Andy & Katie's Big Adventure
Blessings to you both.
Sunday 23 November 2014
Sunday in Cambodia with CHO
A post from our friends Andy and Katie Hills who the BRBC team had the pleasure of working alongside on their recent visit to Poipet.
A lovely description of Sundays with CHO.
Blessings to you both.
Blessings to you both.
Friday 14 November 2014
Our 2014 visit to Poipet, the complete story
For your convenience we have compiled the complete story of our 2014 visit into one convenient PDF document. It can be downloaded here.
Sunday 9 November 2014
Adieu
A huge thank you
- To all our supporters in the UK especially those at BRBC who made this all possible both through the planning stages, financially and supporting us in prayer.
- To Tearfund UK for their support behind the scenes and making this all possible through their inspirational Connected Church programme.
- To our friends at CHO who made us most welcome and gave us the opportunity to share in their amazing projects.
- To Chomno, Rosa, Reatrey, Rathana, Monorom, Sovann, Lita, Kagna, Sokheoun and all the staff in Destiny Café. It was good to work together.
God bless you all.
Saturday 8 November 2014
Creature Comforts and Hardship
We’re back in Poipet, minus Rod and Michelle who are staying in Siem Reap to do some sightseeing.
My new room at the hotel has a table and chairs, a window and a view, which I am enjoying. It also has the air conditioning on – air con is something for which we have all been consistently grateful since we arrived. All these things contribute to my sense of wellbeing at the end of the trip and reinforces a sense of gratitude to God for all his goodness to us over these two weeks.
Creature comforts like these make a lot of difference. The sights we saw yesterday at the Angkor temple complex were awe-inspiring, yet because it was so hot, one of the best parts of the day was an orange ice lolly in the car park (brilliant idea, Michelle!). Without the creature comforts I have mentioned, our visit to Cambodia would have been a gruelling endurance test. Yet (and you will probably have guessed this) as I reflect on the difference these things have made to our enjoyment of the trip and our ability to cope, I cannot but be aware of the number of people who live here without a comfortable chair, a window with a view, air conditioning or enough money to buy clean water or food for a balanced diet, let alone an ice lolly to cool them down. In one way we have experienced so much, but our creature comforts have insulated us against any hardships on this trip. We have been immensely privileged during our stay, and this is a measure of how we are all correspondingly immensely privileged in terms of the way of life we enjoy in the UK, both at home and in church.
Yet I would like to thank those in BRBC who have endured a small measure of hardship for our sake. While we have been sweating in the sun or basking in the air con, working and travelling, a faithful group have gathered every day in what has sometimes been a very cold BRBC chapel to pray for us. If today we can look back on the trip and see that God has been good to us and has used us in some small way to make a difference here in Cambodia, then your prayers for us have been an essential part of that, so thank you for the difference you have made as vital members of the BRBC team who stayed and prayed. God bless you!
Tim
My new room at the hotel has a table and chairs, a window and a view, which I am enjoying. It also has the air conditioning on – air con is something for which we have all been consistently grateful since we arrived. All these things contribute to my sense of wellbeing at the end of the trip and reinforces a sense of gratitude to God for all his goodness to us over these two weeks.
Creature comforts like these make a lot of difference. The sights we saw yesterday at the Angkor temple complex were awe-inspiring, yet because it was so hot, one of the best parts of the day was an orange ice lolly in the car park (brilliant idea, Michelle!). Without the creature comforts I have mentioned, our visit to Cambodia would have been a gruelling endurance test. Yet (and you will probably have guessed this) as I reflect on the difference these things have made to our enjoyment of the trip and our ability to cope, I cannot but be aware of the number of people who live here without a comfortable chair, a window with a view, air conditioning or enough money to buy clean water or food for a balanced diet, let alone an ice lolly to cool them down. In one way we have experienced so much, but our creature comforts have insulated us against any hardships on this trip. We have been immensely privileged during our stay, and this is a measure of how we are all correspondingly immensely privileged in terms of the way of life we enjoy in the UK, both at home and in church.
Yet I would like to thank those in BRBC who have endured a small measure of hardship for our sake. While we have been sweating in the sun or basking in the air con, working and travelling, a faithful group have gathered every day in what has sometimes been a very cold BRBC chapel to pray for us. If today we can look back on the trip and see that God has been good to us and has used us in some small way to make a difference here in Cambodia, then your prayers for us have been an essential part of that, so thank you for the difference you have made as vital members of the BRBC team who stayed and prayed. God bless you!
Tim
Partings, potholes and prospects...
After breakfasting together, well shaded from the brilliant blue sky and heat of the sun, we walked together along the River Sap which lies in the centre of Siem Reap, watching the water boatmen (aka floating 'dustmen') clearing the river and its banks from the abandoned chinese lanterns, fireworks and floating flowers left over from the water festival celebrations of the night before. In addition to the fireworks, colourful rafts and boats, another noticeable centre piece of this festival was a giant waterwheel. Celebrating the gift of water in this way, a commodity which we take so much for granted, might seem a little odd to us, but when we consider that this year the water level after the rainy season is still too low for a good rice harvest, and three years ago there was so much water the rice harvest was swamped to the extent that much of it rotted in the field it brings the delicate balance of the rainy season and the dry season into sharp perspective for us. The increasing variability and unpredictability of the seasons has a huge and direct impact on the staple food of this region, affecting the quality of life and of livelihood for a whole year at a time. When asked at Safen Haven School or school on a mat what they ate for breakfast the children will say 'rice'. When asked about lunch, they say 'rice', and when asked about supper....guess what they say first? You got it...Life here may not look all that hard in that the children are not skinny and starving, but they are not enjoying healthy mixed diets. The vegetables and meat produced by the poor on land owned by the rich are destined to be sold, not consumed locally.
