Calling Homes and Churches to take the LIGHT of Christ into a DARK world…during one of Cambodia’s darkest holiday
Pchum Ben, also called Ancestor’s Day, is a Cambodian religious festival that was in full swing during the time we were holding four MTM Leadership Conferences. Some Khmer Christians call it the “Festival of Darkness”. It is also a time when people travel back to their home villages for family time. We thank God for your prayers, as He faithfully lifted us from the oppression we felt around us!!!
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The Cambodian Trail…
First of all, we thank God for the numerous answered prayers many of you offered on our behalf as we traversed the beautiful country of Cambodia sharing God’s word along with Merle and Judy. Our 17 days in Cambodia took us over 1300 Kilometers (800 miles) by van, 2 separate flights by airline visiting 4 different churches each with 2-day conferences. Our first conference was at a native Mennonite church where we enjoyed their warm hospitality and fellowshipping among them. We also returned there the following weekend for church services and fellowship with Allen and Melody Helmuth who are American missionaries.
L-R Sam & Danelle Wray, two native couples, Merle & Judy Flory
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There are several things we observed that I hope will stay with us as we travel back to America.
Increased appetites. While the food supply can be limited for most of the native people, it seemed to have little effect on the spiritual appetite of the Christians here. While the conferences might have been primarily for the church leaders, each conference was attended by several youth and other interested learners. They sat through 12 or more hours over 2 days in sweaty churches alert and attentive eagerly listening to the Word that was being taught on becoming fruitful to God in their personal, church, marriage and family life.
Expectations diminished. In America we have come to expect good selection of food, excellent service, climate-controlled churches, comfortable beds, clean restrooms and smooth roads. When these are not met, we tend to complain or adjust by affordable choices. In a foreign country we think little of hot sweaty churches, poor food selection or service, hard beds, chirping creatures in our rooms, dirty restrooms and rough roads. One evening on the road, fast food consisted of dry noodles with chicken and added hot water. I wonder how much happier we could all be if our expectations were lower and our gratefulness was greater in the land in which we live. One highlight was our visit by boat to a small fishing village where all the houses (shacks) are built on stilts about 20 feet up in the air. We took a boat because for several months out of the year it is flooded with water. We visited the home of a Mennonite widow who was very content with her bamboo mat and hammock for furniture and seemed unconcerned about the rat on the rafter. Her only request was for more teachers who would come and share the gospel in her village.
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Lingering images:
- Of the joy that radiated from the Mennonite widows face… in spite of her circumstances…
- Of the tears that flowed down a pastor’s face as he was reeling from the recent devastating news that his wife had left him and his 3-year-old daughter for another man…
- Of the humble repentance as many fell on their knees before God as they committed to a more dedicated life and holier marriage relationships…
- The quizzical curious look on our taxi drivers face as he said “Jesus? No, I never heard of Him”…
- The lost woman who was bowing down before an idol with incense in her hand, hoping to appease the gods and to give her blessing…
Then I ponder:
- Why was I born in America where I have heard the gospel?
- Will I have lower expectations and a more grateful heart for the blessings I do have?
- What will I do with the Gospel in my own community?
Editor’s Note: The above article was written by Sam Wray, MTM guest teacher from Sandpoint, Idaho. Brother Sam and his wife Danielle operated Springs of Hope boys ranch near Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho and have a heart for the family and marriage. Today they serve in the ministry at Mountain View congregation near Sandpoint, along with a counseling ministry to families of troubled boys. On behalf of MTM, we sincerely thank Brother Sam and Sister Danielle for giving so much of themselves here in Cambodia the 2nd time. A big thank you to all donors who make this ministry among the nations possible. To God be the glory!!
