Outreach Testimony
One of our greatest joys is seeing women that are in the deepest of darkness come into the restoring light of Jesus.
This month, while ministering in the Karaoke bars (legal establishments for prostitution) our team met a beautiful, young 19 year old. She had moved from the province to Phnom Penh for the prospect of work. Once here, her friend tricked her into working at the Karaoke bar. She was promised a lot of money but had no idea what she would be doing until she arrived.
Now servicing multiple men per night and working 7 days a week, she told us there was no hope for any other future.
Because of her background, she shared she was forever a prostitute. She had never before heard of Jesus, so our team began to share of His love for her and of God's promise to give her a future and hope. She was thrilled to receive Jesus into her heart and after deciding to follow Him couldn't believe how light and "clean" she felt. Our team has since been in touch with her and are working to get her into a discipleship and training program.
Our EL Women
Breakthrough! There is nothing more beautiful than God's truth moving from head knowledge to heart revelation. This month we had incredible breakthrough during our counseling sessions with the kids and women in our Everlasting Love (EL) program. They are feeling safe and protected . . . they are feeling loved, and as a result, they are beginning to share more openly and freely.
The women at EL are learning about God as their restorer.
They've been decoupaging old things, and through the activity have seen how they, too, could be restored and made beautiful again. It was the perfect illustration for the girls to see how God in His love redeems, restores, and makes all things new - taking even old and ugly things and making them beautiful.
Poipet
Being eyes and ears in vulnerable slum and street communities is essential. In Phnom Penh and Poipet we have seen simple teachings about "good and bad" touch empower children to know and share about instances of sexual exploitation. This month, we shared with our kids in Poipet a very important awareness and training message. As the children and community members learn what to look for, they can better protect themselves and each other from sexual exploitation and human trafficking situations.
Children in Poipet listening to an awareness training message about "good and bad touch" - a tool used to help them protect themselves and others from situations of sexual exploitation.
We are also looking forward to more partnership opportunities in the new year. In Poipet and across the nation's border, we will be collaboratively working with our friends at A21 to continue to develop a strong network and safe repatriation efforts for trafficked and at-risk Cambodian children.
Restoring Slums
Last month we were devastated to hear of a fire that had wiped out over 20 houses in one of our most treasured communities. Over 20 houses were burned and over 40 families were impacted by the damage. For people that have next to nothing this was tragic.
Many left the community before we received word, but we were able to assist 13 families get back on their feet by providing hygiene, clothing, and shoes for each family member. We were also able to get two children in our education program new school supplies and uniforms, so they could begin school again.
Rebuilding after a tragedy is never easy, but it was
beautiful to see the exchange of joy for mourning, as
God touched the hearts of these precious families.
Please continue to pray for these families as they rebuild.
You are a part of the restoration of nations!
Together, we are taking ground for His Kingdom. Thanks for partnering with us in the new year. Great things to come!!
Much Love and Blessings,