The partings I refer to have occurred throughout the day. Firstly we said goodbye to Rod and Michelle as we left them behind in Siem Riep to start our journey back to Poipet. We wished them both a happy time and safe travelling when they do return home next week. We will miss their company and already feel somewhat diminished as a team because for eight such diverse people we had become very attuned to each other and therefore not only worked well and enjoyed our time here as individuals but also very much as a team.
Rathana, who has been our driver and guide for the past three days then drove the remaining six of us back to Poipet; a journey of two and a half hours. The road is largely wide and straight but it is a hazardous drive, due to large patches of mirage from the sun being almost directly overhead, vehicles ranging between pedal bikes loaded six feet high and wide with goods, through mopeds and scooters with five up plus luggage, to huge heavy lorries plying the long long road twixt Pnom Penh and Thailand all mixing in and out together in both directions. Every wit known to man is required to undertake this drive safely as vehicles cross lanes, sides, undertake and overtake in what to us still seems quite a random pattern. The potholes I refer to are just one among many additional hazards. The middle section of this long journey, lasting a number of kilometres, contains some spectacular pot holes though. These are not ordinary potholes, they are 'special Cambodian potholes' comprising large areas of unmade road with a surface of random rubble, with sudden drops into and out of them and no warning sign to suggest where they are. Some are as wide as half the entire width of the road and they are of variable depth. If not spotted ahead (and it's not easy!) then the result would be carnage with vehicles spinning out of control. It all makes for a bumpy ride and Rathana deserved his well earned round of applause as we arrived back safely.
This evening we shared our final evening meal here in Cambodia with Andy and Katie who have become good friends to us all. Please pray for them as they continue in their work here with CHO until mid December. Saying goodbye this evening was tough but we look forward to staying in touch. Tomorrow we will finally say goodbye to CHO staff who have taken such good care of us.
CHO are very clear in their request that we specifically pray for more and more church communities to be planted. This year, 9 separate communities have been planted so far and 5 more are planned for the first half of next year. As a team we have seen CHO at work at close quarters. They are simply amazing and their aim of strengthening the quality of life of disadvantaged rural people and at risk and poor children and cultivating hope for the future is definitely being fulfilled. No ifs, no buts and no maybes.
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Sue
The partings I refer to have occurred throughout the day. Firstly we said goodbye to Rod and Michelle as we left them behind in Siem Riep to start our journey back to Poipet. We wished them both a happy time and safe travelling when they do return home next week. We will miss their company and already feel somewhat diminished as a team because for eight such diverse people we had become very attuned to each other and therefore not only worked well and enjoyed our time here as individuals but also very much as a team.
Rathana, who has been our driver and guide for the past three days then drove the remaining six of us back to Poipet; a journey of two and a half hours. The road is largely wide and straight but it is a hazardous drive, due to large patches of mirage from the sun being almost directly overhead, vehicles ranging between pedal bikes loaded six feet high and wide with goods, through mopeds and scooters with five up plus luggage, to huge heavy lorries plying the long long road twixt Pnom Penh and Thailand all mixing in and out together in both directions. Every wit known to man is required to undertake this drive safely as vehicles cross lanes, sides, undertake and overtake in what to us still seems quite a random pattern. The potholes I refer to are just one among many additional hazards. The middle section of this long journey, lasting a number of kilometres, contains some spectacular pot holes though. These are not ordinary potholes, they are 'special Cambodian potholes' comprising large areas of unmade road with a surface of random rubble, with sudden drops into and out of them and no warning sign to suggest where they are. Some are as wide as half the entire width of the road and they are of variable depth. If not spotted ahead (and it's not easy!) then the result would be carnage with vehicles spinning out of control. It all makes for a bumpy ride and Rathana deserved his well earned round of applause as we arrived back safely.
This evening we shared our final evening meal here in Cambodia with Andy and Katie who have become good friends to us all. Please pray for them as they continue in their work here with CHO until mid December. Saying goodbye this evening was tough but we look forward to staying in touch. Tomorrow we will finally say goodbye to CHO staff who have taken such good care of us.
CHO are very clear in their request that we specifically pray for more and more church communities to be planted. This year, 9 separate communities have been planted so far and 5 more are planned for the first half of next year. As a team we have seen CHO at work at close quarters. They are simply amazing and their aim of strengthening the quality of life of disadvantaged rural people and at risk and poor children and cultivating hope for the future is definitely being fulfilled. No ifs, no buts and no maybes.
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Sue
Friday 7 November 2014
Immeasurably more
Here we are in Siem Reap as our visit to Cambodia and CHO draws to a close. We were busy throughout last weekend so we are now having a couple of "days off" in Siem Reap. As part of our ongoing project with CHO it is also really important for us to learn about Cambodian culture, the religious context and how it integrates with life here. We are also fortunate that it is a Cambodian national holiday - The Water Festival while we are here so this gives us extra insight into Cambodian life.
