#306 - A Devastating Fire

 Vol.# 306

In the past 2 weeks, we have been very busy at the new Dangkao location. 

A man who lives in that community had an argument with his wife and deliberately set their house on fire. This fire spread to 11 other houses and displaced 11 families. What was our response as His hands and feet on the ground to this terrible disaster?

AERIAL VIEW OF FIRE: 11 FAMILIES AFFECTED

AFFECTED FAMILIES RECEIVING PACKAGED RESOURCES WITH TENT, BEDDING, FOOD ETC.

 

OUR DANGKAO TEAM

As the pictures show, the main team began collecting bedding and tents that could be used as temporary shelter as well as food and clothing. Along with the students from New Life School in Dangkao, who came in to pack the supplies, and those who were able, together began to donate money to their own community. .50 cents to one dollar was the average donation from these students. When I saw the donations, I thought of the poor widow in Mark 12: 41-44 who gave all that she could give. Tears came to my eyes as well as joy for these students who gave what they had. Those who could not give came in to give of themselves by separating items, packing, and then cleaning the courtyard area. They set up the chairs to receive representatives from the 11 affected families and the village chief coming in to talk and to thank New Life Church Dangkao for their support of the community! 

On Monday I got a phone call from Oun Lin who is the principal of the Skills Training Centre at Dangkao, asking me if I would like to join them to go and pray for the uncle of the man who had set the fire, as he was burnt badly and in the hospital. Unfortunately, the aunt, his wife, was an invalid and even though the husband who was presently in the hospital had tried to rescue her, she had not survived. I went to the school in Dangkao to meet Oun Lin, and then we went to meet the village chief who was going with us to the hospital to visit the victim. Along the way, Donnie, who runs the Healing Home here in Phnom Penh and who had heard of the victim joined us as he had connections with a hospital here that specializes in burn victims. He was willing to transfer the man to this hospital as the hospital he was at did not have medical experience in dealing with burn victims. However, when we got to the hospital, we were told that the man had already passed away and was in the morgue! We visited the morgue and found him in a room with no windows and no air conditioning. It was not a cold room! He had died the day before but no one had informed the village chief. One of the young teachers who had accompanied us asked why would God allow us to go when the man had already died? I said GOD knew that he had passed but maybe God wanted to show the community and the village chief that we were willing to help, to go and pray, and yes, to pay for the ambulance expenses etc. 

However, as I write this, I am quite aware of the devastating fire that took the lives of so many in Hong Kong, and  seeing first hand our own community displaced and experiencing such havoc in their lives, I pray along with so many of you for those in Hong Kong. 

Prayer Request: Please pray for us to have wisdom as we continue to walk along with those affected by the fire, and with the local government officials in Dangkao. We are very grateful for the organization that has opted to fund 100 percent of any expenses needed for that community! 

At our church, we have already begun decorating and setting up for our Christmas services. Our theme this year is the Prince of Peace. Each week unfolds a new part of this theme. It is amazing to watch when people step into the church lobby on a Sunday and see how their faces light up. Then the picture taking begins! I had asked a few people if they had started to decorate their own places in honor of the birth of Jesus, and they all said, Oh no, Bong Srey (older sister), it is too expensive, that is why we enjoy and appreciate it when the church does this every year! It gives them an opportunity to invite friends and family to come and see the decorations and take pictures. The decor is being used as an evangelistic tool! I can attest to this as I work at the welcome/info desk and I see so many new people come and then stay for the service. The lights and decor also draw those from the mall next to the church to drop by to see the decorations and Christmas trees! 

Prayer Request: Please pray that many will come to know the Prince of Peace and to experience His peace this season. With the downturn in the economy, even those at the church have had to cut back on working hours and salary. Please pray that we will truly reflect His peace. Please pray for continued creativity as we want to share the story of the birth of the Prince of Peace to many, and that many who go to shop at the mall will be drawn to visit the church and remain to hear the music and the preaching of His love! Thank you! 

Prayer Request: December 21st is the main Christmas Sunday service. Please pray that all of us who will be working for the 3 services that we remain in good health and reflect His joy! 

I pray for many of you who are undergoing unexpected difficulties that you will sense His Presence and experience the sweet stillness of rest from the Prince of Peace! Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support! 

Love, His Warrior and Disciple, 

Submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia, 

Your sister, Vedya