The Groth ReportMARCH 2008 |
||
From the Word
|
||
Current EventsWe encourage each group that visits and works with us here in Cambodia to visit the Tslang Prison and the Killing Fields. It is always a sobering start to their tour. It chills the soul and moistens the eyes of most visitors. Right now as the justice trials are proceeding visitors review in their minds what they have read internationally about the Pol Pot era. After leaving these sights they approach Cambodians with new empathy and sensitivity. They recognize the pain that this nation has suffered. They desire to do something to make peace a reality. Mostly they seem to want to help Cambodian society move forward and realize hope. 19 teen-agers from Hong Kong International School were peacemakers in an active way. For their interim study they came to Sihanoukville and worked to ready one of our holistic ministry sites. This was no vacation. They poured concrete, cleared a field for a volleyball court, constructed half-walls and provided countless fun activities for village children. They reacted to the pain of this country with positive action. They brought caring and joy to Khmer parents and children alike. More than this they brought the hope that comes through a site for worship and education. They brought an active “Peace.” How have you spread peace and hope to those in turmoil in your community, your neighborhood, your Christian congregation or your family? Now another reason that “peace” is on my mind is a group of “peace-makers” from the US who have just spent days sharing Christ’s peace in a real way. Eight women and one gentleman came to Cambodia to host a women’s retreat for the women from Trinity Lutheran Church in Battambang. While the group has worked together through short-term coordinator, Jennifer Mustard, they had never met each other personally until they touched Cambodian soil. From various churches, states and backgrounds they shared the “Peace of the Lord.” They were ready to share it with sisters here in Cambodia. The retreat was an awesome experience. Many of the ladies from Battambang had never traveled as far as Sihanoukville. Women from the US had never before traveled to Cambodia. Women from the US were concerned about the families they left, a new situation and their leadership roles in the retreat. Women from Battambang were concerned about the families they left, a new situation and their participation in the retreat. God melded these two groups together as they studied “peace with God, peace with each other and peace within.” They delved into the WORD, they communicated with pictures, actions and hugs. They created a beautiful cross hanging together for each group to take back home to remind them of the time together and the message of peace that Christ brings. A Pol Pot survivor shared her tumultuous story and the peace that knowing Christ has brought to her heart. As they closed the retreat they shared pictures and became prayer partners while they hugged each other and shared, “The peace of the Lord.” What a powerful expression of God’s peacemaking to draw together two such diverse groups with His message of life and salvation. Have you shared God’s peace with someone today? Between these two major events Bible studies, sermons and preparations for Concordia Welfare and Education conference in Thailand have kept us busy. Since we are new to CWEFT we are eager to learn about the practices and ideas they have for “active peace-sharing” in Cambodia. They will be partnering with us in medical, education and agricultural projects to give human care to the people here. So while the world around us is often chaotic and hostile we have such great news to share. We can bring the, “Peace that passes understanding.” It is one of the wonderful fruits that the Holy Spirit brings to the lives of those who believe in Jesus. Got peace??? Share it!!!
The peace of the Lord be with you always. Chuck and Jeanette Groth |
||
|
||