Today we have been visiting the Angkor Wat temple and other surrounding temples. I'll not try and describe the temples here as there are many good sources on the Internet (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat ) or you could catch up on two excellent programmes screened on the BBC recently http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jmx7j However what you do need to understand is that these temples which are about 1000 years old were originally built as Hindu and only later became Buddhist temples. Probably the most significant fact which you appreciate even more when you are here is that this is the largest complete religious complex in the world and was once the centre of a great empire. At another level both the Lara Croft Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones Temple of Doom were filmed here! So while the site resonates with us it also reminds us of the clash of these different cultural images.
We had more insights in to the Khmer culture during our evening meal which was enjoyed buffet style in a restaurant with over 700 people eating together. Whilst this took place we were entertained with traditional Khmer Apsara dancing.
Typically this comprises five dances which re-tell famous Khmer tales. One we enjoyed was the Golden Fish dance, which tells the story of the Monkey King who tricks the Golden Fish into falling in love with him; beautiful dancing and a story line that again crosses cultures.
Whilst we are here in Siem Reap we have been guided by Rathana, one of the staff members from CHO, Rathana is one of CHO's long serving members of staff and is often involved in managing Tearfund UK projects at CHO.
So what of the team? As I look back on the past couple of weeks it has been an amazing journey - not just physically. We have a great team who have done what they planned and much more. We made some great new friends working alongside CHO staff at school, in village outreach, with staff in the office and specialists in the field, linking up with other Tearfund volunteers, before, during and we hope after the visit. We've done things in situations we could not possibly have planned for, and it might be a cliché, but done something to change lives which is CHO's aspiration - changing lives one step at a time. As we left, a group of students arrived from South Korea to start work constructing the next classroom for Safe Haven school. The vision is not just another classroom but for university level facilities in years to come.
Thank you to everyone that made this all possible.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Graham.
Today we have been visiting the Angkor Wat temple and other surrounding temples. I'll not try and describe the temples here as there are many good sources on the Internet (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat ) or you could catch up on two excellent programmes screened on the BBC recently http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jmx7j However what you do need to understand is that these temples which are about 1000 years old were originally built as Hindu and only later became Buddhist temples. Probably the most significant fact which you appreciate even more when you are here is that this is the largest complete religious complex in the world and was once the centre of a great empire. At another level both the Lara Croft Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones Temple of Doom were filmed here! So while the site resonates with us it also reminds us of the clash of these different cultural images.
We had more insights in to the Khmer culture during our evening meal which was enjoyed buffet style in a restaurant with over 700 people eating together. Whilst this took place we were entertained with traditional Khmer Apsara dancing.
Whilst we are here in Siem Reap we have been guided by Rathana, one of the staff members from CHO, Rathana is one of CHO's long serving members of staff and is often involved in managing Tearfund UK projects at CHO.
So what of the team? As I look back on the past couple of weeks it has been an amazing journey - not just physically. We have a great team who have done what they planned and much more. We made some great new friends working alongside CHO staff at school, in village outreach, with staff in the office and specialists in the field, linking up with other Tearfund volunteers, before, during and we hope after the visit. We've done things in situations we could not possibly have planned for, and it might be a cliché, but done something to change lives which is CHO's aspiration - changing lives one step at a time. As we left, a group of students arrived from South Korea to start work constructing the next classroom for Safe Haven school. The vision is not just another classroom but for university level facilities in years to come.
Thank you to everyone that made this all possible.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Graham.
Thursday 6 November 2014
Village outreach
A couple of glimpses of the village outreach that took place on Tuesday Using simple resources: a sheet of coloured paper (for an origami paper cross) and three coloured pipe cleaners were used for creative work with the children.
Thank you to all our supporters in so many ways. From the team and staff at CHO.
God bless you all.
Siem Reap here we come!!!
We woke up as we always did to come down to Destiny Café for a delicious breakfast. We all were very excited to be going to Siem Reap but we had to say goodbye to Chomno and the rest of the team first.
The friendships we have made here are going to last forever. As we drove off we saw Chomno’s big beaming smile, something I will miss ever so much. We stopped off for fuel but then we were off. It was a very long drive but there were lots of sights to see out of the window.
We finally made it to our hotel and it is lovely. Lovely warm shower, nice comfy bed and A FAN!!!! We dropped off our bags and went off out for lunch. I had chicken wings at a very nice restaurant. It was delicious! After dinner we drove off to the floating village and it was amazing. We were all very surprised and excited because we got to go on a boat. It was an amazing experience especially when the driver stopped the engine and we just floated. It was so peaceful and relaxing just hearing the sound of the lake. We stopped off at this little floating bay and had a look around. There were crocodiles and snakes. I was just happy that there wasn’t a crab to be seen!
We then went back to the hotel to get ready to go out for dinner. We went to a huge room where they had a buffet and as you know everything we liked ended up on our plates. After dinner and some entertainment we decided to go out to look round the night market. There were some lovely clothes and bracelets. It has been a very long, exciting, tiring and brilliant day. I am ready for bed.
Night night one and all!!!!!
The friendships we have made here are going to last forever. As we drove off we saw Chomno’s big beaming smile, something I will miss ever so much. We stopped off for fuel but then we were off. It was a very long drive but there were lots of sights to see out of the window.
