Vietnamese Ministry

The following is my journal entry for 18 June.

Today is the Queen Mother's birthday, and in celebration the schools have a holiday so no Logos this morning. Instead, Lois p'own sray, Lisa and I went to Miss Kim's house. When there isn't school she invites her youth group over for the morning and lunch. They are all Vietnamese kids whose parents came to Phnom Penh some time ago. They tens to be some of the poorest here since the can't get papers for real work or citizenship since they are Vietnamese ethnicity. Because of the poverty the parents sometimes sell their daughters to brothels for money. After meeting and getting to know a few of these beautiful, young ladies it breaks my heart to think about what could be the reality of their future.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays we teach English at New Hope School which is just for the Vietnamese. The first 3 classes I was with the youth but now I am with kids who are about 5 years younger and are just learning English. So far, this has been my favorite ministry experience. I did not expect any exposure to Vietnamese when we were making plans for this trip. The kids are so fun and sweet. It is difficult to teach English to those who are just learning, but it is important. The goal of the English classes is to help the kids get into Cambodian public schools, which for the girls means staying out of the brothels. When a girl starts to miss a lot of school then the staff know or suspect she will likely be sold soon. I look at their beautiful faces and bright spirits and wonder who could ever think of selling them. I have never had to live in such poverty though. What would I do to provide for my family? This is where the rubber meets the road with trusting God.

The youth group we spent time with today is really like a house church. Many in their families do not know God. It was an enriching and rewarding experience. We taught them a few songs in English, listened while they had Bible quizzes and teaching, did an origami craft, and played a few games. The Vietnamese language is written in English letters with tonal marks. Some of the books of the Bible have the same names. Most of the kids had their own Bibles and you could tell they really read and used them. We ate lunch with them as well. They were very kind, welcoming, served us and each other. I, who feel like I have so much to give, could only receive.

Again, this has been one of my favorite ministry experiences. On Tuesday, Lisa and I were praying, and as I prayed for this ministry I just started crying as I thought about what might happen to some of the girls. While it is not unusual for me to cry, it is unusual for me to cry like that. I am getting a hint of helplessness--that I cannot help or protect these girls. I hope that none of them will be sold, especially while I am here.

Please pray for this ministry and these children! Our English classes are 5:30-6:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you happen to be awake Tuesday/Thursday mornings 5:30-6:30 central time or 6:30-7:30 eastern time, please remember us!