Greetings!
After Myanmar, we spent a week in Cambodia to explore the possibility of bringing The Spirit-Led Leader to Cambodian pastors. The reception from the church leaders was exciting. They told us that there is an urgent need for both spiritual vitality and greater depth of spiritual experience for pastors. They want us to return as soon as possible, a ministry trip that we hope to schedule in 2013.  | |
Cambodian pastors' meeting, Phnom Penh
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While in the country, we also visited Angkor Wat, and were intrigued by the ancient ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples. The country considers itself Buddhist, but the dominant religion is really an amalgam of animism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. However, what I can't get out my head or spirit is what I experienced at the Killing Fields and Torture Center in Phnom Penh. As you may remember, from 1975-1979, the Khmer Rouge's attempt to socially engineer their country resulted in what is now regarded as one of the greatest genocides in world history. Influenced by Mao Tse Tung's political ideology and oppressive tactics, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge effectively killed over 3 million people, almost halving the population from about 7 million to just under 4 million before the end of the nightmare.  Remains at Killing Fields, Cambodia
What haunts me the most is the mind-boggling, self-defeating, senseless policies; the manipulation of the child soldiers; and the brutality of the torture and killings. A dark, heavy sense of evil clouded the whole country for those years and still lingers today in the memories of traumatized survivors. Over 30 years later, Cambodians are still fearful of running afoul of corrupt leaders, and many of the chief perpetrators are only now going on trial. Just this week, the second international judge resigned from the trials of Khmer Rouge leaders due to continued government interference. Justice is still a long way away, and healing even further. Forgiveness is inconceivable. Visiting the principal torture center in the capital (an old school complex turned into a prison in Phnom Penh) was the most disturbing. The evil was almost palpable. The horror lingered in the empty rooms and in the before and after photos of the victims. There, young soldiers, 10-15 years of age, brutalized their victims under orders to extract information on supposed counterrevolutionary activity. Once finished with their "work," they transported their victims to an old Chinese cemetery outside of town, one of many such places known today as the Killing Fields.  | |
Bed in room reserved for torturing VIPs, 1975-1979
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I couldn't believe the stories I was hearing or the pictures I saw (bloodied individuals chained to a bed, where they received electric shocks, were beaten with bamboo rods, and were clubbed or hacked with garden tools). 20,000 men and women dehumanized, dismembered, raped, or otherwise destroyed bit by bit, all in a prelude to their executions, all for the "crimes" of believing in personal freedom, being educated, or maintaining their right to have their own opinion on anything. By the time we had finished touring the prison, I couldn't talk. I choked back the tears walking through the courtyard, unable to get the graphic pictures out of my mind. In the cab, I finally broke down and sobbed in the back seat. It was all so senseless, brutal, heartbreaking...and frightening. I don't want to traumatize or alienate you with these stories. Rather, I want you to see some of what we're seeing, and to grasp the importance of coming to grips with the destructive forces of evil in the world-and even in each of us-and the need to do all we can to overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) We need to hold out the life-changing message of God's love, grace, and forgiveness. We must hold up Christ as the source of hope for humanity. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to build up the church in these contexts and to show us how God wants us to put love into action on their behalf. And we need to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered, and are still suffering, so much.  | |
Cambodian pastors explaining the needs of the church
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Christian leaders, especially in countries where they have experienced so much trauma and loss, are asking for our help. They're specifically looking for more spiritual nurture and training for their pastors and leaders, and for whatever resources we can offer to help them successfully deal with the unimaginable challenges and issues in their context. Thank you for your support of Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries. The work we do together brings hope and critically needed leadership tools to some of the darkest and most troubled regions in the world. Serving Christ with you, Tim President and Teaching Minister
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." -2 Timothy 2:2, NRSV |
