Praise the Lord! I now have Internet in my home!
As you may or may not know, trying to stay connected through email has been very difficult for me since I came back in July. I have felt the effects of not being able to let everyone know what is going on, or stay up to date in your lives. My time back has been mixed with feelings of loneliness as I haven't been able to be a part of every one's lives. It has been a learning time and a growing time.
During this time I have realized how truly weak I am. I've seen that my only hope for being here is the Lord. He is my strength. If I can just remember that. If I can just remember the story He has created in my life. How He has called me by name and wooed me to my heart's desire. He is a good God. And while I've struggled with feeling his presence and adjusting to Cambodian life, He made me for this. He prepared me for this time and place. I can rest in knowing that I am with Him now and He is with me.
So now I am learning to rest and wait with Him. And I see that my situation is not specific to Cambodia. We all have callings. We all have tough times. And all of your stories are beautiful. Something I did recently was write down my story of how I came to Cambodia. I wrote 8 to 10 pages of the struggles and triumphs I had experienced. And I spared no detail. I told of how I felt along the way. When I was finished it was amazing for me to see this story. Even though my hands physically wrote it, I was reminded of how the Lord crafted it.
The Lord truly has good plans. He is a better author than we could ever be. Will we allow him to write the story? Will we allow him to take the pen? Sometimes it's hard. But, even as I have struggled while in Cambodia I remember how good his ways are. Even on my best day with the best hopes and dreams for myself I could not have gotten me here. I couldn't have seen the blessings that I've seen. I could not have known the joy that I have known. My story would have been a dull, Reader's Digest version, at best.
So I praise the Lord for what he as done. I thank the Lord for the Internet and for the loving community I have in America and Cambodia. And I ask him to remind me when I start to try to take the pen from his hands.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The following quote is from a man named Brian McConaghy. He is the founder of the Ratanak foundation which is committed to helping children in Cambodia. I spoke at my church before I headed back to Cambodia and shared this quote along with personal reflections the Lord had given to me.
“There are millions in slavery throughout the world. Let’s be under no illusion this is brutal brutal stuff. Western society has the luxury to look away, to change the channel, to isolate ourselves in this western affluent cocoon, to create a studied ignorance in which we all live. God has no such luxury. He is compelled to be involved because this for him is intensely personal. There are no options if love is involved. We can only love that which we know.”
I read this quote recently and it struck me. I thought of all of the children I had seen with my own eyes that had been abused. I thought about the Lord’s desire to see these little ones rescued. Then I really got stuck on the word “personal.” I began to think of what this word meant. As Christians we use it a lot to refer to our relationship with Jesus. But what does it really mean? What does it mean for these things to be personal to the Lord? I began to ask God these questions. I asked him to show me what it meant for something like this to be personal to him.
As I asked him these things I began to see a picture unfold in my mind. I saw myself at a “meet and greet” type party. I imagined that I was attending the party and Jesus would also be there. I asked God, “If you were at this party who would you want me to meet? Who would you want to personally introduce me to?” And the answer came. I saw Jesus proudly usher a 15 year old girl by her arm to me. He quickly made first name introductions and then began to ramble on about this girl to me. He said, “Ruthie, I really wanted you to meet Angie. She is so funny! She has many gifts; ones she doesn’t even know about. It’s amazing how much she cares for others. I’m telling you, you guys will be great friends.” I’m a little taken aback by such an enthusiastic introduction, but can immediately see that all He says is true. Just by looking at her face I can see that this young woman is amazing.
But there are two parts to this story. And suddenly I see what others see. I see that this young woman I am talking to is a prostitute. I see that she is plagued by hopelessness and fear. She has already tried to take her life more than once and she has believed every insulting lie that her torturers have told her.
But Jesus didn’t mention any of these things in his introduction. Is it possible that he couldn’t see it? Would I ever be able to see things through His eyes?
Now, personal has a much deeper meaning.
Can I handle this kind of personal? Can I allow myself to see the way that God sees others?
For me this 15 year old girl represents Cambodia. I have been given a great honor to be introduced to her by who she is in Christ, not what she is outwardly. And now my privilege is to treat her as she is in Christ. To join with the voice of the Father and speak into being the gifts and blessings the Lord has for this country and its people.
But, it doesn’t stop here. I ask for more personal introductions. It is true that “we can only love that which we know.” So, I ask to know. I ask to know more of the things that are personal to the Lord.
If we all asked the Lord for personal introductions, how many people would we meet? How many lives would be changed and how much love could be shown? I believe the answer is beyond comprehension.
And so I pray... Lord teach us. Give us personal knowledge of your heart and motivate us to love as you love.
“There are millions in slavery throughout the world. Let’s be under no illusion this is brutal brutal stuff. Western society has the luxury to look away, to change the channel, to isolate ourselves in this western affluent cocoon, to create a studied ignorance in which we all live. God has no such luxury. He is compelled to be involved because this for him is intensely personal. There are no options if love is involved. We can only love that which we know.”
I read this quote recently and it struck me. I thought of all of the children I had seen with my own eyes that had been abused. I thought about the Lord’s desire to see these little ones rescued. Then I really got stuck on the word “personal.” I began to think of what this word meant. As Christians we use it a lot to refer to our relationship with Jesus. But what does it really mean? What does it mean for these things to be personal to the Lord? I began to ask God these questions. I asked him to show me what it meant for something like this to be personal to him.
As I asked him these things I began to see a picture unfold in my mind. I saw myself at a “meet and greet” type party. I imagined that I was attending the party and Jesus would also be there. I asked God, “If you were at this party who would you want me to meet? Who would you want to personally introduce me to?” And the answer came. I saw Jesus proudly usher a 15 year old girl by her arm to me. He quickly made first name introductions and then began to ramble on about this girl to me. He said, “Ruthie, I really wanted you to meet Angie. She is so funny! She has many gifts; ones she doesn’t even know about. It’s amazing how much she cares for others. I’m telling you, you guys will be great friends.” I’m a little taken aback by such an enthusiastic introduction, but can immediately see that all He says is true. Just by looking at her face I can see that this young woman is amazing.
