So many people just look at us and shake their heads. They just can't believe that we can take our four little guys halfway across the world to an underdeveloped country.
Some days I wonder what we're doing here, too. I laugh because I think we look like a traveling circus! Boys running here and there, climbing walls, and wanting to shoot themselves out of canons.
But days like today help me to remember that I can touch the hearts of the people of Cambodia. I was able to sit down with one of the men held at the prison that we go to and just listen to him. Hear how his heart is broken because of a strained relationship with his mother. How his body is sick, but yet he is hopeful for the future. I was able to tell him that my Jesus healed many people and that He can heal him. I prayed for him, nothing outwardly spectacular happened, but I'm trusting that there was some sort of inner change.
We're not here to save the world in 60 days. We're not about saying how easy and perfect our lives are, either. We're just doing the best we can with what God has given us.
Praying that 2011 will be your year to go after all that God has for you!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Cambodia Day 1-5
I wonder how many of us will just say we'll be full-time Cambodian missionaries to avoid having to travel back to Kona :)
Our travel day began at 4 a.m. in Kona, where we were escorted to the airport by an explosive lightning storm (which we heard is really rare). I could totally feel God's pleasure with each flash. We went to Honolulu - Japan -- Taiwan - Thailand - and finally about 36 hours later we got to home sweet home!
The guest house we stayed in was very spacious and clean. I dubbed it "Love Lane" because there would be sometimes up to four weddings at a time going on along our street.
On day two we went to see the "Killing Fields." This was one of the bigger mass graves site. In the midst of the darkness and despair, God showed me His hope and redemption through nature. As I was there I wrote in my journal: "The crickets are singing, the butterflies are dancing, the birds are chirping -- do they know what happened here? Yes, they are proclaiming God's goodness and faithfulness."
Then, we went to a school-turned torture center during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Each time I walked into the classrooms that were converted to prison cells I felt the presence of evil on my body. It would be a pain across my shoulders and a heaviness over my eyes. I have come to recognize that sensation as my call to do some serious spiritual warfare through prayer. I have never experienced so much darkness as I had there.
Phnom Penh was a mass of chaotic frenzy. There are no traffic rules there, as mopeds drive anywhere, anytime, in any direction, even on the sidewalks. The boys loved riding in tuk-tuks -- an experience in itself! You can read about it, but nothing compares to seeing these things in real life. Hopefully we'll post some pictures and videos.
You can get a very delicious Cambodian meal here for as little as $2. This would include rice and some meat/vegetable dish.
On Christmas eve, we all went for a boat ride while our friend Hoonie lead us with Christmas carols and worship songs. It was the perfect way to celebrate Jesus' birthday!
Then on Christmas we ventured to the Russian Market, a place well-known for bargaining. I dusted off my skills and got some nice deals. Bought Cambodian pants for me and Cambodian-style shirts for the boys -- probably only tourist wear this stuff now :)
On Dec. 26 we sadly said goodbye to the team that is stationed in Phnom Penh and boarded a bus for our new home in Siem Reap. It took us about 6 hours of traveling time, but for $4.50 it was worth it. Amazing to see the country side -- it was so good for me to get out of the city!
The bus dropped off another team that is stationed in Kampong Thom along the way -- which made yet another difficult goodbye since the boys and I have come to really love these people over the past few months.
I was thrilled when we arrived at our new temporary home in Siem Reap and join up with our team, who has been here for about a week. We're on the outskirts of town, so it's not touristy. And, it's so much more peaceful than Phnom Penh. There's a little place in the front that the kids can actually run around in.
Today we visited a "slum" area that we are calling "The village." It is a possible ministry opportunity for us. We met many families with little children living in thatched huts. We would teach the children English and about God and teach the parents how to encourage their children. We're also looking into going into a drug rehab place in the prison. And on Sundays, we'll be working with a youth group.
Our travel day began at 4 a.m. in Kona, where we were escorted to the airport by an explosive lightning storm (which we heard is really rare). I could totally feel God's pleasure with each flash. We went to Honolulu - Japan -- Taiwan - Thailand - and finally about 36 hours later we got to home sweet home!
The guest house we stayed in was very spacious and clean. I dubbed it "Love Lane" because there would be sometimes up to four weddings at a time going on along our street.
