Another Full Week

            This past week we've been doing the usual, working with the orphanage, boys/girls home, the slums, teaching English at the Salon and going to the rehab center. One thing that has not been mentioned is that Jon and George are teaching a Photoshop class at the YWAM base. It's going better now that they have a translator!

       This week we did end up trying something new, creative evangelism. We went to pub street and let God lead us in drawing a prophetic picture or writing an encouraging word. Then we'd ask God who it was for. Some of the words and pictures were for people in the restaurant or staff but some were also for our own team members. Everyone who we felt led to give these words and pictures from God were pretty receptive. Some people even took pictures with us and one girl bought an ice cream for the person who gave them a picture. It has been an exciting and fun experience and it's amazing to see how God moves!

           On Saturday we got to the chance to show the Jesus Movie again but this time outside of the orphanage. Around ten of the neighbors' kids a came and watched. In the end we prayed for them and we know that God is showing himself to these kids. They even came to the orphanage church on Sunday!

           Glory to God,
           Crossroads Cambodia

Week Five In Siem Reap Cambodia

This past week has been very busy for our team but thankfully we live for a God who brings rest. This is why we had an afternoon of rest and soaking.

            A group of us went over to the girl’s home all day Saturday to help them finish some tiling and fencing. Not all of the work was completed but we went back on Wednesday all day and we’ll have to go back one more day to finish. The group was happy to be doing some physical work because most of our time here we’ve been doing teaching and music. The other half of our team went to the HALO orphanage on Saturday and deloused all the children. We pray that every single lice is gone!

            We had a lot of fun at the orphanage on Wednesday when we did a sort of sports day. The kids played soccer, volleyball, badminton and bubbles. Everyone had a great time; we got to bond with kids a lot more and even tried speaking a little Khmer with them.

             Today, Thursday the 19^th, our group split into two teams. Half of us went to the countryside village and the other half went to the rehab program in the jail. Although we got lost on the way to the village, God guided us there and the rest of our time was great. We did a couple of skits, songs and some English teaching. The rehab program visit was an exciting one today; Gilles had the amazing opportunity to lead one of the men to Christ! The heavens are rejoicing! 

             Glory to God,
             Crossroads Cambodia

Village / Rehab / Jesus Film

         On Thursday we went to the village (slums) again with the girls and boys home. This time we came more prepared. We did two dramas, songs and some English teaching. The first drama was David and Goliath and the kids loved it, especially with Ray playing Goliath. The second drama was about the story Elijah and when God proved to be the true God by sending fire. Cindy did an excellent job being the "fire" and enthusiastically showed that God's fire burnt up the whole altar. In all the fun and the laughter we know that God moved in many ways.

     
             The other half of the team also had the opportunity to visit the prison and be a part of the rehab program there. George played guitar as Tom and Nancy improved some hand motions as a last minute substitutes and the guys loved it. Gilles and Nancy gave their testimonies as well. There was overall good feedback from the men and the pastor who runs the group. We pray that God opens all of their hearts as He pours out His love for them.

        Today, December 13th, the team went off to the boys and girls homes for the whole day. We did basically the same things ("same same but different") as last week but at the girls' home we've gained an opportunity to teach ESL to some of their girls who work at the salon. So we will be doing that next Friday as well and maybe even on the other mornings that we visit them.

           While we've been here, we've been staying at a wonderful guest house and God has really put the staff on our hearts. They've had past crossroader teams stay here so seeds have already been planted. Tonight we had the amazing opportunity to show the Jesus film, in Khmer, in the guest house's dining area and we invited all the staff. A majority of the staff sat through the whole movie and in the end we gave out Bibles and even got the chance to pray with some of the staff. We pray God continues to work in their lives.

        We thank God for some many different opportunities to pour into Siem Reap!

             Glory to God,

             Crossroads Cambodia

   

Countryside Community / Girls And Boys Home

            A couple days ago the team joined up with the girls from the girls home to visit the countryside community (the slums). The girls go every Thursday to do a children's program. So the first thing we did when we got there was walk around and gather the kids, the children pretty much just latch onto you. The girls sang some songs in Khmi and the kids followed along. They also did a skit, told a story and got some of our team to do a bit of ESL. Then crayons and coloring paper was handed out as well as a little snack. While some of the kids were doing that the girls and our team helped to wash and comb there hair. It was a really good experience and the sense of community was amazing! We can not wait to go back next Thursday.

            We also got the chance to spend more time with the girls when the women from our team went to their home and men went to the boys home. In the morning they do a devotion and worship time that we were able to be a part of. Renee and Cindy gave there testimonies; they were received and the girls gave good feed back. The girls make really nice bags out of recycled material and they also make cards out of homemade paper. They sell them in the local market and online to raise money for their food and other necessities. So after the devotion time we helped make some cards. Afterwards Cindy led teaching  the staff ESL  through a game kind of old maid but they had to match up the English word with the picture. We also taught them body parts and then sand the Hokey Pokey to practice. In the afternoon Emily and Ingrid showed the girls a hip hop routine and the girls loved it. Bibi also taught a couple girls beginners ESL. We will be going back every Friday to teach ESL and hip hop.

          If you're wondering what to pray for out team pray for continued unity, clear communication between team members and the Khmer people, and spiritual alertness.

             Glory to God,
             Crossroads Cambodia