But there are two parts to this story. And suddenly I see what others see. I see that this young woman I am talking to is a prostitute. I see that she is plagued by hopelessness and fear. She has already tried to take her life more than once and she has believed every insulting lie that her torturers have told her.
But Jesus didn’t mention any of these things in his introduction. Is it possible that he couldn’t see it? Would I ever be able to see things through His eyes?
Now, personal has a much deeper meaning.
Can I handle this kind of personal? Can I allow myself to see the way that God sees others?
For me this 15 year old girl represents Cambodia. I have been given a great honor to be introduced to her by who she is in Christ, not what she is outwardly. And now my privilege is to treat her as she is in Christ. To join with the voice of the Father and speak into being the gifts and blessings the Lord has for this country and its people.
But, it doesn’t stop here. I ask for more personal introductions. It is true that “we can only love that which we know.” So, I ask to know. I ask to know more of the things that are personal to the Lord.
If we all asked the Lord for personal introductions, how many people would we meet? How many lives would be changed and how much love could be shown? I believe the answer is beyond comprehension.
And so I pray... Lord teach us. Give us personal knowledge of your heart and motivate us to love as you love.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Being back
Well, I've been back in Cambodia for almost three weeks now. I'm almost fully adjusted. Almost. :)
I start teaching next week and I have some mixed feelings about this new venture. I have felt so connected with Svay Pak and the work there. Now, that I'm starting something new and different, I am struggling a little to feel connected and excited. I know that the Lord has great things for me in the job, however it's been an adjustment doing something new.
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of our little boys from Svay Pak. His name is Loi and he was rescued while I was in the states. His mother and grandparents agreed for him to leave Svay Pak to go to an aftercare facility in the city. He is one of the children that has been heavy on my heart since the first day I met him. I was overjoyed when Alli told me that he was accepted into the aftercare facility.
Seeing Loi again brought great confirmation to the work the Lord has called me to. When I saw him, he looked different. He looked like a child. I know this may sound odd, but until this week I never saw him with the countenance of a child. He always seemed stressed and troubled. Now he is lighter and happier. He greeted me with a huge hug which lasted minutes. With his hands wrapped around me, I sensed the difference. I felt the healing and restoration that had already taken place. I just thought to myself, this is real. I don't know that I ever doubted it before, but I wondered how a child that has experienced such abuse could actually be healed. And here I am literally holding the proof in my hands. What a privilege!
In case you have shared any of my doubts, let me tell you - there is hope! There is healing, love and restoration that is meant for everyone of these children that are being abused and hopeless.
Father of Heaven and Earth,
Thank you for the rescue of this little one. Lord I believe that you are the only one that can bring true and complete healing. So, just as you have begun the healing process in Loi, I ask you for more children. I ask you for hundreds and thousands of little ones to be set free from the bondage they are experiencing today. Lord, no thing is too big for you. So, I ask you for every child that you have put in my path. Give me eyes to see them as you see them. Give me vision for the things of your heart. Ignite my heart to burn for the things that burn in your heart.
Amen
I start teaching next week and I have some mixed feelings about this new venture. I have felt so connected with Svay Pak and the work there. Now, that I'm starting something new and different, I am struggling a little to feel connected and excited. I know that the Lord has great things for me in the job, however it's been an adjustment doing something new.
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of our little boys from Svay Pak. His name is Loi and he was rescued while I was in the states. His mother and grandparents agreed for him to leave Svay Pak to go to an aftercare facility in the city. He is one of the children that has been heavy on my heart since the first day I met him. I was overjoyed when Alli told me that he was accepted into the aftercare facility.
Seeing Loi again brought great confirmation to the work the Lord has called me to. When I saw him, he looked different. He looked like a child. I know this may sound odd, but until this week I never saw him with the countenance of a child. He always seemed stressed and troubled. Now he is lighter and happier. He greeted me with a huge hug which lasted minutes. With his hands wrapped around me, I sensed the difference. I felt the healing and restoration that had already taken place. I just thought to myself, this is real. I don't know that I ever doubted it before, but I wondered how a child that has experienced such abuse could actually be healed. And here I am literally holding the proof in my hands. What a privilege!
In case you have shared any of my doubts, let me tell you - there is hope! There is healing, love and restoration that is meant for everyone of these children that are being abused and hopeless.
Father of Heaven and Earth,
Thank you for the rescue of this little one. Lord I believe that you are the only one that can bring true and complete healing. So, just as you have begun the healing process in Loi, I ask you for more children. I ask you for hundreds and thousands of little ones to be set free from the bondage they are experiencing today. Lord, no thing is too big for you. So, I ask you for every child that you have put in my path. Give me eyes to see them as you see them. Give me vision for the things of your heart. Ignite my heart to burn for the things that burn in your heart.
Amen
Saturday, July 4, 2009
America the beautiful
Today we celebrate our independence and freedom as a nation.
This year I've thought a lot about freedom. In just three days I will board a plane to return to Cambodia and live there indefinitely. I will minister to children and families who are living under heavy oppression. Financial oppression, spiritual oppression, societal oppression. . . and I could go on and on. But amidst the oppression, I hear one word.
FREEDOM
I feel my job is to cry "Freedom!" for these ones that feel they have no voice. I am to fight for freedom for them. My greatest hope is that they will be free and live in the freedom that comes from the Lord.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?"
