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캄보디아 |
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작성일 : 08-01-24 09:58
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2007년 종합선교보고
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글쓴이 :
최고관리자
 조회 : 22,824
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MINISTRY REPORT FOR YEAR 2007
THE CROSSROADS, CAMBODIA
INTRODUCTION
The Crossroads was established in October 2000, ministering to the local university students with its purpose to train, nurture, equip and transform them to be local national leaders for the future. The Crossroads provides a boarding alternative to many university students who would come to pursue their education in Phnom Penh city. They would usually live in pagodas. Upholding the principle of life-influence-life, David and Moonjung Ooi[Professional Equippers at Crossroads] lived with students under one roof to evangelize, disciple and empower students to be Christ vessel. They attend university by day, and seek God’s word by night.
There are currently 36 university students at the Crossroads, all came from non-believing background. The Crossroads provides a Christian environment, from evangelism to discipleship to mission, and above all, through fellowship in Christ which they would have otherwise not able to experience the love of God through such a community life.
RECEPTIVITY OF CHRIST AMONGST UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Sharing the gospel amongst the university students in Phnom Penh is like sowing seeds along the path, on rocky places and amongst thorn. The political and socio-economic reasons continue to hinder the receptivity of gospel amongst the university students. The sudden vulnerability of Cambodia to the world and increasing disparity between the rich and the poor have deceived and deprived students on the importance of eternal life.
The Crossroads facilitates a good soil for university students to know Christ and to make Him known. The Christian community makes the Crossroads distinguished from the life in this broken nation. Students come to experience the extra-ordinary God in such an extra-ordinary environment.
In October 2007, the Crossroads interviewed and selected 8 students out of more than 90 applicants and potential applicants. Besides living in a Christian environment, the new students studied the bible chronologically with its relevance to society, life-issues and spirituality since their intake. As at January 2008, 7 students have professed their faith in God with obvious personal life transformation experiences. They continued to be disciples and grow in maturity in Christ.
THE CROSSROADS CHURCH
Here are some personal testimonies quoted from one of the Sunday worship:-
… we need to put our hearts on one another. We must ‘love in action’ for our brothers and sisters …
… We love … and in action through service … then we are known as His disciples.
… (in despair) We are not able to be straight … Put our trust in the Lord and he will make our path straight. (Pro.3:5-6)
… May He enlightens the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope His call holds for you(Eph.1:18)
Please pray for my cell group … God wants to break us down that we can be for His service…
… God is leading us to realize our relational problems(in small group) … let’s persevere that His good work may be done.
… I apologize for being negligent in my relationship with you all …
When we are weak, the devil would take advantage to attach us.
A GRADUATE FROM THE CROSSROADS
We laughed, we shed tears, but we rejoice with KARANIN (A Testimony): Karanin has suffered from polio since his childhood. He shared how he would use his handicap to be others fun. ‘When they laughed, it makes me happy’, he said. Karanin would not allow his handicap to rule him. Instead, he would run and compete with his peers in every sport. He succeeded when he jumped the highest on record in grade 8[eight]. However, his high spirit would not soar higher when the school taught all students morality/philosophy. ‘It is a truth when more or a group of people affirms the same’, the teacher taught. In despair and brokenness, his confident and pride was crushed. Once soaring on high, he was then in darkness and hopelessness. His parents’ separation had robbed him of everything. During his early university life, he came to Christ. As he studied the words, Jesus said to him, ‘… If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. … ’(John 8:1-11). He looked around thus realized who is not handicapped? ‘At the very least, all has handicapped in their heart. Why should I be downcast? Why should I be in despair? Karanin was restored and has been set free. [He has gone on to graduate as a teacher and has also planted a church at Pursat].
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
The Crossroads girls organized a retreat cum out reach for their friends on 23rd-25th Aug 2007. Its objective was to foster a stronger bonding amongst the girls at the church, especially those who live outside Crossroads. 50 girls attended the retreat with the theme ‘Beauty that transforms’.
God had already accomplished the impossible before we set out for the retreat/Outreached. The Spirit of unity was with us all as we re-learned and practiced on how to be self-less. The Crossroads went against its cultural norm to plan and prepare everything in detail.
The power of beauty also transformed the men at Crossroads. They fasted and prayed everyday when the funds for the retreat was insufficient[the little lunch money saved was multiplied just as the 5 loaves and 2 fishes].
