Direction. Cham or Chanang?

Went to lunch today at church members house. Never thought you could be
so blessed with so little.   Lunch was rice, one small fish and veggies.  So
good!   

But the best part was just being with the family.  Lin is from a poor
family. Felt bad for eating their food but they seemed so happy I would
come to there house.  Lin is poor but her sister is poorer so she
took her three children to live with them so they could go to school. Otherwise 
they would grow up poorer than their parents.  I let the kids take pics
with my camera.  They had never used one before.  I forgot just how
excited they are with one. They must have taken a pic of everything in
their house.   As I drove away from their house I was so happy and 
blessed. I was thanking the Lord for letting me be part of what is happening here.

Self portrait

Cambodian pick-up

Rice comes with every meal!

Which brings up the question where to start ministry. Kampong Cham
or Kampong Chanang.  I have been in Kampong Cham for 5 weeks and the
only Christian I have any support from is Rith, the young boy I have been
writing about giving me Khmer lessons.  Other than that nothing. A little
from Pastor Adams but we are on different pages. He does see the
advantage of doing business and ministry but not excited about it at all.  
It seems like every thing the Lord is having me do there is a struggle and I
have to make it work.  Nothing is falling into place. Hoping Suong
will be different but most likely not as there isn't any church that I
know of there. So will be on my own much of the time.

Now Kampong Chanang is another story. There are around 30 guesthouses
here and the Lord directs me to pick the one that the owner is a pastor of three 
churches.  Also works with government in medical field.
Wants us to start fish farm at village church, live on that land, and
teach both at churches and Bible school.  I am so welcome here I
don't want to leave.  Not sure what to do or where to stay.


Perspectives course said don't do anything until you find the "Person of Peace."  
I feel that Pastor Rith is that man.  I have never been more welcome.  I
eat a lot of my meals with them.  Yesterday, Pastor took me to dinner.
while at dinner I meet Chief of Kampong Chanang and a few other
important people.

As we were talking about where the ministry should start farm I said I didn't
know where God wants me. Pastor said he did and it was right here. 
He was very serious.  I tend to believe him.   I am going to stay here
until Monday so I can go back to church in village. Take better look
around.  Will let you know as it happens.   

God Bless 

Mark

I don't want to sound like I am trying to talk others into my way of
thinking. Just trying to let you know what is going on.


So as I am praying asking the Lord if I should stay here or Kampong
Cham  I get the words "how many doors do I need to open for you before
you will go through it."  It's like everyday something is happening that
says stay here.


The draw backs are we are not on the Mekong River yet, but we can still work
with Don (Worldteam) and the Vietnamese in Kampong Cham.  Also the
largest population of Vietnamese boat people live right here in Kampong
Chanang.  Then there is Rith. I talked to Pastor about him. He can come
and work with me here if he would want to move here. If you have been
reading the two weeks of the blog you will know what I am talking about
with doors being open here.

I have support here if something was to happen or make mistake with
someone have others to help me work it out.

The cost of everything is about the same. House would cost less as it is
already started.  it take about about 4000.00 to start and 1500.00 a
month for 6 months to complete.

It seems that all the things we talked about at the last meeting at
Karens house has lined up here and I haven't really done anything but
be here.

Oh and the property here already has one pond on it.  

God Bless 

Mark 

Sunday School

Here are some pics from Sunday School. The Pastor's daughter Sral is the teacher. She is 11 years old and very serious about teaching.  Kids grow up so much fast here. They start helping around  as soon as they can walk almost.  

They have so much respect for each others feelings.  I was sitting on the floor with my legs stretched out and Sral just stood there wanting to get by but couldn't step over my legs. Shows disrespect to a adult to step over them.  I had to move my legs. Took a minute to figure out. They kept telling me to move my legs so she could get by. Just when you think you know something you find out just how much you don't know.  

Worked at the church this morning taking away the grass. Better to have just dirt. Don't have water and can sweep. Have to pack water. I was thinking as I was working just how much we spend on our yards back there. Would feed a family. 

Also a few pics of fire wood. They use this to fire the brick kilns. They are cutting the forest down so they can build.  I know they need to build but they are going to pay the price for it in the long run. Would be nice if they could at least use coal. These wood yards go on are along ways. There are many brick yards close also. 

A pic of the room of one of the church member. She pays 20.00 a month. About 8x10 in size. Shares bathroom and cooking area with six other families.

a beautiful gift

Another God filled night.

Mr. Sawit runs a private school. Has Bible study on Saturday. I talked with older kids. About half of 20 students

are Christian the other half checking it out.  Coming because class half price if they go to Bible study. They wanted to know how I knew it was God telling me to come to Cambodia.  I told them at first I thought He was crazy but after I returned to America God kept telling me to go back and put me with three great churches that now support me here. That I couldn't do what I am doing if God did put all the right pieces together. 