Isiah 58:6
I am inspired by this freedom. I want to see it poured out on the people I minister to. I want freedom. I believe in the freedom for the oppressed. I believe in a freedom not even imagined in this world. Freedom that is rooted in the knowledge and life of Christ. Freedom that is available to everyone, everywhere. Freedom that is not limited by nation or age or gender. Freedom that is worth fighting for and worth telling others about.
So, let us rejoice in this day of independence and freedom. Let us join with the Father's heart and declare freedom for his precious ones. Join with me in prayer and spirit and in one voice shout, "FREEDOM!" Know that your prayers are heard. As we join together with our prayers of freedom we will see the yokes broken. I can't wait to share with you the many stories that will come from this freedom cry.
Dear Warriors, there is no reason to hold back.
FREEDOM!
This year I've thought a lot about freedom. In just three days I will board a plane to return to Cambodia and live there indefinitely. I will minister to children and families who are living under heavy oppression. Financial oppression, spiritual oppression, societal oppression. . . and I could go on and on. But amidst the oppression, I hear one word.
FREEDOM
I feel my job is to cry "Freedom!" for these ones that feel they have no voice. I am to fight for freedom for them. My greatest hope is that they will be free and live in the freedom that comes from the Lord.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?"
Isiah 58:6
I am inspired by this freedom. I want to see it poured out on the people I minister to. I want freedom. I believe in the freedom for the oppressed. I believe in a freedom not even imagined in this world. Freedom that is rooted in the knowledge and life of Christ. Freedom that is available to everyone, everywhere. Freedom that is not limited by nation or age or gender. Freedom that is worth fighting for and worth telling others about.
So, let us rejoice in this day of independence and freedom. Let us join with the Father's heart and declare freedom for his precious ones. Join with me in prayer and spirit and in one voice shout, "FREEDOM!" Know that your prayers are heard. As we join together with our prayers of freedom we will see the yokes broken. I can't wait to share with you the many stories that will come from this freedom cry.
Dear Warriors, there is no reason to hold back.
FREEDOM!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Even Bigger News!
So, I have quickly realized that I should not have titled my last entry "big news" because this one is even bigger.
I first want to start off by apologizing to any of you that have been anxiously waiting for my next blog entry. Things have been very busy. There have been many changes for me in life. Because of timing, I have needed to hold my tongue (or in this case my fingers) a little until I was able to talk about them.
So here they are. . .
1. I am a new mommy! Well, not exactly, but some days I feel like one. Let me explain. My roommate Alli has been praying to adopt a baby for years. Almost two weeks ago, an opportunity to adopt was presented to her. She met with the birth mother and ended up taking home the 5 week old baby that night. What a surprise! There are many legal proceedings that must take place before the US acknowledges the adoption or allows her to leave the country. Alli's little baby girl is named Isabella Ruth Mellon. I have been trying to help Alli and support her in this new mommy role. I am quickly falling in love with little Bella Mellon as she is sweet and beautiful and such a joy to have at home. Please pray for the legal side of the adoption. We believe this child has been given to Alli, however many people say she will never be able to get a visa to visit the US. Pray that government officials would grant a visiting visa for Bella so she can see her family in the US.
2. I have decided to come home in June. I'm still unsure of the exact date but will let everyone know when I know. The reason I'm coming home early is because. . . I'm coming back to Cambodia! I have committed to teach Kindergarten for a year starting in August. I'm very excited. The way the job offer came about was a complete surprise and a work of the Lord. The Lord continues to show me that my time in Cambodia is not up. Working at the schools will open many new doors for ministry as well as answer some specific prayer requests. Also, I will be teaching only in the morning so I will still be able to work in Svay Pak.
All of these changes have left me in a little bit of a whirlwind. I can't believe that my three month outreach has turned into this! I'm doing what I love. I'm hearing from the Lord and caring for his little ones in ways I never knew I could. I'm amazed and my heart is filled with praise for the grace and leading of the Lord. The Lord has shown me tremendous favor while here. He has met every need and grown everyone of my dreams.
Thank you to all of you who have walked with me during this season. I hope that as you read these words you can rejoice with me in the provision and blessing of the Lord. I pray for you all and hope to visit you next month.
May the Lord bless you!
I first want to start off by apologizing to any of you that have been anxiously waiting for my next blog entry. Things have been very busy. There have been many changes for me in life. Because of timing, I have needed to hold my tongue (or in this case my fingers) a little until I was able to talk about them.
So here they are. . .
1. I am a new mommy! Well, not exactly, but some days I feel like one. Let me explain. My roommate Alli has been praying to adopt a baby for years. Almost two weeks ago, an opportunity to adopt was presented to her. She met with the birth mother and ended up taking home the 5 week old baby that night. What a surprise! There are many legal proceedings that must take place before the US acknowledges the adoption or allows her to leave the country. Alli's little baby girl is named Isabella Ruth Mellon. I have been trying to help Alli and support her in this new mommy role. I am quickly falling in love with little Bella Mellon as she is sweet and beautiful and such a joy to have at home. Please pray for the legal side of the adoption. We believe this child has been given to Alli, however many people say she will never be able to get a visa to visit the US. Pray that government officials would grant a visiting visa for Bella so she can see her family in the US.
2. I have decided to come home in June. I'm still unsure of the exact date but will let everyone know when I know. The reason I'm coming home early is because. . . I'm coming back to Cambodia! I have committed to teach Kindergarten for a year starting in August. I'm very excited. The way the job offer came about was a complete surprise and a work of the Lord. The Lord continues to show me that my time in Cambodia is not up. Working at the schools will open many new doors for ministry as well as answer some specific prayer requests. Also, I will be teaching only in the morning so I will still be able to work in Svay Pak.
