Summer 2005
REAKSA
Recently the book “Tears of my soul” has been released. It tells the incredible story of Reaksa. We traveled north through many poor villages to meet him. As soon as we met we felt as if we had known him for years. He wept as he told us how God had enabled him to not only forgive the person that killed all his family, but to provide a new school in the village where the murders happened. The children of his families killer now attend that school. Reaksa has
5 churches, all needing instruments. The 2 guitars we gave him would be a start.
JOY AMONG THE POVERTY
There is so much happening spiritually in Cambodia. We visited the very poorest pats of a village, where the children spend all day on the rubbish tip, just to survive. The lady on the far right of the picture, has a church service each Sunday. She is bringing hope where there was none. Many of these children have given their lives to Christ. Life in the villages is simple and extremely hard. Our friends their have a house that take in street children, called the Bridge of Hope.
GUITAR LESSONS IN PHNOM PENH
It gave us great pleasure to see so many of our guitars being used in many different churches. Both the beginners, and advanced lessons were well attended, with the focus being on using the gift of music to draw people closer to God. I saw so much potential, many of these young people will become great worship leaders. The worship is passionate, reflecting the hunger serve God with enthusiasm.
CAMBODIAN YOUTH CULTURE
75% Of the population are under the age of 25. they are keen to put the past behind them and make Cambodia a worshiping nation. The instruments you sponsor are really appreciated by those that receive them.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Many millions live in poverty in the villages. Home to them is a wooden platform on stilts, surrounded by bamboo walls and roof. Many churches are held in these homes. Worshiping in this environment made us feel far from home, yet very close to God. One of the village churches arranged a meeting at midday to coincide with our visit. 90 people turned up to be led in worship by three young girls, clapping with great enthusiasm. The sight of this made me think to myself, “This is the very reason that Guitar Aid was formed” You can be sure that they will be eager to learn on the new guitar we left them.
WORKING TOGETHER
Jim and Agnes Verner coordinated our visit, making sure we met with as many leaders, from different denominations as possible. This gave us a wonderful overview of what was happening both in small and large churches, in the villages, towns and city. With your help we can empower many of them to reach their potential as musicians and worship leaders. Surely God has healed the land of Cambodia, as those in authority have humbled themselves.