
had an unusual opportunity to witness. During December there were 3 funerals
one after the other. The way we die can have a great impact on the community.
Ta Jruay had been ill for many months. He accepted Jesus as his Saviour only 4
months ago. He knew he was dying. Relatives and village elders pressured him to
sacrifice a buffaloe. But he refused them and would not let his wife or family
leave his side. He encouraged them all to believe in Jesus and not be led away
to “other” Gods. “We will meet again if you believe in Jesus like me”. The
Christians gathered around him to pray. Then he described in detail as his
spirit was leaving the body. He was conscious and peaceful until the last
breath. This was a miracle as he should have been in great pain or unconscious
from the liver cancer.
The way he died became known throughout the
community. Hundreds of people turned up for the funeral (every night for the
next 7 nights). The family requested the Christians to pray and read the bible
publicly. At first the believers were very much afraid of backlash, but they
remembered a clear word that the Lord had recently given them, that it is time
for them to rise up from hiding in the winepress, like Gideon. We thought to
pray quietly around the bier with the family, but the master of ceremonies
thrust a microphone into our hands and all of a sudden over 300 people were
listening. When Minh Sangke gave her testimony they were all captivated and
stopped from their rowdy drinking around the rice wine jars. Always ready to
seize the opportunity, Bee leaned over and whispered “Tell the story of
Creation”. So we proceeded in Kreung and Khmer – most of the community heard
the gospel that night. Unprecedented! Funerals are an opportunity for public
evangelism!
The next night Kreung Christians came from other
villages and the crowd were waiting in anticipation to hear more. By the 4th
night the village Chief clamped down – “No more presentation of the gospel in
public places” he declared. But as a concession he allowed the Christians to
play the gongs and sing songs (about God). The villagers were delighted. They
joined in the dancing and the gospel was still going out (in song) over the loudspeaker.
God has a sense of humour! His word still gets out. Jruay’s witness in death
became a platform for the whole community to hear the gospel.
A few days later there was another funeral. This was
a poor family so we thought there would be few people. But at least two hundred
turned up. They heard the Christians were coming again to play the gongs and
sing God songs. They welcomed us like long lost friends. What a change from
only 6 days previously when we first turned up at Jruay’s funeral and the community
people were eyeing us suspiciously. It was like a progressive breakthrough that
took place over 1 week (and 2 funerals). The Lord is elevating his people into
a position of opportunity and greater influence. The community see the
Christians coming out of hiding and actively involved in assisting the bereaved
families. Pray for continued steps of faith for Ta Aung (and other churches) as
they put their faith into action in the local community. PTL for people like Ta
Hom and Ta Jruay who were examples of faithfulness to Jesus in their life and
in their death.
Love you all
Rossouw-clan
No comments:
Post a Comment