All of these changes have left me in a little bit of a whirlwind. I can't believe that my three month outreach has turned into this! I'm doing what I love. I'm hearing from the Lord and caring for his little ones in ways I never knew I could. I'm amazed and my heart is filled with praise for the grace and leading of the Lord. The Lord has shown me tremendous favor while here. He has met every need and grown everyone of my dreams.
Thank you to all of you who have walked with me during this season. I hope that as you read these words you can rejoice with me in the provision and blessing of the Lord. I pray for you all and hope to visit you next month.
May the Lord bless you!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Big News
Greetings from Cambodia!
I have some big and exciting news for you all! But first let me update you on the last three months.
As you all know, I have been working in Cambodia. During my time here, I have partnered with several different ministries. In February, it became clear to me that my purpose in Cambodia was to work in a village called Svay Pak. I have been visiting Svay Pak three times a week along with my teammate Alli. We have been providing a childrens program while partnering with an anti-trafficking ministry called Agape International Missions (AIM). While working in Svay Pak, we have been using AIM’s facility, Rahab’s House. Rahab’s House is a former brothel that was raided and then renovated for ministry. The girls that were rescued from the brothel now lead a Bible study there two times a week.
At Rahab’s house, we work with children aged 1-16, teaching them about the Bible and God''s plan for their lives. The heart-breaking reality is that many of these same children are being sold for sex during the hours that they are not in our program. It is a devastating truth that in this village children are bought, sold and abused at young ages.
Despite these truths, the Lord has done amazing things in our time in Svay Pak. We have built relationships with the children and even some of the adults. We have been able to watch the faces of the ch
ildren as they hear truth and love spoken to them for the first time. For many of them, they have not heard that they are loved and cared for by an amazing God. They do not know that there can be freedom from evil spirits and fear. They have never heard that God doesn’t want any man to ever hurt them.
So here is the big news. . .
I have decided to stay in Cambodia for at least three months more! I will continue to live in the same house with Alli. We will continue our ministry in Svay Pak and increase our time there. We plan to begin small discipleship groups in order to train up young leaders. We also plan to spend more time in the village, visiting and praying with families. As we have already found, there is a huge resistance to our presence there spiritually. We hope to make more friends and begin to build trust in the village.
I have two goals for the next three months:
1. To increase my involvement with the ministry in Svay Pak, concentrating on training young leaders and reaching out to the village.
2. To focus on language learning. This will involve working with a tutor a few times a week. And of course, “Practice, Practice, Practice!”
We have already seen changes in Svay Pak. We trust that there are even more changes to come. These changes are due largely to your emotional, spiritual and financial support. Svay Pak is your village and ministry just as much as it is Alli’s and mine. So, I ask you to join us in prayer for financial support to continue our ministry here in Cambodia.
Please consider financially partnering with our ministry in Svay Pak. I have budgeted that I will need $1,922 to cover living expenses until July 1st. Together Alli and I will need $2,400 for the ministry expenses. Up until now, my ministry partner, Alli has raised almost all of our needed ministry funds. The total amount needed is $4, 322. I need to have this money accounted for by May 1st.
There are two ways to give. You can choose to give a one time gift, or support me monthly as a missionary.
Your donation will directly affect the hurting and oppressed children of Svay Pak. You will partner with us in bringing the message of hope and life in Christ.
Please prayerfully consider both of these options and email me your decision. This is a huge help to me and very much appreciated. I hope to make contact with all of you to explain more of our ministry and discuss any questions you might have. However, due to the time difference and unreliable phone systems, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to contact everyone. Thank you for all your care and support. I do hope that I can hear a
ll of your voices soon.
Also, you are welcome to forward this email to anyone you know that might be interested in hearing more about what is happening in Svay Pak.
God Bless,
Ruthie Nickell
For tax-deductible donations please send checks to:
All Nations Family, Inc
5360 College Blvd
Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66211
*make check payable to All Nations Family. On a separate piece of paper please write my name and attach it to the check.
I have some big and exciting news for you all! But first let me update you on the last three months.
As you all know, I have been working in Cambodia. During my time here, I have partnered with several different ministries. In February, it became clear to me that my purpose in Cambodia was to work in a village called Svay Pak. I have been visiting Svay Pak three times a week along with my teammate Alli. We have been providing a childrens program while partnering with an anti-trafficking ministry called Agape International Missions (AIM). While working in Svay Pak, we have been using AIM’s facility, Rahab’s House. Rahab’s House is a former brothel that was raided and then renovated for ministry. The girls that were rescued from the brothel now lead a Bible study there two times a week.
At Rahab’s house, we work with children aged 1-16, teaching them about the Bible and God''s plan for their lives. The heart-breaking reality is that many of these same children are being sold for sex during the hours that they are not in our program. It is a devastating truth that in this village children are bought, sold and abused at young ages.
Despite these truths, the Lord has done amazing things in our time in Svay Pak. We have built relationships with the children and even some of the adults. We have been able to watch the faces of the ch
ildren as they hear truth and love spoken to them for the first time. For many of them, they have not heard that they are loved and cared for by an amazing God. They do not know that there can be freedom from evil spirits and fear. They have never heard that God doesn’t want any man to ever hurt them.
So here is the big news. . .
I have decided to stay in Cambodia for at least three months more! I will continue to live in the same house with Alli. We will continue our ministry in Svay Pak and increase our time there. We plan to begin small discipleship groups in order to train up young leaders. We also plan to spend more time in the village, visiting and praying with families. As we have already found, there is a huge resistance to our presence there spiritually. We hope to make more friends and begin to build trust in the village.
I have two goals for the next three months:
1. To increase my involvement with the ministry in Svay Pak, concentrating on training young leaders and reaching out to the village.
2. To focus on language learning. This will involve working with a tutor a few times a week. And of course, “Practice, Practice, Practice!”
