T- 12:44 and counting

It started months ago. There was an ad in the Christian Chronicle. There was discussion. There was research. There was a lot of discussion. Now, about one year later, we are 13 hours away from leaving for Cambodia.

In the last 12 months I have learned so much. I have learned about the horrors of the child sex trade in southeast Asia, and the world. I have learned that one person can have an impact on the lives of hundreds of young women. I have learned about human slavery all over the world, including the U.S. I have been appalled at the savagery of one man towards another, and how the ego or ideals (whatever you choose to call it) can nearly wipe out a generation.

Some of that learning came from:

• watched Red Light, a documentary on Cambodian child sex trafficking
• read Somaly Mam's book, The Road of Lost Innocence
• read Not For Sale
• read a couple of books on the Khmer Rouge
• read a couple of books on sharing the Gospel with Buddhists
• watched The Killing Fields
• read countless Cambodia travel books
• read LARGE book on the culture of Vietnam
• watched Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Food about Cambodia
• watched Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations about Cambodia (hey, a guy has to eat - or not!)

But, I have also learned about hope. I have learned about faith. I have learned about people willing to sacrifice the comforts of home and family to go to a faraway land and share God with a people who have never met Him. I have been inspired.

So, shortly, Debbie and I will begin the adventure of a life time. We thought we were embarking on an adventure back in December of 1978, WE HAD NO IDEA! I mean, it has all been an adventure, but the adventure is getting bigger. By Monday evening, we will be on the Mekong River. THE Mekong River. We will be on the Ship of Life offering medicine for the body and the soul. Well, we won't be offering medicine (for the sake of the Cambodians), but we will be showing/sharing the love of Christ.

I am asking all prayer warriors to bring our name before the Father. We need Him. Remember the Ship of Life. It is a great work and we want God to be central in all it does. We can put politics and government issues aside. The focus is on instilling the heart of God in a people who desperately need it.

I will be writing more in the coming days and weeks. See you on the river!

Just how much do I hate people?

Today, I was sent this link to a Youtube video. I am sent many links. Typically, it is a cute child, cute kitten or puppy, or someone doing something really stupid and maiming themselves. I tend to like the latter.

This one is different. It is a convicting message from an unlikely source. I am still pondering it! Watch it and see what you think.

Wow, what have I been thinking? I certainly haven't been thinking about evangelism, in that way.

I have a lot more thinking to do!

Chat later

40 Martyrs of Sebaste

The story of 40 martyrs unfolds in the city of Sebaste during the reign of Emperor Licinius in 320 A.D.

Licinius had ordered that none of his soldiers would follow Christ. It was forbidden. Any that failed to worship pagan gods would be punished.

A garrison of Roman soldiers was stationed in this remote Armenian town. The decree of the Emperor was told to all those serving in this garrison, by the governor of the region. Forty of the soldiers were devout Christians.

The Christian soldiers presented themselves to the governor, declaring they were followers of Christ. They were brought before a judge who tried to persuade them to forsake Christ, reminding them of the dishonor they were bringing on the Emperor ---- since they were loyal soldiers. He promised them favor. They would not renounce their faith. Finding them resolute, the judge had them imprisoned and beaten.

The governor was offended by their upstart attitude.. A cruel death was planned for them. It was bitterly cold in Sebaste at this time of the year, and they were forced to remove their clothes and stand on a frozen lake outside the city. On the shore was a warm bath -- where they could go if they would renounce the Lord.

Still they refused! As they endured the horrible torture, one finally gave in to the severe cold and taunting of the guards.

One of the guards had been watching intently, during the torture. He was so moved by the faith of the 39, that he removed his clothes and walked onto the frozen pond, replacing the one who had left.

Forty men perished, giving their all for Christ.

Christ gave his all for us.

What does he ask of us? No less.

John wrote, in Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.