Through this retreat, all girls learned about true beauty. Such beauty has set them free from bondages of low self-esteem, self-image issues and other deceptions that the power of darkness would have over young girls in a broken society. The retreat has caused them to ponder and yield to their pursuit worldliness. Many are now seeking the truth and desired for the truth to change them progressively.
Senghuan – A life story: In preparation for the retreat, Senghuan invited her 2 friends/classmates whom she has been praying for their salvation. To many Cambodians, a journey or trip with only girls is abnormal. Though her friends had wished to attend, Senghuan had to meet their parents to obtain approval. After much inconvenience and hardship(She had to even show the parents the retreat itinerary to convince them), both friends could attend. 3 days before the retreat, her school lecturer dropped the bomb that they will have mid-term examination on the retreat days(a norm in Cambodian Universities). Senghuan was puzzled by the whole situation. She prayed and went to seek the lecturer’s approval for delay of examination(another norm in Cambodian University). Interestingly, the lecturer demanded USD$5.00 for “a fee” which Senghuan refused to pay. It will obviously affect her final exam next end semester if she did not pay nor miss the exam day. By faith, Senghuan attended the retreat. She trusted that the Lord will work out the salvation for her 2 friends and that the Lord will reveal His faithfulness to her faith. Please PRAY for Senghuan. May her perseverance finish the good work of the Lord.
FIRST NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
Youth Leadership Challenge – CAMBODIAN CHAMPION!!! Reality TV has come to Cambodia. Kry, a Crossroads graduate and leader was encouraged to participate in the competition. There were 270 participants in this first ever national competition.
There were many trials throughout the competition. Being a Christian was a major handicapped due to hatred and rejection by most participants. By faith, the Crossroads students gave support and encouragement to him to press on. In the end, Kry emerged as the winner. The program was telecasted over the national TV program.
Despite being a champion, life does not mean a bed of roses in Cambodia. Fame does not guarantee a ‘bowl of rice’ to university students. Kry’s faith continued to be tested as he is working now. The temptation of the world and the wanting of the flesh are real daily. “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Rev. 6:10). This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints(Re. 12:10b, 14:12).
SALVATION TO HOUSEHOLDS
In year 2002, Kalyan Tep came to the Crossroads. 3 years after committed her life to the Lord, his brother was admitted and converted at the Crossroads. In October 2007, their younger sister came to study in Phnom Penh. Sorhea(bottom left) experienced the Lord at the Crossroads community and committed her life to the Lord. They are now praying and being led by the Lord to bring salvation to their family.
Phea’s brother, Rotha, was a Crossroads graduate. He went on to plant a church at Battambang in 2004. God’s faithfulness was displayed in this family as the gospel win over each member of the family. Phea rejoiced to testify that only his father has yet to be saved. Such is the usual mapping and direction of the gospel upon conversion of university students at the Crossroads.
ANOTHER TENTMAKER
Karano graduated in July 2007. At the Crossroads, students graduated have a clear idea about what’s next – where they will be going and what they will be doing. Others still have much to answer – Does the Lord want me to serve him in the marketplace? In the pastorate? Ministry? But one thing is definite – all our students have a ‘ministry mind set’ and know that the Lord will use them to impact people’s lives wherever they are.
Karano has strong conviction of His calling even before he went to the university 4 years ago. He came from a financially challenged family and would not even refuse to accept our scholarship to pursue tertiary education for the sake of the gospel. Having graduated, his conviction remains the same.
He is now teaching and serving at the Crossroads while teaching Khmer language to foreigners for monthly income. He is amongst the leadership team which administer and disciple younger students. We pray that he will continue to be empowered and grow in wisdom and strength. A gifted preacher and seriousness on His words, we pray that the Lord will make known to Karano his future direction for His service.
SOCCER MINISTRY
Soccer is a much loved sport in Cambodia. The Crossroads boys are using soccer as a way of expressing their faith. By forming a soccer team, and also inviting some of their friends to play for them, the men are developing relationship with the intention of sharing their faith with others.
This ministry also displays unity at the Crossroads. The women supported their counterpart by secretly saving money to buy jerseys for them. They would save and put to sale recycle items weekly and in the end contributed substantially to the purchased of the jersey. They would also attend each game and sponsor drinks for the hardworking men in the game.
CONCLUSIONS
The Lord has done many good works. We do not know how the seed sprouts and grows. It is certainly beyond us. Truly, unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. The Lord has engraved His law and covenant in the heart of many Cambodians university students. We are blessed and we thank you for your support and prayer that all these may come true.
Many blessings,
David Ooi.
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