We have already seen changes in Svay Pak. We trust that there are even more changes to come. These changes are due largely to your emotional, spiritual and financial support. Svay Pak is your village and ministry just as much as it is Alli’s and mine. So, I ask you to join us in prayer for financial support to continue our ministry here in Cambodia.
Please consider financially partnering with our ministry in Svay Pak. I have budgeted that I will need $1,922 to cover living expenses until July 1st. Together Alli and I will need $2,400 for the ministry expenses. Up until now, my ministry partner, Alli has raised almost all of our needed ministry funds. The total amount needed is $4, 322. I need to have this money accounted for by May 1st.
There are two ways to give. You can choose to give a one time gift, or support me monthly as a missionary.
Your donation will directly affect the hurting and oppressed children of Svay Pak. You will partner with us in bringing the message of hope and life in Christ.
Please prayerfully consider both of these options and email me your decision. This is a huge help to me and very much appreciated. I hope to make contact with all of you to explain more of our ministry and discuss any questions you might have. However, due to the time difference and unreliable phone systems, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to contact everyone. Thank you for all your care and support. I do hope that I can hear a
ll of your voices soon.
Also, you are welcome to forward this email to anyone you know that might be interested in hearing more about what is happening in Svay Pak.
God Bless,
Ruthie Nickell
For tax-deductible donations please send checks to:
All Nations Family, Inc
5360 College Blvd
Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66211
*make check payable to All Nations Family. On a separate piece of paper please write my name and attach it to the check.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
No Joke!
What do a large tub of water, two strong men and a broken hand have in common?
Okay, people this is not joke. What they have in common is that they are all part of my past week. I will explain.
1. Large tub of water: Baptism of course! Last Saturday 6 boys that Jonathan and Tom had been discipling were baptized at our house! It was such a blessing. These children were beaming as they shared their testimonies about how Jesus has changed their lives!
2. Strong men: The power team came to visit Svay Pak! For those of you that don't know, the power team is a group of American strong men that do feats of strength and share their testimonies. The village was freaking out! They looked on as the men did incredible things like bending a frying pan like a burrito and bending a tire iron with his teeth. The strong men shared their testimonies and asked the men of the village to come to the newly opened gym to learn more about Jesus. It was amazing. I pray that the men will be interested and want to learn about getting strong physically and spiritually.
3. Broken hand: Sadly, Alli broke her hand! It was the result of a tuk-tuk accident. We were riding back from Svay Pak, when our tuk-tuk had to stop suddenly. Our driver fish-tailed and the bike became detached from the tuk-tuk, almost causing it to flip completely. Alli was thrown from the tuk-tuk and caught herself on her hand. Today we found out it was broken. Although Alli is in pain, we are thankful there were no more injuries. The accident could have been a lot more serious especially if the tuk-tuk would have fallen on Alli and the driver. Praise the Lord that the injuries were minor!
That is my week at a glance. Sounds exciting, right? Maybe almost as exciting as being attacked in a Spiderman costume. :)
Please remember our team in your prayers.
Okay, people this is not joke. What they have in common is that they are all part of my past week. I will explain.
1. Large tub of water: Baptism of course! Last Saturday 6 boys that Jonathan and Tom had been discipling were baptized at our house! It was such a blessing. These children were beaming as they shared their testimonies about how Jesus has changed their lives!
2. Strong men: The power team came to visit Svay Pak! For those of you that don't know, the power team is a group of American strong men that do feats of strength and share their testimonies. The village was freaking out! They looked on as the men did incredible things like bending a frying pan like a burrito and bending a tire iron with his teeth. The strong men shared their testimonies and asked the men of the village to come to the newly opened gym to learn more about Jesus. It was amazing. I pray that the men will be interested and want to learn about getting strong physically and spiritually.
3. Broken hand: Sadly, Alli broke her hand! It was the result of a tuk-tuk accident. We were riding back from Svay Pak, when our tuk-tuk had to stop suddenly. Our driver fish-tailed and the bike became detached from the tuk-tuk, almost causing it to flip completely. Alli was thrown from the tuk-tuk and caught herself on her hand. Today we found out it was broken. Although Alli is in pain, we are thankful there were no more injuries. The accident could have been a lot more serious especially if the tuk-tuk would have fallen on Alli and the driver. Praise the Lord that the injuries were minor!
That is my week at a glance. Sounds exciting, right? Maybe almost as exciting as being attacked in a Spiderman costume. :)
Please remember our team in your prayers.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The journey continues
Things have settled down quite a bit. I haven't been attacked by any small children lately. Ha Ha!
In Svay Pak feel like there continues to be increased favor and connections. More children know me by name and greet me with smiles. Also, we continue to receive isolated smiles and interest from some of the adults.
I'm amazed at the work that I get to do here. I get to spend hours with these precious children in the middle of their hurting.
I know the reality.
The truth is that for many of them our hours together is a respite from the life they live. When we leave the village at 5 o'clock many will have to spend the night in forced prostitution.
For years, I've asked the Lord to put me in a place with those that are broken. Each day I have a chance to love and encourage one of these small ones in the name of Jesus. Each day I get to be there while they are reminded that the Lord has called them by name and they are his (Isiah 43:1). What a blessing!
I feel that the Lord has great plans of restoration for Svay Pak. Restoration that will take place with much prayer and time. I have asked you all to pray and I feel the urgency for prayer even more. Svay Pak is so dark and oppressed. Some of the most important things we do is praying and warring in the spirit.
Know that your prayers are needed and felt. It takes armies to fight wars and you are part of that army. Please continue to pray for Svay Pak. Ask for breakthroughs. Ask for connections in the village. Ask that the enemy's stronghold would be broken and people would be set free.
Please also pray for my time here. Our team's time is almost up and I am prayerfully considering staying longer. I am asking the Lord for a more defined vision of the work He has for me if I stay.
