What I experienced and saw with my own eyes was life changing. I witnessed God’s power to change lives (including my own) and His great love for this suffering nation. There are 3 words that stand out when I look back at the past month: Love, Hope and Family. We were sent to bring HOPE, encourage, and be the hands and feet of Jesus and to LOVE our FAMILY members in Cambodia. After a long plane ride and a night in Hong Kong, we finally arrived in Phmon Penh, Cambodia. I was overwhelmed with different emotions as we drove from the airport to the Alliance Guest House where we would spend the night before heading up to Siem Reap. I found myself thinking: why am I here? What am I getting myself into? Six months of planning and we had finally arrived. I was excited to finally see all that we had been hearing about for many years from our missionaries. The next morning we embarked on a long and very cramped seven hour drive up to the village of Siem Reap, to spend 5 days with Reaksa Himm, his family and Kim Bui. There were almost no traffic lights and everyone seems to drive on any side of the road, so it was an interesting drive up to the country side. I learned so much about forgiveness and HOPE that week. I was able to see firsthand the power of forgiveness in Reaksa’s life, whose family was killed by the Khmer Rouge but he escaped. He took us through his journey of how God protected him and now is using him to redeem and rebuild his own village and many more. He has built a center with a library and computer room where children can come, read and learn. This building is also used for church on Sundays. He also set up a floor hockey rink outside and we enjoyed a friendly game of hockey between the Canadians and the Cambodians. I am still trying to figure out who won. We visited the killing fields in the village of Kokpreach and despite the sadness; I felt a sense of HOPE. HOPE for a new generation that was being raised to be the new leaders of Cambodia. We met some of the killers that have become Christians through Reaska’s powerful testimony of forgiveness. The highlight of my week was a school we visited (God’s Grace Primary School) which had been build to shape these young minds. continued on page two Call out to the Lord, During your times of difficulty, When the future looks bleak and uncertain... He will strengthen you. Like the Psalmists who cried out to God and He delivered them, you O God deliver those who love you and trust you. We sin but your love for us covers the multitude of sins we commit ...how comforting is your word! How beautiful your promises, They truly give life and strength to those who are weary. Thank you Lord - for You provide a light where there is no light at all. Where else can we go to but to you Lord? Who else loves us enough to save us and rescue us in our times of distress? Thank you Lord for sustaining us and loving us through our difficulties! Our hope rests in you. [email protected]• Building relationships • Strengthening community at RAC APRIL 2013 I called out to the Lord A poem by Parul Oh A few months ago I was in a dark place, a place from which only God could rescue me. During my moments of struggle, this poem emerged. I pray that it may be a blessing to you when you are in a dark place, that you would know God is right there and that no matter what, God’s light penetrates the deepest darkness and gives life to those parts of us that we think are dead. He is waiting ... all we have to do is reach out to Him. Initially I was reluctant to sign up for this short term mission trip but Cees was determined to participate and we came to an agreement. Cees was coming on an Alaska cruise and I then consented to go to Cambodia. My doubts rose from the idea that I was not spiritual and emotionally ready to contribute significantly to all the activities expected of us. Those fears were put to rest after our first “ briefing” with Mr. Lobbezoo. He made it very clear that instead of trying to change the people and circumstances in Cambodia we were the ones to be changed. His words resonated in my mind and in the end I had to admit they were so true. After our first encounter with Kim Bui and hearing and seeing her excitement that her “Rexdale family” had come to see her I embraced all that the Lord had in store for me personally and as a group. I gained great admiration for Kim and the difficult work she is doing among the Vietnamese people in Cambodia. It was great fun working with the children, they are so easy to love. We found it hard to say goodbye and there was sadness when leaving Kim . We pray that the Lord will send another worker to Siem Riep who is really needed to support Kim. Meeting with Reaksa (who survived the killing fields of Cambodia) and his family was a privilege. He is a great organizer booked our hotel, meals etc. and took us to several of his projects. His church, where pastor Wayne preached, the community centre and later to a school Reaksa had started, there we needed all our talents to entertain the 150 children for a few hours. The man playing ball outside ( 35C) and the ladies inside the school with Corrine leading the crafts time. continued on page two Love like Jesus - Cambodia Missions Trip 2013 My trip to Cambodia Submitted by Clary Bijl We met some of the killers that have become Christians through Reaska’s powerful testimony of forgiveness. Submitted by CORRINE CADINOUCHE I set out on a journey Feb 4th with 10 teammates from Rexdale Alliance Church. WE WENT TO CAMBODIA TO LOVE LIKE JESUS. Cambodia special edition I was able to see firsthand the power of forgiveness in Reaksa’s life, whose family was killed by the Khmer Rouge but he escaped. He took us through his journey of how God protected him and now is using him to redeem and rebuild his own village and many more. Sok and Savy Lisa Cheung (left) Kim Bui (centre)
Transcript
What I experienced and saw with my own eyes was life changing. I witnessed God’s power to change lives (including my own) and His great love for this suffering nation.