We finally made it to our hotel and it is lovely. Lovely warm shower, nice comfy bed and A FAN!!!! We dropped off our bags and went off out for lunch. I had chicken wings at a very nice restaurant. It was delicious! After dinner we drove off to the floating village and it was amazing. We were all very surprised and excited because we got to go on a boat. It was an amazing experience especially when the driver stopped the engine and we just floated. It was so peaceful and relaxing just hearing the sound of the lake. We stopped off at this little floating bay and had a look around. There were crocodiles and snakes. I was just happy that there wasn’t a crab to be seen!
We then went back to the hotel to get ready to go out for dinner. We went to a huge room where they had a buffet and as you know everything we liked ended up on our plates. After dinner and some entertainment we decided to go out to look round the night market. There were some lovely clothes and bracelets. It has been a very long, exciting, tiring and brilliant day. I am ready for bed.
Night night one and all!!!!!
David.
How blessed am I!
As my time here at CHO draws to a close, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here and to have experienced all that I have - the wonderful people, the interesting food, the beautiful countryside, all so diverse.
I have spent most of my time here in Poipet at CHO’s head office helping out in Destiny Café, mainly in the bakery making some interesting creations, with the staff learning from me and I from them, a wonderful time of sharing and getting to know one another.
Yesterday (Tuesday), I was given the opportunity to join Matt, David, Ellie, Graham and Sue as they went out to two different villages to teach the children songs, games and tell them Bible stories. This was truly an amazing experience for me. I don’t know who enjoyed it more, me or the children.
Starting each morning with the whole team over breakfast and then joining the CHO staff for devotions before we all start our day, was wonderful and I shall surely miss that but be thinking of them each morning when I have my quiet time back in the UK, albeit 7 hours after theirs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers for our trip and for our well being while in Cambodia, it meant so much, thank you.
Love and blessings
Michelle
I have spent most of my time here in Poipet at CHO’s head office helping out in Destiny Café, mainly in the bakery making some interesting creations, with the staff learning from me and I from them, a wonderful time of sharing and getting to know one another.
Yesterday (Tuesday), I was given the opportunity to join Matt, David, Ellie, Graham and Sue as they went out to two different villages to teach the children songs, games and tell them Bible stories. This was truly an amazing experience for me. I don’t know who enjoyed it more, me or the children.
Starting each morning with the whole team over breakfast and then joining the CHO staff for devotions before we all start our day, was wonderful and I shall surely miss that but be thinking of them each morning when I have my quiet time back in the UK, albeit 7 hours after theirs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers for our trip and for our well being while in Cambodia, it meant so much, thank you.
Love and blessings
Michelle
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Phew!
All sorts of feelings are wrapped up in that word. It’s 8.30 pm and the Destiny Café is shut, so the air con is off, but the internet connection is miles better than it is at the hotel, so here I am, feeling nice and warm…. But Chomno is an amazing man! He has just seen me here typing and he has put the air con on, so my next ‘phew’ is of relief at a blast of cool air. Another ‘phew’ is a sense of relief at having reached the end of a very intensive week, especially as yesterday I wasn’t very well (seasoned travellers abroad might be able to guess why).
But another ‘phew!’ is a deep sense of privilege at having been able to work in two pastors’ training workshops. Last week I spent three days looking at 2 Corinthians with thirty or forty experienced pastors. Even from totally different cultures we seemed to find a lot of common ground with Paul as he opens his heart in this letter and gives us an insight into the joys and trials of being a pastor.
I spent yesterday and today looking at Mark’s gospel with thirty or so trainee pastors, some of whom are still very new Christians. Over the two days we listened to a dramatised version of the gospel in Khmer provided by ‘Faith Comes by Hearing’. Listening to the story two chapters at a time attunes you to different aspects of the gospel and I think it was well worth spending the time doing this. There was then an opportunity for any questions on aspects of the text they found important, surprising or puzzling. As time went by the number of questions increased and one session was just spent on the questions they raised. I couldn’t answer them all – I didn’t know what to suggest as an answer to a Buddhist enquirer who believes the Buddhist creation story is more authentic because it is older – but I was grateful to the other Pastor Tim for stepping in at that point.
It has been an exciting privilege to teach the scriptures in this context to such cheerful and enthusiastic bible students who, I am told, will be as keen to apply what they have learned as they were to learn it. None of this would have been possible without Kagna, who has been really supportive and encouraging in translating for me, as well doing loads of other jobs every single day – thanks, Kagna!
One last ‘phew!’ and this one you can share with me – I’ve finished my blog for tonight!
God bless, and thanks for reading,
Tim
But another ‘phew!’ is a deep sense of privilege at having been able to work in two pastors’ training workshops. Last week I spent three days looking at 2 Corinthians with thirty or forty experienced pastors. Even from totally different cultures we seemed to find a lot of common ground with Paul as he opens his heart in this letter and gives us an insight into the joys and trials of being a pastor.
I spent yesterday and today looking at Mark’s gospel with thirty or so trainee pastors, some of whom are still very new Christians. Over the two days we listened to a dramatised version of the gospel in Khmer provided by ‘Faith Comes by Hearing’. Listening to the story two chapters at a time attunes you to different aspects of the gospel and I think it was well worth spending the time doing this. There was then an opportunity for any questions on aspects of the text they found important, surprising or puzzling. As time went by the number of questions increased and one session was just spent on the questions they raised. I couldn’t answer them all – I didn’t know what to suggest as an answer to a Buddhist enquirer who believes the Buddhist creation story is more authentic because it is older – but I was grateful to the other Pastor Tim for stepping in at that point.
