Cambodia Update
God is everywhere. I feel Him on the streets of Siem Reap, Cambodia just as powerful as I feel him in the sanctuary of our church. He is all powerful and over everything that exists. Yet He is humble and willing to be servant of the least. So patient, as we run like mad men away from his perfect grace. He is all sufficient as we struggle in our deepest human need. There is nothing He cannot do and no one He cannot love. Not one person escapes the piercing gaze of His eyes like fire.
We're seeing Him move in the nation of Cambodia. We've met poor farmers that have absolutely nothing, and their lives are being changed. The work that Food for the Hungry is doing is completely transformational. They don't just mow over problems that will grow back a year later. They're not just driving up in a white truck and solving people's problems for them. The thing that's blown us away is that they empower the local people to fix their own problems with their own resources. Of course these people need some assistance, but they shouldn't have to rely on an NGO to meet all of their needs. God is their supplier and FH is teaching people this through savings groups, agricultural training, child development, education, biblical teaching, and a lot more.
Through the power of God, and a lot of hard work, the FH staff is up rooting the attack of the enemy that has existed here for hundreds of years.
I've got a question for you and would love some honest feedback. What do you think the role of an non-profit should be? Hand outs only? Or complete community transformation?
Thanks for your prayers as we continue our journey. Next stop... Bangladesh. It's very different than Cambodia, and we're so excited to see the work God is doing there.
Thanks for reading.
-jack and all the leeland boys
I think that handouts AND hand-ins are needed, when you help someone by giving them a handout it is also important to put a hand in and help see your seed that you have sewn GROW! and you guys are doing it! your awesome, love you guys forever-Juicebox
About your question, it should always be totally community and life transforming. There will be no progress otherwise. In the case of lack of food, after the hand outs leave it will be right back to where they were. Only when coming in and working with the people to provide what they need and teach them how to provide for themselves will there be any long term change.
I guess I also see that question in regards to slavery, which is my heart's passion. If you only go in a rescue the body from bondage but you don't care for the soul or do aftercare work then they will most likely end up right where they were and rescuing them was only a waste of time and money. That's one of the reasons why I want to go and work with former sex slave someday counseling and sharing the gospel.
Truly the only change we will see in all the horrible issue that face this world is through the gospel. It's the transforming work of all that Jesus has done on the cross. We need to remember that with physical water, to offer the Living water and with the physical bread, the Bread of Life. My brother would say that we need a marriage between the activist and the evangelist.
But now I'm just ranting and so I should stop. I'm praying for you guys and I really appreciate you guys, God is really working through you!!
In Christ,
Olivia
May the Lord bless you and reveal Himself to you more and more each day.
love!
Eilin
Non profit can be both but I think helping people to take care of themselves is very important.
Take care guys! I'll be praying for you all!
keep spreading the word of the Lord! and God Bless You.
Wanted to see if you guys have seen this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Check out the trailer for the new reality TV series by Samaritan's Purse with music from Leeland. www.childrensheart.tv
Don't miss the Children's Heart first episode web premiere on June 10!
www.childrensheart.tv
Bill Coger