There are 3 words that stand out when I look back at the past month: Love, Hope and Family. We were sent to bring HOPE, encourage, and be the hands and feet of Jesus and to LOVE our FAMILY members in Cambodia.
After a long plane ride and a night in Hong Kong, we finally arrived in Phmon Penh, Cambodia. I was overwhelmed with different emotions as we drove from the airport to the Alliance Guest House where we would spend the night before heading up to Siem Reap. I found myself thinking: why am I here? What
am I getting myself into? Six months of planning and we had finally arrived. I was excited to finally see all that we had been hearing about for many years from
our missionaries. The next morning we embarked on a long and
very cramped seven hour drive up to the village of Siem Reap, to spend 5 days with Reaksa Himm, his family and Kim Bui. There were almost no traffic lights and everyone seems to drive on any side of the road, so it was an interesting drive up to the country side. I learned so much about forgiveness and HOPE that week. I was able to see firsthand the power of forgiveness in Reaksa’s life, whose family was killed by the Khmer Rouge but he escaped. He took us through his journey of how God protected him and now is using him to redeem and rebuild his own village
and many more. He has built a center with
a library and computer room where children can come, read and learn. This building is also used for church on Sundays. He also set up a floor hockey rink outside and we enjoyed a friendly game of hockey between the Canadians and the Cambodians. I am still trying to figure out who won. We visited the killing fields in the village of Kokpreach and despite the sadness; I felt a sense of HOPE. HOPE for a new generation that was being raised to be the new leaders of Cambodia. We met some of the killers that have become Christians through Reaska’s powerful testimony of forgiveness. The highlight of my week was a school we visited (God’s Grace Primary School) which had been build to shape these young minds. continued on page two
Call out to the Lord, During your times of difficulty,
When the future looks bleak and uncertain...He will strengthen you.
Like the Psalmists who cried out to God and He delivered them, you O God deliver those who love you and trust you.
We sin but your love for us covers the multitude of sins we commit ...how comforting is your word! How beautiful your promises,
They truly give life and strength to those who are weary. Thank you Lord - for
You provide a light where there is no light at all. Where else can we go to but to you Lord?
Who else loves us enough to save us and rescue us in our times of distress?Thank you Lord for sustaining us and loving us
• Building relationships • Strengthening community at RAC
APRIL 2013
I called out to the Lord A poem by Parul Oh
A few months ago I was in a dark place, a place from which only God could rescue me. During my moments of struggle, this poem emerged. I pray that it may be a blessing to you when you are in a dark place, that you would know God is right there and that no matter what, God’s light penetrates the deepest darkness and gives life to those parts of us that we think are dead. He is waiting ... all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Initially I was reluctant to sign up for this short term mission trip but Cees was determined to participate and we came to an agreement. Cees was coming on
an Alaska cruise and I then consented to go to Cambodia.
My doubts rose from the idea that I was not spiritual and emotionally ready to contribute significantly to all the activities expected of us.
Those fears were put to rest after our first “ briefing” with Mr. Lobbezoo. He made it very clear that instead of trying to change the people and circumstances in Cambodia we were the ones to be changed. His words resonated in my mind and in the end I had to admit they were so true.
After our first encounter with Kim Bui and hearing and seeing her excitement that her “Rexdale family” had come to see her I embraced all that the Lord had in store for me personally and as a group. I gained great admiration for Kim and the difficult work she is doing among the Vietnamese people in Cambodia. It was great
fun working with the children, they are so easy to love. We found it hard to say goodbye and there was sadness when leaving Kim . We pray that the Lord will send another worker to Siem Riep who is really needed to support Kim.
Meeting with Reaksa (who survived the killing fields of Cambodia) and his family was a privilege. He is a great organizer booked our hotel, meals etc. and took us to several of his projects. His church, where pastor Wayne preached, the community centre and later to a school Reaksa had started, there we needed all our talents to entertain the 150 children for a few hours. The man playing ball outside ( 35C) and the ladies inside the school with Corrine leading the crafts time.
continued on page two
Love like Jesus - Cambodia Missions Trip 2013
My trip to Cambodia Submitted by Clary Bijl
We met some of the killers that have
become Christians through Reaska’s
powerful testimony of forgiveness.