It has been an exciting privilege to teach the scriptures in this context to such cheerful and enthusiastic bible students who, I am told, will be as keen to apply what they have learned as they were to learn it. None of this would have been possible without Kagna, who has been really supportive and encouraging in translating for me, as well doing loads of other jobs every single day – thanks, Kagna!
One last ‘phew!’ and this one you can share with me – I’ve finished my blog for tonight!
God bless, and thanks for reading,
Tim
Hope Filled Communities
"Helping to create strong independent hope filled communities" is the CHO motto, and we have seen much evidence of that this week.
Today we went out to a village that is relatively new to working with CHO to do what was labelled as village outreach. The arrangements for school on a mat and church are quite similar and this was sort of a cross between the two. There is a church that has started meeting in this location and events like this will hopefully lead to it becoming a school on a mat location. This is one way that CHO is helping to improve as many rural areas as possible, by creating opportunities and catering for all aspects of life. The aim is to provide education and vocational training, advice alongside Christian teaching, worship and study. The practical and spiritual are completely together in everything that CHO is doing, it is impossible to separate the two. We have witnessed communities that are willing to keen to embrace both.
The whole team, except Tim, who was busy pastor training, took part in the village outreach. It was great to be together as we have often been doing separate tasks for much if the week.
To give you an idea of the importance of children here, there were approximately fifty this morning, forty more this afternoon with four or five adults in attendance. The numbers were similar at church on Sunday, with the adults outnumbered by the children by at least six to one. This is why education plays a massive part in the development of the region and the country and CHO is so dedicated to the children of Cambodia.
Matt.
Today we went out to a village that is relatively new to working with CHO to do what was labelled as village outreach. The arrangements for school on a mat and church are quite similar and this was sort of a cross between the two. There is a church that has started meeting in this location and events like this will hopefully lead to it becoming a school on a mat location. This is one way that CHO is helping to improve as many rural areas as possible, by creating opportunities and catering for all aspects of life. The aim is to provide education and vocational training, advice alongside Christian teaching, worship and study. The practical and spiritual are completely together in everything that CHO is doing, it is impossible to separate the two. We have witnessed communities that are willing to keen to embrace both.
The whole team, except Tim, who was busy pastor training, took part in the village outreach. It was great to be together as we have often been doing separate tasks for much if the week.
To give you an idea of the importance of children here, there were approximately fifty this morning, forty more this afternoon with four or five adults in attendance. The numbers were similar at church on Sunday, with the adults outnumbered by the children by at least six to one. This is why education plays a massive part in the development of the region and the country and CHO is so dedicated to the children of Cambodia.
Matt.
Be prepared
Since my last blog I have been doing a variety of things photographic. I have spent more time with Monoromb teaching the basics of camera settings and have also had the opportunity to put those skills into practice myself by accompanying Matt, Ellie and David to the Safe Haven school
where I was just in the right place and at the right time with camera pre-set to take this lovely picture of one of the children sneaking a peek at what I was doing, a good example of shallow depth of field which really draws your eye to the subject. Monoromb now has the knowledge and equipment to produce similar photographs so I look forward to seeing them in the future. I have seen my role very much as teaching basic skills, encouraging good practice and showing what can be done as well as documenting our trip for the team and to share back at BRBC when we return.
Whilst I have been working on my own to a degree I have still very much felt part of the whole team, as well as the bigger work that God is doing here in Cambodia. It is a privilege to be part of that picture and perhaps being one of the tiny cogs without which the whole would not work as efficiently.
I have also been bowled over by the way the CHO team work so well together, putting in long hours whilst remaining cheerful and loving at all times. It has been wonderful getting to know them. They have fun together whilst having a real heart for extending the gospel in their locality. Their ‘frontline’ is a true part of their daily living and the reason they do all they do. There is much we can learn from their attitude, tenacity, and times of prayer and devotion.
I titled this blog ‘Be prepared’ and you will have read this far and wondered for what?
Well in Sue’s work with Andy and Katie she has been working at providing resources to give the local health professionals material to help in the prevention of disease. One of the resources that Sue was missing was culturally relevant photographs of tooth decay and gum disease so I found myself filling the gap by going with her to Safe Haven school and photographing teeth close up, not something I had imagined doing at the start of the trip and certainly not a subject area I have ever covered before.
We did a practice run photographing Graham’s teeth to confirm we could do it and then went to the school today to do it for real. The children were very patient with us and we had an excellent translator with us to explain all that was going on. The result has been a very useful resource so I am glad I was prepared enough to bring some close-up lenses, without which I couldn’t have attempted what we did.
I will just finish with another picture of the children here who have a ready smile, beautiful hair and often wear bright colours - a photographers’ paradise!
Our time is going very quickly but the memories will last a long time.
Rod
Whilst I have been working on my own to a degree I have still very much felt part of the whole team, as well as the bigger work that God is doing here in Cambodia. It is a privilege to be part of that picture and perhaps being one of the tiny cogs without which the whole would not work as efficiently.
