A Life Transformed

Below is Tavi's home.. it may not look like much (and yeah - it's not) but there are some very significant things about it. Most importantly, there used to be a spirit house at the entrance to her property. Food and drink offerings were placed in the spirit house daily to keep the bad spirits happy and comfortable so they wouldn't come into the main house. But Tavi no longer has a spirit house because she has put her faith in Jesus Christ! Check out the two crosses on the outside of her home now (one in red - and one above that in white)!

Below is a typical spirit house - with a food and drink offering, and incense - for the spirits. The vast majority of Cambodians practice Buddhism, and these spirit houses are not only outside of most homes; but also outside countless places of business - from restaurants to hotels, etc. In fact, all 3 hotels we stayed in had spirit houses throughout the property.

The business venture of byTavi was named after Tavi (pronounced tuh-VEE). She works very hard to make beautiful products for us here in America - and she puts her money to good use. Tavi is a widow who has already lost her husband and one child to AIDS. Tavi is also HIV positive and she is now able to purchase the medicine needed to prolong her life and keep her children in school.

With her hard-earned money Tavi is also able to make home improvements! (see picture below) Impressive? Maybe not at first glance, but many Cambodians live outside/under their homes during the day. This area was formerly all dirt - which means it was often very muddy during rainy season. Tavi saved her own money, through her sewing job with CGI, and had all of this paved. This kind of home improvement was formerly impossible! Tavi's life has been transformed - materially, yes - physically, yes. But most importantly, she will now be in Heaven for all eternity because of her faith in Jesus Christ.

Just look at the JOY she exudes - an undeniable example of a life transformed!

A Lesson in Humility

I'm taking you all the way back to our team's arrival on July 12 at around 11pm in Phnom Penh. CGI's awesome Director of Operations, Theary (pronunced like we say 'Terry'), met us at the airport along with Chris Alexander. Theary is also our translator from Khmer to English and vice versa. Her husband is (or was?) a French amabassador and so we received the royal treatment! We were ushered right through customs without having to stop and wait in any lines. This was a big deal, especially when you are tired from 28+ hours of travel.

After we all found our luggage (and YES, it was all there - even with 3 plane changes - thank you, Lord), we headed for the van which would take us to our hotel. As we walked outside, we were bombarded by 13 beautiful, smiling "Daughters" who greeted us with huge hugs and beautiful flowers - much like Hawaiian leis. Not only this, but they quickly grabbed our luggage from us - and it was clear that it would be an insult to deny them this "privilege". Keep in mind - most of these girls are 12-16 years old!! Talk about a lesson in humility.

On the walk to the van, the girls practiced their English skills by asking, "What is your name?" And then answering the same with, "My name is.." It was a sweet sound in my ears to hear them saying, "Linda? Linda?" (Think Leenda..)And then all of us get very excited when we pronounce each others' name right - or at least close enough!

I can't fully describe what it's like to spend time with these precious girls, after all they have been through in their young lives, and they are so incredibly happy and open and loving. God is truly Jehovah-Rapha; our Healer. Praise you, Lord. There is none like you.

Jesus - Name Above All Names

The following is a compilation of my own thoughts, and some from Chris Alexander, president of CGI, who is leading us on our trip here in Cambodia.

For the past two mornings, I have been awakened by a loudspeaker somewhere behind the hotel that is broadcasting the news of someone's death. It is difficult to explain in writing. The sound can literally be heard for miles and it goes on from dawn until after dark! I even held the phone out the first morning I was here for Mick and the kids to hear it - and they could hear it with no problem.

Chris's thoughts: It is a mournful song. It is also a chant. Mostly, I guess, it is sad and in a way epitomizes what it means to die in this place. It reminds me that this is a country where the vast majority of people are Buddhist. It also reminds me that this is a country where for most people there is little to fill life with hope. Karma is unforgiving and leaves no room for grace. The chant speaks to the end of life. It sings of a destiny that we all share but here there is always something missing..

Jesus.

As you read this, would you please take just a moment to pray for the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia? Pray specifically for the Good News of what God has done for all people through the gift of his Son to spread like wildfire through this land. Pray that their sadness will one day turn to joy as they share with us in the hope of eternal life!

If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.