We have finished our second day in Cambodia. The weather continues to be very hot here; it's around 80 degrees with 90% humidity. Rahab's House is a cement building with a metal roof; it looks and acts like an oven. There is no air conditioning. But smiles are everywhere and hugs abound.
Rahab's House used to be a brothel, but now it is a community center for the residents of Svay Pak. Today after we finished our morning session with the kids, the pastor and his wife opened up the "medical clinic" for the village residents every Tuesday and Thursday (free of charge). Fortunately for them, a doctor is currently working with AIM so he is helping to address some pretty serious medical issues for the pastor. Thank you Dr. Dave!
Our story today was about Paul and Silas when they were arrested for casting out a demon from a rich owner's slave girl. The rich owner didn't like losing his demonic servant, so he had Paul and Silas arrested. They were beaten horribly, almost to the point of death, and thrown unconscious into a dark prison cell. When they regained consciousness, instead of panicking or complaining, Paul and Silas chose to sing praises to God. Can you imagine? Here they are, beaten and near death, and still they can praise God.
The children that we are serving at Rahab's House are very similar to Paul and Silas. Some have been held captive in brothels, with no possible chance of escape. They are "freed" only when they have been used up. Some are sold nightly to strangers for sex acts. Who knows what atrocities these children face in the darkness of the night? Whether they are being held captive in a brothel or are emotional captives in their own homes, these children can certainly relate to Paul and Silas's circumstances. Will these children choose to praise God throughout their horrific circumstances?
It's our job to teach them about Jesus and how to praise through all circumstances. No matter what horrible things are happening to them, God loves them. As long as these children survive, we can teach them about the love of Christ and the freedom that His salvation brings. We can all break the chains of our imprisonment, we just have to learn to sing praises through the imprisonment.
Dena Kauer
romans8-1@sbcglobal.net
http://friendlydaisies.blogspot.com
-- Post From My iPhone
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thanks for sharing Dena. The Paul and Silas story is a good one and seems pretty appropriate to your situation. Continue to be strong and keep the faith!
ReplyDeletePraying for this team and trusting God for your health and HIS power to accomplish the work he has sent you to do. Love, Sherilyn (Dustin's mom) Love you Dustin!
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