Loving Our Neighbors

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​Since our last update, much has been happening in Saang. We are so blessed that the water on our own land has been receding, and that through the remaining muck and mud some patches of land are becoming visible again. But for so many (not just in Saang but in numerous provinces throughout the whole country), houses and crops are still partly submerged or have been swept away, their food and belongings ruined. Some family businesses have been forced to shut down for several weeks now.

Working with local village leaders, we learned of many neighboring families that need help and had not received any government aid. After investigating, we began buying supplies and coordinated an event to distribute them to those most in need. Below are some photos from this morning at the Saang commune center, where we gave bags of rice, noodles, tracts, and more to 54 local families.

For now, we are focusing on the immediate problem: ensuring that those most affected by the flooding have their basic needs met. But we know that in the months ahead, more needs will arise, as floodwaters drain and reveal the true extent of damage to the area. Meanwhile, the cost of food and other staples is already increasing.

 Please keep Cambodia in your prayers, that God would show his compassion to those in need through In His Steps and others on the field. Also, pray for government leaders in this time, that corruption and lack of infrastructure would not hinder their designated relief funds from reaching people in crisis.

Desperation Team

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For the past two weeks we've been busy with the first of our summer teams for this year: a group of twelve teens and young adults from New Life Church in Colorado Springs. During their short time here with us, the Desperation team helped with children's outreach, youth ministry, Sak Saum projects, English classes, skills training with orphans, church ministry, outings with Father's House children, and more! They also were able to donate two wells and many roofing tarps to families in need, and blessed a rural church with chairs and Khmer Bibles. 

Whether preaching, teaching, or coloring with kids, this team was a great example of humility, service, and love. As a ministry, we were so blessed by their cheerful attitudes each day! Below is a fun video with some of the highlights of their outreach. Enjoy!

Equipping and Empowering the Next Generation

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In the Western world, technology has become so ubiquitous that most of us can no longer imagine life without computers. Yet for most Cambodians, a computer is more of a mystery than a necessity. Generations have conducted business and done everything else in life without a keystroke or a double-click.

But Cambodia is changing rapidly, and the way that people do things is changing with it. Computer experience is now on par with English language skills as a key to job opportunities. It seems that every corner in Phnom Penh is touting computer classes, internet tutorials, and typing tutors. Yet for most Cambodians, the cost of a computer is more than their year's earnings, and those in rural areas rarely even see one!

We want the very best for children in our care, and know that in a changing world there are many things they must learn in order to thrive. As they express their hopes and dreams for their future, we have been looking for ways to equip them in the area of computer literacy. 

Through donations from many in the U.S., we are happy to announce that we are finally able to begin meeting this need through the installation of several computers at Father's House! This past week, Jacob and Eric have been busy finding desks, setting up hardware, and troubleshooting as we prepare for our very first computer classes for Father's House children. Not only will Father's House kids be learning computer skills, but our staff will receive more training as well. That way, they can teach others in the future when we have enough funds to set up a computer classroom for the community!

Our goal for Father's House children is to equip them to fulfill their destiny, whether as an accountant, farmer, doctor, or repairman. As they receive unconditional love from our staff, we want each child to know that they have a secure place in our hearts and God's, no matter what path in life they choose to take.

Just as we believe God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11 for hope and a good future, we believe it's our responsibility to prepare each child in our care for that future as best we can. From new computer classes and cooking lessons to homework help and Sunday School, we are committed to doing everything in our power to help them be successful at whatever their hands find to do in the future! 

Light in Dark Places

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PonLu with his caretaker, before the burn accident

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Since beginning this ministry over ten years ago, we have felt called to reach those who are desperate: orphans, widows, the poor, the expoited, and the outcast. It has been amazing to see the practical ways in which God shows his compassion. 

In January, one of the orphans in our care suffered a serious burn accident in the home of his caretaker. PonLu, a six year-old boy, was reaching for something near a pot of boiling water and knocked it over, burning a large percentage of his body. Our staff rushed him to a children's hospital, where we learned he would need to spend some time recovering to reduce the chance of infection and let his skin heal.

Cambodian hospitals are often dark, miserable places, with few amenities and incompetent care. Doctors often withhold treatments unless they are bribed, and simple things like a glass of water or a clean bed can be very hard to find. We feared that it would be a difficult time for PonLu, especially since hospital staff made it difficult for us to visit him often.

Although the odds were against PonLu recovering easily, God used his situation to reach out to others. It was encouraging to see the influence that even a six year-old orphan could have on those around him: doctors, nurses, other patients and their families were all asking about him and talking to him, amazed at how he would practice the alphabet, sing songs, and interact with others so joyfully in spite of his pain.

Soon, "VIPs" such as government officials and wealthy businessmen began stopping by to visit PonLu, bringing him gifts and checking on his progress. This is unheard of in a society where orphans are considered second-class citizens, hardly worthy of notice. PonLu turned that way of thinking on its head by being one of the most friendly, intelligent, and cheerful patients that the hospital has ever encountered! 

PonLu recently was able to return to his caretaker's home, and his burns are almost healed. We are so thankful for his recovery! His name means "light", and it is clear that God wants to use him as a light to others. Please keep PonLu in your prayers, that he would have complete physical healing and that he would continue to be a bright light in dark places!

Teamwork

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Many exciting things are on the horizon for In His Steps this year, not the least of which is the many short-term teams that we are expecting to visit and work with us throughout 2011. In fact, we just said goodbye to our first team this year, a YWAM Crossroads team of three families. They stayed with us for over a month, doing children's ministry, English classes, Bible teachings, a pastors' marriage seminar, and more. Below are some photo highlights of their outreach, which we hope you enjoy!