Living Hope In Christ

Rainy season has officially begun. This was no surprise to us, having experienced several downpours that left rivers running in the streets and many places in Phnom Penh under 8 inches or more of water. The announcement came with the warning that, since the rains came early, they could also stop early—people should prepare for drought later in the year. Here is what Gil took the other day:



These announcements came shortly after the Khmer New Year. Khmer New Year is a time for celebration and family reunions, honoring ancestors. A lot of predictions for the coming year are made. On one of these three festive days, at a specific time, the “angel” for the year was welcomed. Again, there was a dire warning: this particular angel had a thirst for blood, so expect a difficult and possibly turbulent year. Expect bloodshed.

We are in a country vulnerable to the vicissitudes of the weather. Farmers depend on getting the right amount of water at the right time. I feel that mirrors the spiritual situation. People are vulnerable to the vicissitudes of so-called deities. Put this together with a deeply shadowed past history and one can see that Cambodia could be a place with little hope.

One thing we’ve noticed is that Christians have brighter countenances than the average person on the street. I don’t think that it is because they are better off. No, they have a living hope that helps them face the future that no one can predict. They have Christ dwelling in them. Please pray for the living hope of Jesus Christ to sweep this country.
- Joyce