Submitted by CORRINE CADINOUCHE I set out on a journey Feb 4th with 10 teammates from Rexdale Alliance Church. WE WENT TO CAMBODIA TO LOVE LIKE JESUS.
Cambodia special edition
I was able to see firsthand the power of forgiveness in Reaksa’s life, whose family
was killed by the Khmer Rouge but he escaped. He took us through his
journey of how God protected him and now is using him to redeem and rebuild his own
village and many more.
Sok and Savy Lisa Cheung (left) Kim Bui (centre)
Reaksa is a great man of faith and we were amazed at what had been accomplished. Much prayer is needed for him in connection with future guidance and direction.
After traveling back to Phnom Penh we met up with Lisa and toured several institutions started by RATANAK, the organization that has employed Lisa as one of their leaders. One of their goals is to rescue young girls from the sex trade, give them a safe place to live, an education or learning a profession and guiding them back into the Cambodian society. We saw firsthand some of the amazing results, brothels changed into a community centre, church, medical clinic and a factory where many older girls work and make a living. It was a dark world we encountered but thanks to many dedicated workers their situations have been redeemed and there is hope and a future for numerous young girls.
Our next visit brought us to Kampong Chnang and the TBI (Tahas Bible Institute) where Sok and Savy Em live and work. We received a heart-warming welcome. Savy’s face was just radiant when she saw us. Her remark a day later was worth the whole trip when she admitted, “it was a busy time but her heart was full of joy because of our presence”. There were 26 students and 10 of them graduated the next day. Savy did all the cooking for everybody, including us.
We enjoyed the graduation ceremony and the fact that those young men are going back to their respective villages to become pastors of small churches. It struck us immediately that this compound was an oasis of peace, cleanliness and beauty. All the buildings were painted in similar colours, white offset with gray. Here also the hands on work started with Dennis leading the men in changing the womens’ dorm from an aluminum (very hot) structure into an amazing wooden building.
Marcia was leading her crew by painting a Bible verse 2 Tim. 2:2 in Khmer and English on the wall of the study centre.A beautiful palm tree, drawn by Corrine, connected the two.
We spent quality time with Sok and Savy, enjoyed the veranda at their home as our mutual affection and appreciation deepened. It was difficult and emotional time to say goodbye to them.
On our way back to Phnom Penh we made a stop at the Rescue Centre, had lunch with Marie Ens and of course met our own Vidya. It was again a tearful reunion. Sitting in on one of her English classes we discovered again what an excellent and beloved teacher Vidya is.
We toured the premises of Place of Rescue, and were truly blown away by all the activity. There are ten orphanage houses (the children’s parents died from AIDS). In each house lives ten children,
different ages, with a house mother, two large “granny houses” each housing 25 elderly ladies who would have otherwise no place to go; a baby house and if I remember well also ten small houses where Aids patients live with their families. Everybody is being lovingly cared for, fed nutritious meals and the children receive a good education. There are beautiful flowers and trees all around, many fruit trees, an abundance of mangos and bananas, also a large garden that produces much of the vegetables for the 160 people living there.
Vidya traveled back with us to the city and we enjoyed spending time with her.
All the workers we visited have a connection with our Rexdale church.
I am still processing much of the information but am so thankful that I made the above mentioned deal with Cees. Indeed this journey has changed me, also by discovering some less pleasant truths about myself.
Apart from some minor irritations there was real unity in our group in part due to the excellent leadership of Pastor Wayne Kerr.
The morning devotions, evening debriefing and prayer times were no doubt major contributors to this.
We thank the Lord for physical safety especially on the road where there is no law apart of the “law of the jungle”.
and Contracting Inc.
CHARLES SJAARDA
6151 Kirby RoadKleinburg, ON LOJ 1C0Ph. (905) 893-9000
sponsorship (above) will be donated to the youth ministries of RAC.
Clary Bijl: Cambodia Missions Trip 2013 continued from page one
The children just swarmed around us when we arrived with huge smiles on their faces. We played games and did some crafts with them. We gave each child a T-shirt, 2 notebooks and some pencils.
Another FAMILY member in Siem Reap was Kim Bui. As soon as she saw us, she said: “MY FAMILY is here!!” What a joy it was to see Kim and experience with her the ministry that she has in her village. My heart broke when I was listening to her struggles and hearing the stories of what these girls (who we had come to LOVE) had been through and that some still were at a high risk of being sold at anytime. As I hugged Kim, I thought to myself, we all have heroes that we look up to and Kim will be mine, my spiritual hero. I have such admiration for her and for her LOVE for this broken community. She is HOPE for these girls and boys. HOPE, of a new life in Jesus.