In Svay Pak feel like there continues to be increased favor and connections. More children know me by name and greet me with smiles. Also, we continue to receive isolated smiles and interest from some of the adults.
I'm amazed at the work that I get to do here. I get to spend hours with these precious children in the middle of their hurting.
I know the reality.
The truth is that for many of them our hours together is a respite from the life they live. When we leave the village at 5 o'clock many will have to spend the night in forced prostitution.
For years, I've asked the Lord to put me in a place with those that are broken. Each day I have a chance to love and encourage one of these small ones in the name of Jesus. Each day I get to be there while they are reminded that the Lord has called them by name and they are his (Isiah 43:1). What a blessing!
I feel that the Lord has great plans of restoration for Svay Pak. Restoration that will take place with much prayer and time. I have asked you all to pray and I feel the urgency for prayer even more. Svay Pak is so dark and oppressed. Some of the most important things we do is praying and warring in the spirit.
Know that your prayers are needed and felt. It takes armies to fight wars and you are part of that army. Please continue to pray for Svay Pak. Ask for breakthroughs. Ask for connections in the village. Ask that the enemy's stronghold would be broken and people would be set free.
Please also pray for my time here. Our team's time is almost up and I am prayerfully considering staying longer. I am asking the Lord for a more defined vision of the work He has for me if I stay.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I was attacked by an angry mob
My adventures at Svay Pak are endless. Since working there I have: had a small dead chick thrown at my back; been stoned by 10 small laughing children; and recently been attacked by an angry mob. . .
It all started on Wednesday. We began teaching about how powerful God is. Alli had a great idea to dress up in super hero costumes. The idea was that we would show our super powers and begin fighting only to have God silence us with one word. Thus, showing God as all powerful.
Well, let's just say the children lost their minds.
They were fine at the point when each superhero was introduced, but something clicked inside of them once we started showing our super powers. I couldn't see much through my spiderman mask, but at one point my eyes met the crazed eyes of 80 small children as they stormed towards us. Suddenly 80 children became one great mob. They were screaming and pushing and trying to rip our costumes right off of us. At first I thought they would heed our cries and sit down.
But they didn't!
I felt my feet leave the floor more than once, as I was carried by their small hands. As I felt my body being slammed into the wall repeatedly, I began to ask, "God, is this how I'm going to go?" I couldn't think of a more humorous way to die than wearing a spiderman costume and being trampled by 80 small children.
But soon my rescue came. I heard Alli yell in a loud voice "Ï will protect you!" Finally the translators convinced the children to sit down. Alli encouraged us to stay pressed against the wall until it was safe.
I quickly checked my body for injury and found only a few scratches.
Whew! That was close!
I never knew how quickly I would face this kind of persecution. Ha Ha!
The truth is that despite the children stoning and beating us, we still love them. They are amazing children with broken hearts that just want to be loved.
So, for now I guess I'll take the rocks and hopefully learn how to dodge them a little better!
*Please continue to pray for our team and the work that is happening in Svay Pak. I feel like we are finally able to make some connections with the families.
Blessings,
Ruthie
It all started on Wednesday. We began teaching about how powerful God is. Alli had a great idea to dress up in super hero costumes. The idea was that we would show our super powers and begin fighting only to have God silence us with one word. Thus, showing God as all powerful.
Well, let's just say the children lost their minds.
They were fine at the point when each superhero was introduced, but something clicked inside of them once we started showing our super powers. I couldn't see much through my spiderman mask, but at one point my eyes met the crazed eyes of 80 small children as they stormed towards us. Suddenly 80 children became one great mob. They were screaming and pushing and trying to rip our costumes right off of us. At first I thought they would heed our cries and sit down.
But they didn't!
I felt my feet leave the floor more than once, as I was carried by their small hands. As I felt my body being slammed into the wall repeatedly, I began to ask, "God, is this how I'm going to go?" I couldn't think of a more humorous way to die than wearing a spiderman costume and being trampled by 80 small children.
But soon my rescue came. I heard Alli yell in a loud voice "Ï will protect you!" Finally the translators convinced the children to sit down. Alli encouraged us to stay pressed against the wall until it was safe.
I quickly checked my body for injury and found only a few scratches.
Whew! That was close!
I never knew how quickly I would face this kind of persecution. Ha Ha!
The truth is that despite the children stoning and beating us, we still love them. They are amazing children with broken hearts that just want to be loved.
So, for now I guess I'll take the rocks and hopefully learn how to dodge them a little better!
*Please continue to pray for our team and the work that is happening in Svay Pak. I feel like we are finally able to make some connections with the families.
Blessings,
Ruthie
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A day in Svay Pak
Now we have been in Svay Pak for over two weeks.
We have been working out of Rahab's house which used to be a brothel. Recently, I was standing in the room that used to be known as "the virgin room". Horrible things were done in this room to young girls. We have heard some of the stories. We know that videos of children being abused in this very room are still being sold on the streets. It can be overwhelming. But standing in this place, I hear one word.
RESTORATION
I am reminded of Isaiah 58 and specifically Isaiah 58:12, "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
I am reminded that the Lord has come to restore. He desires that captive people be set free and relieved of their burdens. The Lord desires to bring restoration to Svay Pak. Restoration to the children and girls whose lives and bodies have been used and abused. Restoration to the families stuck in a generational cycle of poverty. Restoration and justice for the men and abusers.
The Lord has come to repair and restore.
I am encouraged by this truth as I see the adults in the community starting to smile at us. Some of the children who would only cry or frown during the program are actually timidly smiling and laughing. These are the same children that are sold every night. As I see these little changes, I count them as big changes. Nothing is too big for my God! Sometimes it's the small steps that lead to great things. I will continue to ask the Lord to bring healing and restoration to these people and know that it will happen.
