Today started with another hearty round of dancercise, followed by breakfast. For breakfast we have been getting an “American breakfast” which consists of eggs, French fries, and toast. Everyone else eats the typical fried-rice or noodles, and the mystery soup that accompanies every other meal at the youth camp. Even though we have a breakfast option, some of our group are eating rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Even though I am not a fan of rice, I have had to eat some of it. The hospitality of the Cambodian people is amazing; they are constantly trying to serve us at meals. They pile foods on our plates, especially rice. You can tell some of them are not used to all the food that is offered at the youth camp. These youth just consume copious amounts of food. To elaborate the point, one guy I sat next to today whose name sounds somewhat like “Yo,” ate about five cups of rice not including the other three dishes we had on out table. Other foods we have had include: squid, pork, chicken bones with a touch of meat, soups, full boney head on fish, noodles, vegetables, fruit and what they call “cheese” in English but it is really some kind of fish substance (I expect it has fish liver to say the least.)
For this food experience we will have to live by faith as it says:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”(Matthew 6:31)
The tech crew led some morning worship songs, and Josh R. and Melissa from LA tech gave the Bible study devotional on the “Good Samaritan.” It was both inspiring and funny as Josh Y. played a donkey in the skit and one of the Cambodia youth rode on his back.
The second half of the morning included rotation through two more small group sessions. The youth spent the afternoon in administrative meetings, electing their local and district leaders.
Tonight was very special. They had a campfire where they symbolically burnt away their failings. One of the Cambodian pastors preached, reminding them that nothing can separate them from the Love of Christ. Then they had a faith walk where they had to walk past the fire, through a field of obstacles, up stairs, over a drainage ditch, and in a door all while blindfolded. Our team was there to help them through this maze. Their local pastors were waiting at the end reciting the story of the prodigal son returning home, praying for the youth, and encouraging them to go forth and share the gospel when they returned home.
We found this experience very symbolic as we foreigners can only help the Cambodian people so much. Eventually, the local pastor and the youth leaders will be their source of guidance and support.
This night was extremely emotional for everyone because the youth here truly let go of their emotions and poured themselves out freely. The majority of the youth were weeping with joy as they shouted their prayers.
This experience displayed Psalms 62:8, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Thanks for photos & narrative Seth. Sounds like you all are very busy with a very expressive group of believers. Grace to you. You are lifted up in prayer today. Chuck. & Susan Reynolds