sharing

as Christmas approaches, we thought we would approach the story from the prophecies in the old testimony. the story that we've been telling at small church groups lately has been about Balaam, who lived in the land of the wise men...

it is quite an interesting story with a talking donkey. most persons young and old have had rough experiences with being angry with motorbike scrapes and accidents. realizing that it is not "just" a story, but an opportunity to share about God's power and love so people can remember it is real in their lives, each time we pray for those who will be listening. here Mark continues discussion and scripture after the straight story part has ended.

this weekend, at the first early group we went to, there was still a little water on the floor from the flooding the church had received in the night. the clouds that had been so beautiful Friday night let forth with a squall about 2am. having tin roofs, and leaking ones at that, not many slept through the night.

this little girl sat spellbound with some friends at the front for the story, i don't think she had ever 'noticed' the felts before. it was fun to see her take a special interest and to see how carefully and gently her parents disciplined her later as she started walking around the church. the young man is a literacy teacher and an active leader who i've know for awhile as i helped by playing the piano at their wedding... the afternoon program was held in a little garage and again a group of kids really interacted with the story about how God leads. this little group is moving next week and unfortunately some of the kids will be lost in the transition...as i shared about enjoying time with Laos friends last week, there are more friends from the surrounding countries. the evening vespers was made special as it was prepared by our Vietnamese pastor and the teachers and students at two schools that he has started. the day ended on a sombre note as when i arrived home at the ADRA office at night, the house of the neighbor across the street had unusual activity. the sign below flies above the house today testifying that a person died, this time an elderly parent of the house owner. today many family, friends and monks gathered to mourn.
important ceremonies in Cambodia - including weddings, funerals, religious festivals and housewarming parties - are marked by lots of LOUD music. when i first visited Cambodia i vowed i would never live here as during two weeks LOUD music woke me almost daily at 5am and sometimes it continued till 11pm or beyond. as i am now living in a community, i see that even in a city, it does draw the community into feelings with the family involved. neighbors don't mind for the most part because they know that when they will celebrate or be sorrowful, the others will join or be patient. even while i pray for opportunities to share hope with neighbors, it is my neighbors who are sharing with me lots about understanding, compassion and Patience...