Will you pray with me?
*pray for open doors in the community
*pray that we would be able to connect with families as we enter homes in the village
*pray for justice-there are many people that know what is happening in Svay Pak, however there is still a lot of corruption. Pray that someone in law enforcement will care and do the right thing for these girls
We have been working out of Rahab's house which used to be a brothel. Recently, I was standing in the room that used to be known as "the virgin room". Horrible things were done in this room to young girls. We have heard some of the stories. We know that videos of children being abused in this very room are still being sold on the streets. It can be overwhelming. But standing in this place, I hear one word.
RESTORATION
I am reminded of Isaiah 58 and specifically Isaiah 58:12, "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
I am reminded that the Lord has come to restore. He desires that captive people be set free and relieved of their burdens. The Lord desires to bring restoration to Svay Pak. Restoration to the children and girls whose lives and bodies have been used and abused. Restoration to the families stuck in a generational cycle of poverty. Restoration and justice for the men and abusers.
The Lord has come to repair and restore.
I am encouraged by this truth as I see the adults in the community starting to smile at us. Some of the children who would only cry or frown during the program are actually timidly smiling and laughing. These are the same children that are sold every night. As I see these little changes, I count them as big changes. Nothing is too big for my God! Sometimes it's the small steps that lead to great things. I will continue to ask the Lord to bring healing and restoration to these people and know that it will happen.
Will you pray with me?
*pray for open doors in the community
*pray that we would be able to connect with families as we enter homes in the village
*pray for justice-there are many people that know what is happening in Svay Pak, however there is still a lot of corruption. Pray that someone in law enforcement will care and do the right thing for these girls
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New ways to join the journey
Hello friends!
As I mentioned in my last note, I will be going to the village of Svey Pak three days a week. I am so excited to see what the Lord is doing in that village. There is still a lot of prostitution and police corruption in the village. But there is hope! The Lord knows each and every one of the people in the village. He knows the name of every child that is forced to have every night. He knows the level of poverty and hopelessness that surrounds each each person. But He is hope and He is light.
Will you partner with us as we visit Svey Pak? We currently will be teaching children three afternoons a week. We will be teaching them about their identity in Christ. We will also offer English classes and creative expression dance classes for the children. Almost all of the children do not attend any school, so we believe our program will be very welcomed. Above all else, we seek to show real love and hope to the children.
As this great opportunity has opened up for us, we see that we have a financial need. It will cost us $96 dollars a week to travel to Svey Pak and pay two translators. We currently do not have this money in our budget. In addition to $96, we would love to have extra money to purchase supplies for the children (we could have close to 200 children show up for our classes.) Please prayerfully consider making a financial donation to this cause. You can give by mailing a check to the address listed to the right. Please remember to attach to the check a piece of paper with my name on it. Any money you give by the 21st of February will be hand delivered to me by our visiting CPX friends and available for immediate use. If you choose to make a financial donation, please email me to let me know what amount we should be expecting.
I am very excited about this opportunity. Thank you for considering partnering with us.
Love,
Ruthie
As I mentioned in my last note, I will be going to the village of Svey Pak three days a week. I am so excited to see what the Lord is doing in that village. There is still a lot of prostitution and police corruption in the village. But there is hope! The Lord knows each and every one of the people in the village. He knows the name of every child that is forced to have every night. He knows the level of poverty and hopelessness that surrounds each each person. But He is hope and He is light.
Will you partner with us as we visit Svey Pak? We currently will be teaching children three afternoons a week. We will be teaching them about their identity in Christ. We will also offer English classes and creative expression dance classes for the children. Almost all of the children do not attend any school, so we believe our program will be very welcomed. Above all else, we seek to show real love and hope to the children.
As this great opportunity has opened up for us, we see that we have a financial need. It will cost us $96 dollars a week to travel to Svey Pak and pay two translators. We currently do not have this money in our budget. In addition to $96, we would love to have extra money to purchase supplies for the children (we could have close to 200 children show up for our classes.) Please prayerfully consider making a financial donation to this cause. You can give by mailing a check to the address listed to the right. Please remember to attach to the check a piece of paper with my name on it. Any money you give by the 21st of February will be hand delivered to me by our visiting CPX friends and available for immediate use. If you choose to make a financial donation, please email me to let me know what amount we should be expecting.
I am very excited about this opportunity. Thank you for considering partnering with us.
Love,
Ruthie
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Greeting friends!
I am overjoyed right now to be writing you all. And for those of you who think I might be over exaggerating-I’m not! I was quite ill for more than a week and was unable to make it to the internet café (or anywhere for that matter) until this week. Luckily, I am doing much better now. I had a case of food poisoning that hit me with all kinds of unpleasant symptoms and eventually landed me in the hospital for two days. Now, I’m back on my feet and regaining strength and my appetite. My next adventure was that I fell down the stairs and hurt my back. My back is healing more everyday. I may end up even getting a massage once my bruises have healed.What have I learned from these ordeals? First, don’t trust the street vendors even if they do appear the sterilize their silverware. Second, I have really big feet! The stairs in our house are uneven and steep and small by American standards. I have learned that for my shoe size I must take the steps very slowly and never let go of the hand railing!
During the last two trying weeks, I have been reminded that God is a mighty and faithful God no matter what my circumstances. Being sick and injured is no fun in any country, but I can say that I am now more convinced of the great God we serve and his purpose for me here in Cambodia.
Speaking of purpose.. . here's what I've been doing when I haven't been lying in bed sick.
*On Monday and Friday I teach two English classes. I love my students. I have elementary to adult ages and they are amazing! I feel very blessed to meet with them each class and pray with them throughout the week.
