Boxing Day eve saw the commencement of the 2011 Bible School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. People from all over the world gathered at the dorms for the baptism of one of the dormers and then a Memorial Meeting and dinner together to start the school. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends we'd made at previous bible school's, and meet more brothers and sisters from around the globe. It never ceases to amaze me that we can bring so many different cultures, languages, and styles together and all get on so well. The hope that brings us together is such a powerful thing! It's incredibly humbling to be reminded of that in a place like this.
Bible School was held at Lucky Star Hotel, just around the corner from the BEC. With over 160 attendees, we packed out the upstairs meeting room! We were blessed to hear from three speakers: Bro John Pople, Bro Garnet Alchin, and Bro Alan Dennes, who all spoke under the overarching topic of 'Getting Closer to God'. Each brother had their own individual way of portraying the topic; John, through different bible characters and how they removed the stumbling blocks that distanced them from God; Garnet spoke about how we have all been chosen, and to be close to God is part of His plan; and Alan explained, through each of our 5 senses, how we can grow closer to our Father in Heaven. The talks were complementary in
so many ways and were beautifully uplifting for all those who were able to hear them.
As well as spiritual uplift, there was plenty of light-hearted fun to be had at bible school as well. The Talent Night provided opportunity everyone to show off how amazing they are! The range of acts was HUGE! We had pop songs, skits, NZ girls dancing, some crazy Aussie's singing some John Williamson and then translating it into broken Khmer, some stunning Khmer dancing, plus all sorts of other frivolity! It was quite a night!! We also spent a night floating leisurely up the Ton le Sap and into the Mekong. It was such a fun trip with much laughter and singing and games and beautiful food, thanks to Bong Theavy and her team at the dorms!
The last night of Bible School was New Years Eve which we spent in Song and Praise. There were lots of items in several different languages, and lots of singing together. I was lucky enough to be sitting at the front for most of the evening and hearing the sound of so many voices, singing together in happiness and praise is so beautiful! Such a special way to close the Bible School. After the praise night, the music started and we danced, traditional Khmer style, and played with sparklers, before doing a reading together and watching the fireworks from the hotel balconies. It was a very happy, fun night :)
Since the bible school ended, the troups occupying the BEC have gradually diminished. Deb and I leave this afternoon, no doubt leaving the BEC a much quieter place!! ;) It will be left in the very capable hands of Don and Una Stremple from Adelaide, Steve Malcomson from Brisbane, David and Anna Todd from NZ (when they get back from their well earned holiday), plus our wonderful Khmer brothers and sisters, Vitou, Saruon, Maisy and Loy.
It has been such a blessing to be able to come back to Cambodia, the refreshment and perspective you gain whilst living in a place like this is indescribable and completely irreplaceable. I don't think there could be a single person who would regret doing mission work, it is without doubt one of the most inspiring and rewarding things you can do in your walk with Christ, and such an amazing blessing from God.
We all pray for the continued blessing and success of the mission work here in Cambodia, as well as to the beautiful Phnom Penh Ecclesia. We'll all be together in God's Kingdom very soon!
God bless, and see you again soon Cambodia (I hope!) :)
~Emily
Bible School was held at Lucky Star Hotel, just around the corner from the BEC. With over 160 attendees, we packed out the upstairs meeting room! We were blessed to hear from three speakers: Bro John Pople, Bro Garnet Alchin, and Bro Alan Dennes, who all spoke under the overarching topic of 'Getting Closer to God'. Each brother had their own individual way of portraying the topic; John, through different bible characters and how they removed the stumbling blocks that distanced them from God; Garnet spoke about how we have all been chosen, and to be close to God is part of His plan; and Alan explained, through each of our 5 senses, how we can grow closer to our Father in Heaven. The talks were complementary in
so many ways and were beautifully uplifting for all those who were able to hear them.As well as spiritual uplift, there was plenty of light-hearted fun to be had at bible school as well. The Talent Night provided opportunity everyone to show off how amazing they are! The range of acts was HUGE! We had pop songs, skits, NZ girls dancing, some crazy Aussie's singing some John Williamson and then translating it into broken Khmer, some stunning Khmer dancing, plus all sorts of other frivolity! It was quite a night!! We also spent a night floating leisurely up the Ton le Sap and into the Mekong. It was such a fun trip with much laughter and singing and games and beautiful food, thanks to Bong Theavy and her team at the dorms!
The last night of Bible School was New Years Eve which we spent in Song and Praise. There were lots of items in several different languages, and lots of singing together. I was lucky enough to be sitting at the front for most of the evening and hearing the sound of so many voices, singing together in happiness and praise is so beautiful! Such a special way to close the Bible School. After the praise night, the music started and we danced, traditional Khmer style, and played with sparklers, before doing a reading together and watching the fireworks from the hotel balconies. It was a very happy, fun night :)
Since the bible school ended, the troups occupying the BEC have gradually diminished. Deb and I leave this afternoon, no doubt leaving the BEC a much quieter place!! ;) It will be left in the very capable hands of Don and Una Stremple from Adelaide, Steve Malcomson from Brisbane, David and Anna Todd from NZ (when they get back from their well earned holiday), plus our wonderful Khmer brothers and sisters, Vitou, Saruon, Maisy and Loy.It has been such a blessing to be able to come back to Cambodia, the refreshment and perspective you gain whilst living in a place like this is indescribable and completely irreplaceable. I don't think there could be a single person who would regret doing mission work, it is without doubt one of the most inspiring and rewarding things you can do in your walk with Christ, and such an amazing blessing from God.
We all pray for the continued blessing and success of the mission work here in Cambodia, as well as to the beautiful Phnom Penh Ecclesia. We'll all be together in God's Kingdom very soon!
God bless, and see you again soon Cambodia (I hope!) :)
~Emily
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