We prayed that God would send them a full time helper, besides a teaching volunteer. Would become part of big family. It would also help Mr.Sawit as his school would have an American teacher so more students would want to come to his school.  He has a room at his house for volunteer.  I am sending pics of this class and kindergarten class. Pray that God sends someone to these children.  

When I told them that my churches back home were praying that God would send someone to them they clapped and thanked God.  Even the ones that aren't Christian they want to learn so much.  They're at class at 5:00 pm.  I told them that I would come back every Thursday until God sent someone else. They thanked me over an over.   

I really don't like school but when you are wanted so much how do you tell them no.  I couldn't.  So now have Bible class Wednesday night and Thursday morning.  The Lord's got to be laughing at me. Never say never. You think I would learn that sooner or later.   

When I left Cambodia in 2010 I told myself I would do anything but teach. Now that is all I am doing. Ha Ha! Laughs on me. 

So here is a story you will find hard to believe.  

Mr. Sawit  has been married for two years. Had baby girl ten month after married. Then a friend of theirs calls them. Tells him that at 8:00 that lady came in to have baby. All ready have five kids. No husband. No money. They delivered baby and put it in plastic bag then put it in the trash.  Four hours later nurse comes back. Baby is crying. No way it should be alive was wrapped tight in bag  so nurse decides to keep baby and takes it home.  Goes to the Monk the next day. Asks Monk about it. Monk says mother and baby's birth dates not good for her to keep. Throw it away. Bad karma.  She can't so she calls Mr.Sawit. He and his wife feel God telling them to take her  dates. Mean nothing to them. They are Christian. She is beautiful. A gift from God if there ever was one. Yo u also have to understand that theyreally don't have the money for another baby this soon after being married. But God does.  I am so blessed to part of what God is doing here.     

Thank you Lord!

Village church and teachers needed

What a day!  

Just got back from church in a local village near Kampong Chanang. A God thing!      

Mr. Rith goes to three different churches. One is about 50 miles away. I don't think I have ever been more humbled in my life.  As we are singing hymns this man comes up and kneels before me and starts praying. Not sure what he was praying but felt the Lord moving. Here I am the one getting blessed. 

It is hard to understand just how spiritual they are. It is their way of life. Only now, they believe in the right Spirit.  God's Spirit. The true Spirit of Christ.

The reading was Psalms 69. Then I was asked to explain it. There are times when you are truly thankful that you know your Bible. You have to be very careful that you put things right because they believe what you tell them. America does everything right. If only that were true. 

I took some pics but forgot to put the memory card in so can't download until back in Kampong Cham. 

The land the village church is on was donated by one of the members. Mr. Rith was very pleased when he told me they all support themselves as a fellowship now. I think he was the money behind the starting. The village church started under a tin roof in 2002. A new church building was raised in 2007.  There is a small thatch house that the watch lady and her kids live in and small brick house started all wrong by a church group from L.A.  They are going to take it down and do something with the bricks.   

Mr. Rith wanted to know if I wanted to do fish ponds here in Kampong Chanang. I told that we might be able to do something after we have the one in Kampong Cham running good. I was wondering why everything here seems to be falling into place when it is in the wrong place.  I just strike it up to satan that he wants to side track where God has told me to go. There must be something going to happen or he wouldn't care.  

Looking forward to it!   

God Bless,

Mark

An update

Church last night it seems strange that even when you can't understand a word of a song you feel the Lord's presence all around you.  Their instruments are so old no one in the states would even put them in a yard sale.  But the music is out of this world. Has to be a sweet sweet sound to the Lord's ears. Was to mine.  I just felt so blessed to be part of it.  

It's so strange. You come here to bless them and you get more blessing than them. God is so good.  It has got to make Him so happy to see these people turn from Buddhism to Him.  When you talk with them they are so excited about Jesus, the Living God.  You can't but help feel what they feel and want to help them. 

Tonight I met a young man that Mr.Rith raised. Not his son. Now he has started a English Bible school working with poor children  They can go to school for half price if they go to Bible class. All of them go to Bible class. He also asked me for help. The first place I go is how much money. I mean the question is wide open.   But that is not what he wanted. What he wants is for me to stay and teach him and his students English and the Bible.   

So here in eight days God has shown me again just how much we are needed over here. Especially right here in Kampong Chanang.  I am really confused on this whole thing.  But why should that surprise me. God seems to work that way a lot.  He knows the end. We don't.   

So after church we are talking again. The men and Mr. Rith say I can start ponds on church land in the village 20 km from Kampong Chanang  and live in this house. I think he was meaning the church but not sure and did not want to press the issue.  Just let it go by.  If I start asking questions they assume it is done.  I don't understand why all these doors are opening here. Going slowly, slowly.     

I'm not at all sure about doing fish ponds here but the need for someone that can teach. Two years college would be perfect. If you don't think you can do it look at me. Seventh grade education.  I wouldn't recommend that but God can use you. Commit to at least six months. Preferably a year. Takes you one month to get over jet lag.  Another month or two to really start to feel at home. The longer, the better. For you and them.    