I have also been bowled over by the way the CHO team work so well together, putting in long hours whilst remaining cheerful and loving at all times. It has been wonderful getting to know them. They have fun together whilst having a real heart for extending the gospel in their locality. Their ‘frontline’ is a true part of their daily living and the reason they do all they do. There is much we can learn from their attitude, tenacity, and times of prayer and devotion.
I titled this blog ‘Be prepared’ and you will have read this far and wondered for what?
Well in Sue’s work with Andy and Katie she has been working at providing resources to give the local health professionals material to help in the prevention of disease. One of the resources that Sue was missing was culturally relevant photographs of tooth decay and gum disease so I found myself filling the gap by going with her to Safe Haven school and photographing teeth close up, not something I had imagined doing at the start of the trip and certainly not a subject area I have ever covered before.
I will just finish with another picture of the children here who have a ready smile, beautiful hair and often wear bright colours - a photographers’ paradise!
Our time is going very quickly but the memories will last a long time.
Rod
Tuesday 4 November 2014
Just another manic Monday
I apologise for the cheesy title but today seriously was manic! Between us Matt, David and I taught seven classes at Safe Haven. There are eight grades in the school and we did all but seventh grade. We started off with grade eight and then going into grade one, which is quite a transition! We told them the story of the wise and foolish builders and how Jesus said we need to build our lives on good strong stuff like believing in him. David's drama skills have proved useful for being able to make up actions on the spot! All children love it when we teach them the English for animals with some pretty crazy actions. Head, shoulders, knees and toes is also an all round favourite and it provides many laugh for children and teachers, especially when it gets faster and faster! As it was our last day we wanted to leave the children with something, so we gave every child in the school a little colourful cross on a key chain. We told them that this is the cross which reminds us of Jesus and how much he loves us. These were well received.
We have also been a part of the teacher staff meetings where we've given them ideas and suggestions and Matt has taught them new teaching methods (especially in Maths!). Even though we have only been there three times we tried to support and guide as best we could. They already had a good curriculum and a way of organising the school but we were there to be that little extra "icing on the cake".
Matt's favourite moment: I really enjoyed working with the grade 6's. I was able to be with them everyday whilst at Safe Haven and I built a really good relationship with them.
David's favourite moment: I really enjoyed teaching them head, shoulders, knees and toes. They were so enthusiastic and when we were getting faster and faster it was just so funny! They're faces were priceless, and something I will always remember.
My favourite moment: One of the reasons I decided to join the team was because I had a dream that i was at Safe Haven teaching the children the song Alleluia, Praise ye The Lord!' and today that dream came true! It was truly breathtaking!
I think something that we would all agree on and that we loved is their enthusiasm. That is what made it enjoyable for us.
This evening we were able to go out for a meal again to one of the casinos. This time Chomno took us and we were joined by Leeta, Kenga and Andy. This casino was particularly grand. We went to a restaurant that had five different menus, it was very odd seeing Thai, Italian and English food all on the same table! It was a fab evening of laughter (whilst Celine Dion played in the background) and fellowship together. It is all a stark contrast to the world just a few hundred metres away outside.
We have really gelled well as a group and have made some fantastic friends here. God has been so good to us, from a safe, smooth flight and just blessing after blessing. We definitely are all meant to be here.
Love and hugs to all,
Ellie :)
We have also been a part of the teacher staff meetings where we've given them ideas and suggestions and Matt has taught them new teaching methods (especially in Maths!). Even though we have only been there three times we tried to support and guide as best we could. They already had a good curriculum and a way of organising the school but we were there to be that little extra "icing on the cake".
Matt's favourite moment: I really enjoyed working with the grade 6's. I was able to be with them everyday whilst at Safe Haven and I built a really good relationship with them.
David's favourite moment: I really enjoyed teaching them head, shoulders, knees and toes. They were so enthusiastic and when we were getting faster and faster it was just so funny! They're faces were priceless, and something I will always remember.
My favourite moment: One of the reasons I decided to join the team was because I had a dream that i was at Safe Haven teaching the children the song Alleluia, Praise ye The Lord!' and today that dream came true! It was truly breathtaking!
I think something that we would all agree on and that we loved is their enthusiasm. That is what made it enjoyable for us.
This evening we were able to go out for a meal again to one of the casinos. This time Chomno took us and we were joined by Leeta, Kenga and Andy. This casino was particularly grand. We went to a restaurant that had five different menus, it was very odd seeing Thai, Italian and English food all on the same table! It was a fab evening of laughter (whilst Celine Dion played in the background) and fellowship together. It is all a stark contrast to the world just a few hundred metres away outside.
We have really gelled well as a group and have made some fantastic friends here. God has been so good to us, from a safe, smooth flight and just blessing after blessing. We definitely are all meant to be here.
Love and hugs to all,
Ellie :)
Monday 3 November 2014
Fellow travellers
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today’s blog comes not from a member of BRBC – for there is an imposter in your ranks!
When you come to places like Cambodia on a short-term mission trip, it can be an overwhelming experience – there is so much to be done, yet with so little time, and relatively few resources. It is for this reason that it can be of great encouragement to know that the body of Christ extends beyond the town of Horsham, but across the UK, and to all corners of our globe. It is reassuring to know in all the madness that is experienced, that we have One who is in complete control.
