If you have been contemplating spiritually minded fieldwork in an exotic
location, then consider offering your time, energy and gifts in this intriguing
area of Cambodia.
From the moment we arrived in Siem Reap, we experienced a warm welcome
from the small group of brothers and sisters living here. Sister Loy met us at the
bus station and immediately made us feel like we belonged. In the two weeks
that we have been here, it has become apparent that the BEC3 has a great deal of
potential but needs the consistent presence of fieldworkers. All the brothers and
sisters who make this BEC their home base, work and have many
responsibilities so in order for Bible instruction to run smoothly and regularly, at
least two longterm fieldworkers would be extremely beneficial.
There is certainly an interest in classes for various age groups including children, teens and young adults. However, advertising the availability of classes to the broader audience in Siem Reap seems a little unfair if there is no one here to carry on the instruction after we leave. Shortterm fieldworkers are still a great addition though as they are definitely a welcome support to this ecclesia which enjoys the opportunity to have fellowship and a sense of connection with the worldwide brotherhood.
To date we have tried running an afternoon class including an hour of English language class and then an hour of Bible study class for a small group of interested young adult students who already had a connection to the BEC3. The attendance has been rather erratic at these classes for a variety of reasons including heavy afternoon rains, work schedules and family obligations. Three evenings a week have been devoted to providing English instruction at an ad hoc school run at a local lay preacher’s house in a nearby village. He has been attending the Saturday seminars at the BEC and this was a chance to enhance our relationship with him and his students. Two of his Bible study students have also been attending our afternoon Bible study sessions off and on.
The previous two Saturday evenings, we have held a miniBible seminar mostly aimed at interested teens. These have also been well attended by the brothers and sisters. These sessions conclude with a communal meal and then the beloved Cambodian sport of football. This coming Saturday we will be having a Bible seminar for the isolated brothers and sisters who come to the BEC3 once a month for fellowship. Visitors, of course, will be welcome to attend this. Overall, our study sessions have focussed on relying on the Word of God as our guide for an authentic spiritual life and on staying strong together on the road to the Kingdom. In addition to these outreach events, we have been enjoying Sunday School, the Sunday morning breaking of bread, Bible class on Wednesday evenings, and social and fellowship time with all the brothers and sisters here. The BEC3 is certainly a welcoming hub at which everyone feels at home and comfortable. We have really felt strengthened by the spiritual companionship and faithful attitude of our Khmer brothers and sisters and we can certainly see that being a presence here has come at a good time for everyone so the workload when ‘the fields are white with harvest’ is not so overwhelming for so few.
If you want to experience the Land of Smiles, it seems to have officially moved from Thailand to the BEC3 in Siem Reap. Come and see for yourself and share your talents with this wonderful little ecclesia as it develops and grows its outreach efforts.
by Sisters Lois and Grace
There is certainly an interest in classes for various age groups including children, teens and young adults. However, advertising the availability of classes to the broader audience in Siem Reap seems a little unfair if there is no one here to carry on the instruction after we leave. Shortterm fieldworkers are still a great addition though as they are definitely a welcome support to this ecclesia which enjoys the opportunity to have fellowship and a sense of connection with the worldwide brotherhood.
To date we have tried running an afternoon class including an hour of English language class and then an hour of Bible study class for a small group of interested young adult students who already had a connection to the BEC3. The attendance has been rather erratic at these classes for a variety of reasons including heavy afternoon rains, work schedules and family obligations. Three evenings a week have been devoted to providing English instruction at an ad hoc school run at a local lay preacher’s house in a nearby village. He has been attending the Saturday seminars at the BEC and this was a chance to enhance our relationship with him and his students. Two of his Bible study students have also been attending our afternoon Bible study sessions off and on.
The previous two Saturday evenings, we have held a miniBible seminar mostly aimed at interested teens. These have also been well attended by the brothers and sisters. These sessions conclude with a communal meal and then the beloved Cambodian sport of football. This coming Saturday we will be having a Bible seminar for the isolated brothers and sisters who come to the BEC3 once a month for fellowship. Visitors, of course, will be welcome to attend this. Overall, our study sessions have focussed on relying on the Word of God as our guide for an authentic spiritual life and on staying strong together on the road to the Kingdom. In addition to these outreach events, we have been enjoying Sunday School, the Sunday morning breaking of bread, Bible class on Wednesday evenings, and social and fellowship time with all the brothers and sisters here. The BEC3 is certainly a welcoming hub at which everyone feels at home and comfortable. We have really felt strengthened by the spiritual companionship and faithful attitude of our Khmer brothers and sisters and we can certainly see that being a presence here has come at a good time for everyone so the workload when ‘the fields are white with harvest’ is not so overwhelming for so few.
If you want to experience the Land of Smiles, it seems to have officially moved from Thailand to the BEC3 in Siem Reap. Come and see for yourself and share your talents with this wonderful little ecclesia as it develops and grows its outreach efforts.
by Sisters Lois and Grace
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