God will rock your world!  

So in summary.  Teacher needed at two churches. One Bible school looks pretty full time. Oh, and house provided.  You need plane ticket and 400.00 to 500.00 a month to live on. 

See you soon!  

God Bless!

Mark

teaching while being taught

I am always so nervous when I have to go to school especially when I
am the teacher.  But all for nothing.  God is so good to me. They are
reading the Bible through. We were in Genesis 6. They wanted me to to
explain it to them. They said I put it in a way they understand.
God is the one who gave me the words!

It was so amazing to be part of the class. They asked me to keep coming back.  
What could I say. 

(Seems the Lord is showing me to keep "teaching" for the next couple months till it is time to begin the fish ponds. WOW!)

It is so amazing to do what the Lord ask of you.    
The blessing can not be measured in stuff of the world but can surly be felt in your heart
when you do what God asks of you and you get to be part of what He is
doing right in front of your eyes.  After class we made paper frogs.
Can't believe how much fun I had with the kids.

Some of the kids can read and write English while others can't. Having
them write five sentences. Then next week they have to pass them around
and read them after Bible lesson.

 

Compassion of Christ Church

Not sure why God has me here in Kampong Chanang. It is a long way from the Mekong River. And quite a ride on the moto from Kampong Cham! But there is a reason.  

This fellowship, this whole area, could use English teachers full time.  

Volunteers could stay at the guesthouse but I know Pastor Rith would find
home for them to stay in. The cost to come here and help would be very
small.  At most 500/month if you stayed at guesthouse. If in a home
could stay for less with room and food and just about anything else you would
need. I know they really want someone. Someone that knows what
they are doing as far as teaching goes.  Volunteer would have to stay
at least a month.  We would encourage them to stay longer, for as long as they are able to stay, with others lined up to come after them. The longer the stay, the better!

If you know of any teachers who would like to have an influence on some great 
children and families, while having their own worldview rocked and changed, let us know.

Keep praying. 

The Lord is working in ours and many other lives.  Would love to hear how we can be praying for you as well.

Do you have any comments? Post them below. We do read them! 
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God Bless!

Mark for all of us

marktmasingale@gmail.com

www.mosaicspokane.com

In school. Again!

I returned to same guesthouse in Kampong Chanang where I stayed last time I was here. Lady saw my tattoo

and said that the Boss "same same." That is, a Christian also.  Later she asked if I wanted to go to church. Just stood there a minute, not that I didn't want to go, It's that there have just been so many things happening.  

I just keep saying thank you Jesus!    

So I say "yes" after what seems too long a time. She says "One hour."

Now I have no long pants here.  Ok. I run to the market. This always takes longer than you think. Had to get pant hemmed. 

Late. 

Race back to my room and change. Boss already gone but Dary will take me. Follow her. I get there in middle of service but didn't feel awkward.  Did feel the Holy Spirit. WOW!  Couldn't understand a word but what a time to pray. 

Ian came to my mind very strong.  Please pray for him.

Was praying God would show me why he brought me back here.  Knowing full well he would. Thanking Him for all different view of Him.  That is it.  Over here you have time to wait for Him to move and be ready to do when He asks. Some would say there is a price to pay.  Comfort of home, family, friends, but if the Lord has put it on your heart he replaces it with thing just as good.  Even better!  Well, maybe just different.   

So after service the men want talk with me. Small talk then finely get around to why I am here. What am I doing here.  Tell them I live in Kampong Cham.  That I am planning to do fish ponds and water filters with poor families.  No one has heard of filter for fish pond. That my church sent me out as a missionary. Don't know why but never really feel that isn't not worthy.  Maybe I just have come so far from the other side it's hard to believe where I am sometimes from where I was.          

Amazing Grace!

I said I was there to meet the owner of the guesthouse. The Pastor said "that is me!"  Another great big WOW! Back at the guesthouse we talk for quite awhile. He asked if I could help his church. That's a hard one.  I said what could I do.  He said come every Thursday at 8:00 and teach the children English. I told him I never finished school. Can't spell very good. No grammar.  Kind of embarrassing when you put it all together.

What's the song say? "We don't always get what we want but we get what we need." Can you believe that the first Christian I meet in 2 different cities, 200km apart both named Rith?  Mr.Rith says "it doesn't matter? just small children. Pronunciation. Vocabulary."  Said I would pray about that. I have to drive moto to and from here. He said "yes." I mean just "yes." So it takes five hours moto one way. Two nights. Guesthouse costs twenty a week.  Would say yes at least for the five months.  But then I am speaking from a lot from emotion.   

Will be talking with others. I am staying till this Thursday. Said I would go this week.  Then thought "what are you going to teach them?"  I will go to the market and buy different fruit. We work on Khmer and English words    then eat the fruit. That should work. 

I tried my hardest stay out of school and God keeps putting me back in it.   

God Bless  

Mark