SEMINAR AT BEST CENTER

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, Battambang, Cambodia Bible School, Cambodia Bible Institute, Phnom Penh Church of Christ as well as everyone at the Best Center.  Even though the photo is blurry, you get the idea.  The Cambodian Christians have been developing relationships among the different groups for several years now through camping sessions, seminars, Holiday Celebrations, etc.  It is good to see.

Chhoy, a former student who lived at the BEST CENTER, presented a Power Point presentation about the importance of teaching the Word of God.  He has been one of the students here who has excelled in creative ideas in teaching children's classes to the children during Class Periods at worship times at the Best Center on Sundays. Chhoy has graduated and is now working and living in Phnom Penh.  

Da continued this session concerning the importance of learning how to reach out and teach and of dedication to telling about Jesus.  Although I could not understand what they were saying, I was impressed with the presentation skills of these two former students that we have worked with.

Da and Chhoy are both university graduates and are now working in Phnom Penh.  They live close enough to the Best Center that they take leadership rolls in the church here.  What a joy to see these young people maturing and staying involved.  Paul, who volunteers here year round continues to help these two develop their English skills, as this is important for their jobs.

Julie, who directs the activities and students at the Best Center, also presented ways to use visual aids and illustrations in teaching, not only children but adults.  She had prepared hands on activities to stimulate thought about creative teaching techniques.  She was a school teacher in the States before coming to Cambodia missions about 10 years ago.  

There were 14 tables of 6 participants, each engaging in the teaching technique exercises.  The involvement was evident as the groups exchanged ideas.  It is times like this that I wish that I could understand the Cambodian language.  

Tom and I were blessed to be able to help prepare and observe this seminar. 

 Things have changed so much since our first mission here in 2013.

At the end of the day Dara, a teacher at the Best Center, took a photo of the group.  Some had left at noon but there was still a good group.  It seemed that they did not really want to leave as many of them stayed around for some time to visit and play games. It was a joyous day.