Our next stop was back to Phmon Penh for a few days and a visit to Svay Pak with Lisa Cheong. February 14th: What a perfect date to visit Rahab’s House, Ratanak centers, Daughters, and Bloom cafe. These are all places where young women and children who have been rescued from the sex trade and trafficking come, live/hang out and work. They are all being LOVED, respected, rehabilitated, given dignity and are surrounded by the FAMILY of God, which is becoming their new FAMILY. Many of these buildings were once brothels, now turned into places of HOPE, but many other buildings still remained in darkness. It was difficult for me as a woman to see some of these places and know what was going on inside. Or see the little girls and wonder: what kind of night lay ahead of them. I was quickly reminded by one of my prayer partners to keep focusing on Jesus and the great things He was doing in many lives and what He was doing in the country of Cambodia. And to remember that I was there to bring LOVE to the missionaries that we were with. As a team we prayed and blessed Lisa and many of her workers. Lisa is now another spiritual hero in my life.
After a heavy day and a good night’s rest, we drove a couple of hours away to the village of Kampong Chnang for about
5 days. We arrived at Tahas Bible Institute (TBI) and were warmly welcomed by Sok and Savy. One of our team members described the compound as arriving at an Oasis. There was a feeling of calmness, rest, LOVE and joy. I will never forget the smile on Savy’s face as she mentioned that her FAMILY had arrived. We were blessed with her amazing cooking and Sok’s attentiveness to every detail of our daily activities. This place, the food and Sok and Savy reminded of where I grew up. I felt comfortable, free and at home. We had the pleasure of attending the TBI
graduation ceremony, where 10 students graduated (many who were pastors). I watched how God used Sok, an obedient servant to fight for His kingdom and saw the fruit of his labor.
Just down the street from our guest house were the floating villages. People living on water!! We had the privilege of visiting a couple of churches and a school. Once again the children touched my heart, singing and reciting scripture in their own language. Back at Tahas Bible institute our team spent two days rebuilding the girls’ dorm, taking down the corrugated iron sheets and putting up new wooden walls. We also painted a Mural on the wall in the classroom with a verse and a coconut tree. This task seemed impossible, but we prayed!!!! We prayed that God would help us finish all our projects in the short two day stay ... and God did it. Our FAMILY
members now had a beautiful wooden dorm to sleep in while they studied at the Institute.
Last but not least we headed back to Phnom Penh to visit Place of Rescue and our SISTER VIDYA! Our little Trini FAMILY member was dancing for joy when we arrived. We walked around the compound visiting the orphanage and small little houses where aids families lived. The best part of my day was sitting in Vidya’s class. Her students just LOVED her, and what a joy it was to see her pour herself out into these little lives. Vidya returned with us to
the Guest house for three days and we fellowshipped and prayed with her. My heart was moved one morning, when she said to me: “let’s go for a walk, I want to pray for you!” I was supposed to be there to pray for her, not the other way around...but if any of you know Vidya, you know her heart and her love for her FAMILY. I feel so privileged to have her in my life, and that I was able to experience her day to day activities in Cambodia. I now have a better understanding of her circumstances – which means I can better pray for her.
I am so thankful to God for the opportunity of going on this trip. So to answer my questions from the beginning of this article: I went on this mission to grow spiritually and to be stretched by God. I learned what it
really means to pray daily and how to have an exciting prayer life. My heart has been touched by each missionary we visited. They have shown me how they are a light shining in the darkness and how they bring HOPE through Jesus to the Cambodians. I pray that my life will be a light as well everywhere I go. I now see people and our world through different eyes.
I have learned so much from each team member. I felt accepted, LOVED and I am thankful for many conversations I had with each one. They are like my FAMILY now!
Together we have LOVED and blessed our missionaries and the local people. We saw and experienced in a very special way, how each individual ministry has been established to bring HOPE, LOVE and a FAMILY to the people of Cambodia.
I have learned to LOVE LIKE JESUS!
Love like Jesus - Cambodia Missions Trip 2013 continued from page one
Our next stop was back to Phmon Penh for a few days
and a visit to Svay Pak with Lisa Cheong. February 14th:
What a perfect date to visit Rahab’s House,
Ratanak centers, Daughters, and Bloom cafe.
These are all places where young women and children
