Today we explored local sites and learned about the local culture that the women we are ministering to have grown up in, are coming out of and are living in. Much of the local culture is still trapped in the mindset spiritism (seeking to pacify specific spirits) and animism (believing everything has a spirit). The primary current religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and we saw many people actively offering prayers to idol statues and burning incense.
I'm reminded of the many verses that talk about helpless sheep without a shepherd how they are and we ourselves once were trapped in darkness, shackled to worthless idols made of wood and stone. Please pray for the light of our Lord Jesus that shines in the darkness to illuminate the hearts and minds of these people, for those actively working to bring the light of Christ to the nations and the against the darkness that cannot stand against, understand or overcome the Light.
As I walked through the temples, prayers and verses echoed through my mind for these precious people that our Lord loves so dearly that He gave His very life to free them. I would find myself stopping periodically and praying for the people around me. The most heartbreaking thing is because of the sacrifice of Jesus, the "prison door" is open: they need only to walk through it. But how can they walk through it if someone doesn't show them and speak to them? What a striking call to go and tell and make disciples.
One of the beautiful things I noticed and appreciated was nature taking back over these temples and I was reminded of the mighty works of the Lord, and how man may construct structures but the creations of the Lord are more beautiful still - even in their fallen state. Oh for the day when all creation will be renewed to the state our Lord intended!
Pisal and Sophorn sent us an update that they are currently setting up the upcoming conference in the local church it will be held in. Please continue praying over this conference for and with us. For our God is so mighty and great are His works for His name's sake! Joshua is home but still sick with pneumonia in his right lung so please keep praying for health for him and the rest of the team. Tomorrow is another travel day back to Kampong Cham so that we can tour and pray over Pastor Pisal's coconut farm on Thursday.
Please pray for the team tonight for spiritual, emotional, mental and physical protection as today was very draining for many being in a place of active darkness worship but we know our God is greater and has already won the victory! Thank you all.
I'm reminded of the many verses that talk about helpless sheep without a shepherd how they are and we ourselves once were trapped in darkness, shackled to worthless idols made of wood and stone. Please pray for the light of our Lord Jesus that shines in the darkness to illuminate the hearts and minds of these people, for those actively working to bring the light of Christ to the nations and the against the darkness that cannot stand against, understand or overcome the Light.
As I walked through the temples, prayers and verses echoed through my mind for these precious people that our Lord loves so dearly that He gave His very life to free them. I would find myself stopping periodically and praying for the people around me. The most heartbreaking thing is because of the sacrifice of Jesus, the "prison door" is open: they need only to walk through it. But how can they walk through it if someone doesn't show them and speak to them? What a striking call to go and tell and make disciples.
One of the beautiful things I noticed and appreciated was nature taking back over these temples and I was reminded of the mighty works of the Lord, and how man may construct structures but the creations of the Lord are more beautiful still - even in their fallen state. Oh for the day when all creation will be renewed to the state our Lord intended!
Pisal and Sophorn sent us an update that they are currently setting up the upcoming conference in the local church it will be held in. Please continue praying over this conference for and with us. For our God is so mighty and great are His works for His name's sake! Joshua is home but still sick with pneumonia in his right lung so please keep praying for health for him and the rest of the team. Tomorrow is another travel day back to Kampong Cham so that we can tour and pray over Pastor Pisal's coconut farm on Thursday.
Please pray for the team tonight for spiritual, emotional, mental and physical protection as today was very draining for many being in a place of active darkness worship but we know our God is greater and has already won the victory! Thank you all.