Last seven days brought many emotions. From joy to sorrow, healing for my own soul and witnessing the consequences of sin. My sin not only effects me but it has, I might say, a global impact in the lives of other people. I have come to realize that through this trip. I witnessed the grace of God in the life of Duech, chief of S-21 prison, where estimated 12,000-20,000 people were tortured and killed.
Over the four year period from 1975-1979, about 3 million Khmer died out of the 8 million population. Cambodia comes under the 10/40 window, where estimated 95.3% of the population are unreached (according to Joshua Project) and primary religion is Buddhism.
The Lord brought this beautiful group together and I honestly couldn’t ask for better people to lead us than Don and Connie Rock. Everyone served faithfully, lovingly with Christ at the center of it all. We met several men and women at various ministries being light at some of the darkest places on earth. Even as I write this blog I saw a westerner walking into the room next to me with a very young khmer girl. My heart breaks for the many young men, women and children who are being trafficked and exploited. People who engage in it don’t realize that these women are someone’s daughter, mother or sister.
Father, I pray for this nation. For healing to take place in the hearts of men coming here and women and children to find their joy in you. That they are deeply loved by their Father in heaven. Father, I pray for rescue, prevention, restoration and reintegration of those being exploited. That gospel will penetrate this nation. Thank you, God for taking our group to the unreached people in villages and breaking our hearts for your daughters and sons who are being exploited. Father, we pray for many ministries, and individuals to come to serve radically. For our churches to get out of their buildings and people from their comfort zone.
Father, lastly I ask you to forgive when I have given into lust. Cleanse my heart, to surrender everyday and to lean into Jesus. To serve faithfully and humbly, to take the Gospel to the nations and to make disciples for the glory and renown of Jesus Christ!
Many Emotions – John V
