|
We flew to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to try and get a final letter to formally apply for our license to work in Cambodia. Appointments set and paperwork ready only to learn that technically what we do in Cambodia is not licensable...
A bit disappointed but I asked what could you give us a letter for. Her answer? We really have a huge drug addiction problem. (I thought great, just what I want to hear) Oh yeah and something for unwed mothers.
Both are difficult and not cheap programs to run. Funny thing is just the other day a friend who founded "My sober coach" emailed and asked if I had heard anything more about needs for addiction treatment. Hummm could this be something this God I tell all the time I am in for the tough calling want us to help facilitate? Who knows but for sure I will walk slowly.
But then again unless you may think I am getting slow to action in my old age. I had arranged a 2nd meeting with Jesse McCaul. This young man came to Cambodia in 1995 he was but 17! And has been there since. The Kemir Rouge was still in place in certain regions! Yikes!
Jesse is Pastor of the closet thing to a mega church in Phnom. Our first visit I talked away our time (I know what a surprise) but today I was determined to let the man talk. And hey maybe even ask questions.
 |
| To those who have been to Danang. this remind you of anyplace? This is Next step home in Phnom |
He gave us a little tour or the outreach offices of New Life Church, which he pastors. So many of his programs are similar in Nature to GIBTK's. Honestly I was highly impressed. In many ways they were further along then our own.
Over coffee he spoke more on his vision and how ripe Cambodia was for change and transformation. From both of our visits I really liked Jesse. He was my kind of guy, not afraid and someone called to action.
 |
| Phineath and a few of the girls from home we are partnering with Jesse with |
I had to wonder what makes a young man come at 17 and decide to spend the past 19 years committed to transforming lives? The kinda guy I want to be when I grow up. By the way Jesse is 36 now. I guess some grow up sooner then others.
Even before we met this trip I sensed I wanted to partner with Jesse in some way. Listening I saw how much he and gibtk had in common and how much we can learn especially about Cambodia.
 |
| "The girls will be so happy to hear their prayers are answered! They have been wondering where they would go if none helped! |
I asked that question that leads to so much. "Jesse, what are the pressing needs for Cambodia and for his work in Cambodia". His first answer was education, his second and third answers too.
Then he said clearly in their ministry it is need to fund 4 of what they call "next step" homes. Homes for kids who graduate out of orphanages or in many cases kids who have been rescued and are at the stage of recovery which will re-enter them into society.
I'm sure many of you are already thinking this is like our lighthouse and Hals homes. I told him we would help fund one of the homes. Clearly I stated it but he kept "selling" once he heard it's done a third or fourth time he said that is such a relief. Since rents are due soon.
We arranged to visit these "dorms" the next day at noon. As soon as we approached the home I look to Tam and asked what does this place look like. She said The Lighthouse only nicer,
As we walked through the place I knew in my heart this was a next step not only for the girls living here but also for GIBTK Next steps too! Walking through the place I wanted to say this one is ours. Finally and sheepishly I asked if Jesse had arranged for us to visit others homes. The young lady said no this is the only one (almost sorrowfully) to me it was all the confirmation I needed.
 |
| This years prayer? Same as last, a sponsor to pay rent and utilities. |
But what sealed the deal. In one of the rooms they used for study was a "prayer list"(the dates told the story, it was the same prayers from last 2 years) at the top was find a sponsor for rent and utilities.. and 2nd was a cd played and worship cd's. Several others including a library
 |
| The "library" prayer has been answered |
I asked which of these prayers have been answered ? "All but the rent, utilities, and cd players and cds. The smile which began in my heart flowed through till it got to my face. I said I still need to talk to Jesse but I think those prayers have been answered too.
The young lady walking us through shared oh that would be so wonderful because the girls have been talking and worrying what they will need to do if rent money is not found, I think God heard they're prayers.
 |
| Girls at next step don't have to worry who will help next. GIBTK will |
Tam asked do many come to visit and not fund? Perplexed our host said no, you're the first to ever visit! DONE DEAL!!!
It took me thinking I was coming to get "my" letter but really it was to help and serve another. Hummmm as I type this it sounds so much like something my Lord and Savior may set up.
By the way there is 20 girls, 19 are going to college, most work half days making about 15-20 a month! 18 of the girls are studying accounting or banking. One was studying agriculture. Why I asked?
 |
| Linna is studying Agriculture, wants to improve farming for not only her family but all farmers! (My champion!) |
" My families are farmers. I want to learn something I can take back to my village and help the farmers be more effective plus I want to teach about alternate use of pesticides and other poisons being sprayed on crops now."
This one girl sealed the deal even more. A non-conformist. Someone willing to try something outside the box? Yeah God for leading us to places we did not plan and doing so much more then we planed!
We serve an amazing God. And I am not sure why I am pressing this point so hard this trip but maybe it is for you? Come and visit this home our next trip! It is tentatively planned for May.
Are you hearing a whisper? Possibly a God whisper?
><((((º> BBlessed
PS, WE SURE NEED SOME PARTNERS IN THIS,
|