*On Saturdays I will be having a bible study/mentoring time with 2 or three teenage girls. We are going to be reading the book of John together and of course have needed girl talk! :)
*I have spoken with a lady named Michelle from Samaritan's Purse who has asked me to help her with a day care project. In Phnom Pehn, whole neighborhoods of people are forced to leave their houses if the government wants the land. These people are forced out of town with no compensation. They live in makeshift villages without water or electricity. Many of these people then loose their jobs because they can't travel so far to the city. It's a very bad situation. Michelle has asked me to be a consultant for the three day cares they want to start in these villages. I will be talking regularly with her to help with the planning of the day cares and to answer any early childhood questions staff might have.
*This week, I have the opportunity to start working three afternoons a week in a village called Svey Pak. I am extremely excited and feel like this village may be the reason I am here. In this village every young girl has been sold for sex. International Justice Mission did a raid on a brothel a few years ago and rescued 30 something girls. Since then the brothel has been turned into a center for the children of the community. It's called Rahab's house. Alli and I ,and possibly Christina, will go there to teach and love on the children. Unfortunately, the condition of the village has not changed. Almost all the girls we work with will be sold that same night. It's heart breaking, but I'm really asking the Lord for these young girls. I pray that I could show light and real love to them.
** Book recommendation: Terrify No More. This book tells about the village of Svey Pak and about the raid that took place. It is a little graphic but still hopeful. Reading this book will give you an idea of the darkness in the village, and better yet the hope that Rahab's house will bring.
So that has been my life in a nutshell. I do intend to write more often, however sometimes the Cambodian computers have different ideas. :)
Prayer requests:
*For me personally please lift up all of the activities I am involved in. I really want to encourage others and see God move in mighty ways.
*For the team please pray for encouragement and rest. We have all been struggling with sleepless nights and a case of the "blaghs" sometimes. Pray that we would be energized for all that needs to be done in the day.
Please feel free to email me any time. I love hearing what is going on in every one's life.
Blessings,
Ruthie
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Arrival
So, I've made it to Cambodia and I am slowly adjusting. There is a 13 hr time difference from Kansas City, so I'm still adjusting to the time and travel. Overall, I really like the city, Phnom Phen. It's fairly clean and everyone is very helpful and nice. Everyone is pretty used to Westerners, our team doesn't get too many odd stares. The most challenging thing so far is trying to learn two languages! Khmer is necessary to get around the city and Vietnamese is necessary for teaching the Vietnamese people English. Whew! Please pray that I can pick up the languages quickly. I will write more soon, however the computers are slow here and time is ticking.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Kansas City portion of my CPx training is over. I leave for Cambodia for the final three months of the program on January 14,2009.
Here is a copy of an article I wrote for the All Nations Family Newsletter in November. It sums up some of my thoughts about my experience in CPx.
The Church Planting Experience has definitely been just that - an experience. When I entered the program, I knew that it would be non-traditional. However, in my former teacher mentality, I still expected a classic school setting. I soon found that when they say experience, they really do mean experience! During our first weekend of training we had the opportunity to test our evangelism and cross-cultural skills in a simulated "real" village. At one point during the weekend I remember thinking, "Wow, I really don't know what I'm doing!" It was a cold, hard truth.
Fast forward ten weeks, and I'm still reflecting on what I know or don't know. From my weeks of training in the program, I've learned more in content and knowledge than from most of my previous college courses. I feel that the experiences in the program have challenged me in areas where I haven't been challenged in the past. With these challenges, I've gained many new cross-cultural tools that I otherwise wouldn't have known without this specific training. One of the biggest benefits of the program is that the decisions I've made in CPx have brought me to a new and exciting place of dependency on the Lord.
And thus, the feeling from the village experience subsides, a little. While reflecting on the last eleven weeks, I wonder does the feeling of not knowing what you're doing ever completely leave or is there always some aspect of not knowing the answers? I remember Pam Arlund saying to us, "If the training confuses you at any time and therefore you become paralyzed not knowing what to do, then don't worry about the training - just go with the Holy Spirit." To me, this statement is the answer and one of the strongest points of CPx. We can be well-prepared but if at some point we decide to lean only in the confidence of what we know in our heads, we miss great opportunities to learn much more as we partner with the Holy Spirit.
Here is a copy of an article I wrote for the All Nations Family Newsletter in November. It sums up some of my thoughts about my experience in CPx.
The Church Planting Experience has definitely been just that - an experience. When I entered the program, I knew that it would be non-traditional. However, in my former teacher mentality, I still expected a classic school setting. I soon found that when they say experience, they really do mean experience! During our first weekend of training we had the opportunity to test our evangelism and cross-cultural skills in a simulated "real" village. At one point during the weekend I remember thinking, "Wow, I really don't know what I'm doing!" It was a cold, hard truth.
Fast forward ten weeks, and I'm still reflecting on what I know or don't know. From my weeks of training in the program, I've learned more in content and knowledge than from most of my previous college courses. I feel that the experiences in the program have challenged me in areas where I haven't been challenged in the past. With these challenges, I've gained many new cross-cultural tools that I otherwise wouldn't have known without this specific training. One of the biggest benefits of the program is that the decisions I've made in CPx have brought me to a new and exciting place of dependency on the Lord.
And thus, the feeling from the village experience subsides, a little. While reflecting on the last eleven weeks, I wonder does the feeling of not knowing what you're doing ever completely leave or is there always some aspect of not knowing the answers? I remember Pam Arlund saying to us, "If the training confuses you at any time and therefore you become paralyzed not knowing what to do, then don't worry about the training - just go with the Holy Spirit." To me, this statement is the answer and one of the strongest points of CPx. We can be well-prepared but if at some point we decide to lean only in the confidence of what we know in our heads, we miss great opportunities to learn much more as we partner with the Holy Spirit.
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