The Groth's Go to Cambodia

GROTH REPORT MARCH 2006

 “See how they love one another.”

Welcome to Cambodia! Each morning we awake here to the smell of incense from the family shrine in our hotel. We walk through the neighborhoods to see families placing fruit, rice, etc. in front of the Buddha shrine in their home. It is rare that we enter a place of business or a restaurant where a visible spirit house is not prominently displayed. Yes, the marks of Buddhist belief are everywhere throughout the city and countryside as the prominence of the leading religion is displayed in Wats.

The Old Testament direction to paint it on the doorposts, etc., seems to cry out to us to also display our beliefs and boldly proclaim the message of our God. Well, right now we don’t have a doorpost. We’re residing in a hotel. Even if we wrote it on our foreheads most people would not be able to read our strange English since Khmer is the language of the people here. I really don’t think our hotel proprietors would appreciate a Bible verse on the wall. To most, my cross means precious little. We must begin, continue and end by being loving and caring in order to have a hearing for the Gospel message.

How do you proclaim the Gospel message that our Ablaze initiative is all about? Do you merely wear the emblem hoping someone will ask you about it? That’s a start! Perhaps you find ways to include the message of what Jesus has done for you in your daily talk. Maybe you begin with loving actions and then go on to tell about why these actions are part of your everyday walk with the Lord. You may not have a shrine in your home or an image in your yard, but through your daily walk you can be His witnesses so people will say, “See how they love one another.” This gives a wonderful chance to proclaim the marvelous works of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So far we have been adjusting, listening and observing just what life in Southeast Asia is all about. We have toured some Buddhist wats, visited a palace, seen many Buddha’s, appreciated the National museum of Cambodia and met Christian pastors and workers here. They have lovingly welcomed us, and we have begun to see the vast field for Christian work here. Chuck preached last Sunday here in Phnom Penh. His message was that just as Jesus accompanied his disciples out into the world so Jesus goes along with us out in the world and we need not be alone or afraid. It was interesting to see Pastor Naro translate Chuck’s message into Khmer. His enthusiasm truly gave the feel as well as the words to God’s message for the day.

We have also seen the killing fields and the prison that were part of the lives and history of people here from 1972 to 1982. It seems impossible to see such cruelty so recent, but this history has really colored the lives of these people. Many can tell their own tragic part of it. It is also the reason that as we look out in our church we see most people under the age of 25. This is a young country, with so many young people searching for answers to purpose and direction for life.

We love the markets and seeing the beautiful silks. Chuck loves the IT stores and the availability of so many of the things we need for productive ministry. At present we are waiting for our shipment from Ghana and Cambodian visas so we can get phones and then travel to see the area of Battambang where one of our churches is located. We are not sure yet just where in the country we will finally settle.

So how is each of you sharing the message of Jesus? I’m sure for many of you; people are saying, “See how they love one another.” Your actions and your support of ministry in your area and for our ministry is truly a fruit of the Spirit in your life. We are anxious to hear from you and to share what life here is like.

May our living witness turn ears to the message of His love,

Chuck and Jeanette Groth