When we first planned to visit Cambodia, three and a half weeks seemed like quite a long time to be away from home. Asia was a complete unknown for us, but everyone I met who had been here was full of encouragement and persuasion for us to come. Now as we are at the end of our visit, I can only agree wholeheartedly with them. From our very first tuk tuk ride from the airport to the BEC, however, we knew that we were in no ordinary place and that life for the next few weeks would be anything but dull.
As Kerren mentioned last blog, the tabernacle was the main area we had intended to focus on, but it was not long before we were drawn into other activities and looking at other areas of scripture with both the residents of the dorm, and the brethren and sisters. The other subjects covered at the dorm besides the tabernacle were powerpoint presentations on The Hope for an Unstable World, which dealt with earthquakes and why God allows earthquakes to happen; and The Hope of Israel, which dealt with the history of Israel, God’s promises to
Abraham and how they are relevant to us, and how we can become associated with those promises. The studies with the brethren and sisters at the BEC were focused on the book of Daniel.
Whatever the subject covered, we found there were always questions at the end which showed a high level of interest. We are still being asked things about the tabernacle as we near the end of our visit, as the students continue to think about the various items in the tabernacle, and their spiritual significance.
Before coming here, I was viewing things from the perspective of teaching the truth to those that are not baptised, but I now realize to a greater degree the work that goes on at all levels, as those who are baptised are still seeking to grow in their understanding of God and His word, and also the assistance needed for those engaged in the invaluable work of becoming translators, to increase their English vocabulary especially with bible terminology.
As we pack to return to Australia with the usual array of souveneirs, the things I would most like to take back with me are things that cannot be put in a suitcase….. the respect shown by the younger to the older that is so much a part of this culture, and the diligence which is often applied to learn the bible. For Sis Dany that I have enjoyed lessons with, this means juggling lessons with work during the day, and university at night.
Jess P is not the only one who is being asked “When will you be back”.
Ros V
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