Cambodia Bible Education Centre

Vitou and I left the BEC just before 1pm last Friday, 13 July. We started our adventure to Sihanoukville, we were on our way to see Savvy. He has shown an interest in learning about God. We were on the bus travelling south, we had been on the road for about 2 and half hours. Suddenly the air conditioning was not working. This could spell trouble for us. The bus then pulled over. Oooops! The water pump belt had disintegrated. The bus driver and trusty companion worked hard to fix it but to no avail. They were clever enough to call for the cavalry. We just sat there on the ground. I did not know what was going on, since Khmer is not one of my languages. I can speak many languages ( English, Australian and Kiwi ) However, Vitou knew all. He told me that a second bus was on the way from Phnom Penh. To make matters worse, it was very hot and I was suffering from bad tummy problems, if you get my drift. Meanwhile the drivers worked hard at fixing the bus, still no progress. A bus pulle...

Following the wedding of Brendan and Sithy in Kampong Cham, thirteen of us decided to continue north to Preah Vihear. Our plan was to meet up with brethren and sisters in isolation and also to renew contact with people who have previously studied at the BEC. Before we left Phnom Penh, Brother Vitou rang the brethren and sisters who live in this northern province of Cambodia so we could get as many as possible to meet with us on the Sunday evening or Monday morning. Unfortunately, some were working or studying and unable to travel, but happily we were able to catch up with Brother Savvy and Sister Vichhem. Savvy was one of the “original bikers” who used to ride a bicycle from LCDI to study the Bible at the BEC during 2008. With the help of Saroun we were able to renew contact with Savvy during 2011. He has attended many Outreach weekends in Phnom Penh and was baptised in late 2011. Vichhem was previously at the Bethezer girls’ dormitory, where she studied the Bible and ...

So much of life is what you are used to. Wow – did that ever ring true for me on Saturday past when we attended the wedding of Sithy and Brendan! Several of us travelled up to Kampong Cham on Friday afternoon while another bus brought the dormers plus a few extras up to the village on Saturday morning. EARLY Saturday morning! The bus drivers valiantly battled the muddy trek into Sithy’s village (appreciating, I’m sure, the help of a few muscular young men when we got bogged!) and we arrived only slightly late, just in time for the fruit to be offered. I appreciated all my Khmer friends who helped translate and explain what was going on during the day. Traditionally, the fruit was an offering from the groom to the bride’s family, representing his ability to provide for his new wife. The groom’s family and friends would help him carry the gift of fruit to the bride’s home and so as soon as we arrived at Sithy’s family home, we were handed plates and trays of fruit (and fruit drink...

There is an incredible conundrum in which I find myself: I set out for Cambodia with the intention of serving – helping in whatever way I could. And yet I’ve quickly discovered that it’s me who is being served! The brothers, sisters and interested friends in Phnom Penh have been so warm and welcoming and I’ve felt at home here at the Bible Education Centre. I am inspired by the enthusiasm of the Ecclesia here and their eager friendship and love is encouraging. God is calling out a special group of people here in Cambodia! It’s amazing how the shared Hope we have transcends all other differences! The people in Cambodia, including brothers and sisters, face some pretty remarkable challenges and have lives very different than my own, but the Truth is bigger. Within only a few days we have our jokes and have enjoyed more than a few fantastic laughs, especially amongst the girls...the kind which send Luke, Vitou and any other males off to do something else, shaking their heads. Of...