CAMBODIA 2019

Each Friday we combine our students during each teaching hour and have a different activity.  On this Friday we played CLR (Center, Left, Right).  Each week is different.  Last week we played a 'domino' game in which they had to be able to tell time from analogue to digital, which is a challenge for many of them.  We always enjoy these days and hope that they do too. 

Rich and Rhonda (Julie's sister) Dolan direct the Cambodian Bible Institute, which is a preacher training school associated with Sunset School of Preaching in the US.  This is a new location for them.  On the Sunday that the wedding was taking place in front of the BEST Center we held afternoon worship services at CBI.  It takes only a few minutes to walk from one to the other.  Two Cambodian men are teaching at this facility as well as Rich Dolan.  We met on the ground floor, which is also their classroom.  There are two higher floors which house sleeping quarters for the students and staff.  There is a kitchen beyond the classroom.  The students there are involved in worship services at the University congregation every Sunday and they conducted the services this Sunday.  It is so good to see young people being taught and trained to present the Word.  Tom and I were glad that we were able to visit this place before time to leave.  

Look to the right of the tent at the red roof.  That is the BEST CENTER.  As you can see, it is almost inaccessible.  Yes we could walk to the gate, maybe get a moto through but otherwise forget it.  This is very common in Cambodia, even on the busy streets of Phnom Penh.  This is a wedding that last 2 days.  There was loud music early in the morning until late at night.  This one did tone the sound down some.  Their weddings are beautiful, with gorgeous dresses, that are rented for the wedding party.  They serve meals, have music and dancing and many different ceremonies.   This tent is not a small tent.  It is the width of the street and an estimated length of 100 feet.  The cooking for this wedding was done in an empty lot to the side.  Many weddings have a cooking tent as well.  There is a generator producing electricity for the lights and music.  The flowers are artificial and were brought in and set up by a commercial wedding company.  There is always a very large photo

The dorm girl's study area and our teaching area was turned into a classroom for about 100 Cambodians from across the country who came to learn more about the Word and teaching others.  Titya, a recent university graduate and a resident at the Best Center for the past 4 years, took charge of announcements and introductions.  The first speaker was Darat from Siem Reap, who spoke about marriage and the importance of considering future relationship with God when choosing a life mate.  What an important message for so many young Christian Cambodians. Following the morning program Avy had prepared a meal for everyone.  There was rice, soup, vegetable platters , fruit etc.  She is amazing and so were the students who were available to help out.   Cambodians do not need tables and chairs as they are quite comfortable eating on the floor.  People were everywhere.  Many of the drove hours to be here,  Some even spent the night on the floor to attend.  They came from Siem Reap, B

The Watcherapon Church of Christ meets in Bangkok, Thailand.  Tom and I taught at this location using the Let's Start Talking program about 10 years ago.  The congregation has grown since then, but we recognized many of the members.  As we arrived for Bible Class we could see some changes.  Instead of stacking, movable chairs they now have pews.  They have also added more technology. As worship began, so did the numbers in attendance.  We were provided with earphones and a translator so that we could understand the lessons.  We also were provided with English Hymnals and could sing along with them on many of the songs.  They were also on the big screen in English and Khmer language.  That was nice.   If you look at the side walls you will see covered sliding glass doors.  The sides of this building were open air when we were here before.  We had heard about these changes and were impressed. Surrounding the outside the auditorium is a wide walkway which is over water,