By means of introduction my name is Andy Hills; my wife Katie and I have been working at CHO for 6 weeks now in a healthcare context – helping CHO develop programmes and strategies to encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst the local community. As a result, it will reduce the risks of common chronic diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. This has great physical, financial, and spiritual benefits. Despite the perception of Cambodia as a so called ‘poor’ country, the majority of its population will die of these so called ‘rich’ diseases.
We had come to a stage in our work when we thought to ourselves, “we could really do with having someone with IT experience to help us out, as well as an experienced healthcare professional who can provide advice and guidance with what we’re doing”. Just a few days later, our prayers are answered as Graham, Sue and company descended on this dusty city, filled with enthusiasm, despite the perils of jet lag and culture shock.
We have loved having the BRBC team with us – they have been a great blessing to us. It has helped us realize that we are one body, all doing different things, working together under Christ. Although in their brief time here they have done great things, from teaching children and pastors, baptizing new believers, providing photography and IT education, and preparing new dishes for the café here, they will bring back an experience which is well worth understanding, and using as an inspiration to do great things for God whether it be here in Cambodia, or back home.
Andy Hills
You can ready more about Andy and Katie's work here
Today’s blog comes not from a member of BRBC – for there is an imposter in your ranks!
 |
| Andy and Katie Hills |
By means of introduction my name is Andy Hills; my wife Katie and I have been working at CHO for 6 weeks now in a healthcare context – helping CHO develop programmes and strategies to encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst the local community. As a result, it will reduce the risks of common chronic diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. This has great physical, financial, and spiritual benefits. Despite the perception of Cambodia as a so called ‘poor’ country, the majority of its population will die of these so called ‘rich’ diseases.
We had come to a stage in our work when we thought to ourselves, “we could really do with having someone with IT experience to help us out, as well as an experienced healthcare professional who can provide advice and guidance with what we’re doing”. Just a few days later, our prayers are answered as Graham, Sue and company descended on this dusty city, filled with enthusiasm, despite the perils of jet lag and culture shock.
We have loved having the BRBC team with us – they have been a great blessing to us. It has helped us realize that we are one body, all doing different things, working together under Christ. Although in their brief time here they have done great things, from teaching children and pastors, baptizing new believers, providing photography and IT education, and preparing new dishes for the café here, they will bring back an experience which is well worth understanding, and using as an inspiration to do great things for God whether it be here in Cambodia, or back home.
Andy Hills
You can ready more about Andy and Katie's work here
A different kind of Sunday
As I write this blog our church family in Horsham, UK will be gathering for morning worship. We on the other hand are not far away from our evening meal and looking forward to the slightly cooler evening hours after a day of both hot sunshine and monsoon style rain. The rain has left rivers of mud and emulsifying litter of every description possible caking the road outside the CHO building and our hotel. No gutters combined with ineffective drains mean the result is less than pleasant (or safe) and so we have been taking great care moving about outside since this afternoon.
This morning, before the rain, we worshipped with a village church planted by CHO a full 40 minute's drive away from Poipet. A quick getaway after breakfast meant we arrived on time for a 0930 start.
A good number of people were waiting for our arrival and we were warmly, and very politely, welcomed by a young man who stepped forward to shake our hands while others continued the applause which had started when our vehicles turned off the road into their compound. It was mainly a congregation of women and children as the men were working across the border, a very short distance away. When we were all were settled into a shady place Graham introduced our team, emphasising that we had come to join with them in worship, but not to 'take over'.
Our opening worship was led by a man we have met this week several times already and who we have come to appreciate very much, namely 'Pastor Timothy' who you can see pictured centre right. A man of relatively short stature, he has an huge vitality, immense charisma and irrepressible faith which he seeks to communicate to everyone and anyone via glorious beaming smiles, confident singing and encouraging body language using every means open to him.
Our own significantly taller 'Pastor Tim', together with Chomno translating for him, then led our thoughts towards all the promises God has in store for His people in the future by referring to texts in Isaiah 65 (which I read) and 2 Corinthians (which Michelle read) and encouraged us to move forward in faith rather than live stuck or transfixed in the past, be that a happy or a destructive experience for the various individuals present. This message was extremely apposite to the experiences of many of the adult Cambodian Christians present. Most adults live with vivid and terrible memories and Cambodia's children are also very aware of their own heritage because of what they are told first hand and also they see large expanses of countryside here still waiting to be cleared of mines and unexploded ordinance. Wayside signs for the Halo Trust (mine clearing) are adjacent to many mud tracks and roads. Children know clearly what they mean and realise that the many amputees in the general population are more likely than not the victims of such devices.
And yet, these Christian brothers and sisters of ours in Cambodia, young and old alike seek daily to move forward in faith and with genuine forgiveness, hope and love in their hearts. As we have opened our hearts to each other we have shared something very precious indeed. We have seen their courage, dignity and joy in their faith at first hand and thank God for all we have shared together so far and for everything which lies ahead in this special Connected Church relationship.
Sue
This morning, before the rain, we worshipped with a village church planted by CHO a full 40 minute's drive away from Poipet. A quick getaway after breakfast meant we arrived on time for a 0930 start.
Our own significantly taller 'Pastor Tim', together with Chomno translating for him, then led our thoughts towards all the promises God has in store for His people in the future by referring to texts in Isaiah 65 (which I read) and 2 Corinthians (which Michelle read) and encouraged us to move forward in faith rather than live stuck or transfixed in the past, be that a happy or a destructive experience for the various individuals present. This message was extremely apposite to the experiences of many of the adult Cambodian Christians present. Most adults live with vivid and terrible memories and Cambodia's children are also very aware of their own heritage because of what they are told first hand and also they see large expanses of countryside here still waiting to be cleared of mines and unexploded ordinance. Wayside signs for the Halo Trust (mine clearing) are adjacent to many mud tracks and roads. Children know clearly what they mean and realise that the many amputees in the general population are more likely than not the victims of such devices.
And yet, these Christian brothers and sisters of ours in Cambodia, young and old alike seek daily to move forward in faith and with genuine forgiveness, hope and love in their hearts. As we have opened our hearts to each other we have shared something very precious indeed. We have seen their courage, dignity and joy in their faith at first hand and thank God for all we have shared together so far and for everything which lies ahead in this special Connected Church relationship.
Sue
Sunday 2 November 2014
131 Baptisms!
I have been to baptisms before, even baptisms were maybe three of four people have been baptised in the same service. This is the first time though (and probably the last) I have seen 131 people baptised in the same service! No typing error there, I really do mean one-hundred and thirty-one.
The service took place at Safe Haven School site, open air, next to a fish pond which was used to for the baptism. Tim conducted the service with Chomno alongside, David and myself had the privilege of sharing in the service with Bible readings. Tim used the opportunity to really explore baptism further and explained what is means to all those who were being baptised. At this stage, we were still not sure how many of the congregation were being baptised. We then made our way to the pond, where Tim and Chomno entered the water on a newly constructed platform.
The candidates made their way into the water, two at a time for Tim and Chomno to baptise. Seeing them both in the water side by side was a fantastic visible reminder of what the Connected Church partnership is all about and those of us who were there will never forget the experience.
The candidates were a range of ages and I am sure they have all travelled different spiritual routes to get to here today, but were united in their desire to make a public statement of faith. It soon became apparent that most of the congregation were there to take part rather than observe. 131 in all were baptised by Tim and Chomno, (Tim using his best Khmer). A truly memorable occasion for those who had the pleasure of being there and even more so for those who were baptised.
Matt.
The candidates made their way into the water, two at a time for Tim and Chomno to baptise. Seeing them both in the water side by side was a fantastic visible reminder of what the Connected Church partnership is all about and those of us who were there will never forget the experience.
The candidates were a range of ages and I am sure they have all travelled different spiritual routes to get to here today, but were united in their desire to make a public statement of faith. It soon became apparent that most of the congregation were there to take part rather than observe. 131 in all were baptised by Tim and Chomno, (Tim using his best Khmer). A truly memorable occasion for those who had the pleasure of being there and even more so for those who were baptised.
Matt.
A glass half full!
One week has gone by very, very quickly with many outstanding and potentially life changing moments for all involved. Adapting to such a different culture and climate is quite challenging, I never knew that I would want and appreciate a freezing cold shower as much as I do! Some days we have spent a lot of time 'out in the open' visiting various projects either in our little teams or together as whole team. I know that Matt and David would agree that teaching at 'school on mat' was just the best experience. There were so many emotions running through my head such as; gratefulness, happiness, humbleness and joy. Your mind really does start thinking when you've seen pure joy on a child's face when they receive three pipe-cleaners, and then when you make them into butterflies, monkeys, dogs, snakes and many other animals. You can tell that they will be kept and treasured for a very long time.
I really enjoyed visiting the home and land of an amazing pastor and his family. To be welcome into their home and talk with them about their faith and how they live. I had never seen a frog farm before! But a highlight is always seeing the children and their adorable little faces smiling up at us. Helping and supporting them is a privilege.
A BIG highlight for all of us was being present at approximately 131 baptisms! It was a privilege to just be there let alone take part. Before I came Mum, Nanna (Jo Medhurst and Mo Farquhar) and I talked about how if Grandad (Peter Farquhar) wasn't in the best place now, he would be here doing baptisms too. No one who was there wasn't moved and filled with emotion.
Last night we went out to one of the Casinos for a meal with our new friends here at CHO. You can clearly see the contrast between the rich and poor and why it is so inviting for many people. We enjoyed a few home comforts such as singing along to familiar songs and watching England games. We ended the evening with watching 'Frozen' which I think I particularly enjoyed.
We are really enjoying all aspects of being here with CHO, all the amazing projects and works and also the social times we have together and with our new friends. Being over half way through now we are definitely going to make the most of it.
Blessings to all,
Ellie :)
I really enjoyed visiting the home and land of an amazing pastor and his family. To be welcome into their home and talk with them about their faith and how they live. I had never seen a frog farm before! But a highlight is always seeing the children and their adorable little faces smiling up at us. Helping and supporting them is a privilege.
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| Baptisms at Safe Haven |
Last night we went out to one of the Casinos for a meal with our new friends here at CHO. You can clearly see the contrast between the rich and poor and why it is so inviting for many people. We enjoyed a few home comforts such as singing along to familiar songs and watching England games. We ended the evening with watching 'Frozen' which I think I particularly enjoyed.
We are really enjoying all aspects of being here with CHO, all the amazing projects and works and also the social times we have together and with our new friends. Being over half way through now we are definitely going to make the most of it.
Blessings to all,
Ellie :)
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