On day two we went to see the "Killing Fields." This was one of the bigger mass graves site. In the midst of the darkness and despair, God showed me His hope and redemption through nature. As I was there I wrote in my journal: "The crickets are singing, the butterflies are dancing, the birds are chirping -- do they know what happened here? Yes, they are proclaiming God's goodness and faithfulness."
Then, we went to a school-turned torture center during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Each time I walked into the classrooms that were converted to prison cells I felt the presence of evil on my body. It would be a pain across my shoulders and a heaviness over my eyes. I have come to recognize that sensation as my call to do some serious spiritual warfare through prayer. I have never experienced so much darkness as I had there.
Phnom Penh was a mass of chaotic frenzy. There are no traffic rules there, as mopeds drive anywhere, anytime, in any direction, even on the sidewalks. The boys loved riding in tuk-tuks -- an experience in itself! You can read about it, but nothing compares to seeing these things in real life. Hopefully we'll post some pictures and videos.
You can get a very delicious Cambodian meal here for as little as $2. This would include rice and some meat/vegetable dish.
On Christmas eve, we all went for a boat ride while our friend Hoonie lead us with Christmas carols and worship songs. It was the perfect way to celebrate Jesus' birthday!
Then on Christmas we ventured to the Russian Market, a place well-known for bargaining. I dusted off my skills and got some nice deals. Bought Cambodian pants for me and Cambodian-style shirts for the boys -- probably only tourist wear this stuff now :)
On Dec. 26 we sadly said goodbye to the team that is stationed in Phnom Penh and boarded a bus for our new home in Siem Reap. It took us about 6 hours of traveling time, but for $4.50 it was worth it. Amazing to see the country side -- it was so good for me to get out of the city!
The bus dropped off another team that is stationed in Kampong Thom along the way -- which made yet another difficult goodbye since the boys and I have come to really love these people over the past few months.
I was thrilled when we arrived at our new temporary home in Siem Reap and join up with our team, who has been here for about a week. We're on the outskirts of town, so it's not touristy. And, it's so much more peaceful than Phnom Penh. There's a little place in the front that the kids can actually run around in.
Today we visited a "slum" area that we are calling "The village." It is a possible ministry opportunity for us. We met many families with little children living in thatched huts. We would teach the children English and about God and teach the parents how to encourage their children. We're also looking into going into a drug rehab place in the prison. And on Sundays, we'll be working with a youth group.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Deja Stew 2 By Justice Liu
Ever since I came to YWAM I felt a deep passion for China. Previously mom and dad had a passion for China, and now that I have one, so I really feel that God is calling us to go to China. Why else would He give us these deep, deep passions for this lost country?
I was listening to a Christian radio station in Hawaii and the speaker said, "Everyone asks what about the Buddhists? What about the Muslims? What if they haven't heard about Christ? Would they go to hell? The simple answer is once you become a Christian you're a Christian. And so what are you going to do about all these lost people?"
So, I'm ready to go on the mission field. And, how I got this passion is that I found out a lot about China and what they're going through, and I read a book on the missionary Gladys Aylward, how at the time of her work, it was a free country. You could practice any religion, but then, there was a civil war and the communists beat the Chinese army. They wouldn't let you practice Christianity.
They set up a school and there was some questions you had to answer. Some of them were really weird like "How much money did your grandpa have when he died?" Or, "How much children does your uncle have?" But the last question was, "Do you like the new government?" You put a circle if you're for it and an x if you're against it.
Two hundred of them put an x and the Communists were really mad, so they got a plan and they sent out people to beat them up to try and get them to go for the Communists, but it didn't work. They called all the students who were against the government and asked them if they were still against it and they all said yes. These students were Christians. They were all beheaded. Very sad.
And so, I think more people should go to these Communist countries.
I was listening to a Christian radio station in Hawaii and the speaker said, "Everyone asks what about the Buddhists? What about the Muslims? What if they haven't heard about Christ? Would they go to hell? The simple answer is once you become a Christian you're a Christian. And so what are you going to do about all these lost people?"
So, I'm ready to go on the mission field. And, how I got this passion is that I found out a lot about China and what they're going through, and I read a book on the missionary Gladys Aylward, how at the time of her work, it was a free country. You could practice any religion, but then, there was a civil war and the communists beat the Chinese army. They wouldn't let you practice Christianity.
They set up a school and there was some questions you had to answer. Some of them were really weird like "How much money did your grandpa have when he died?" Or, "How much children does your uncle have?" But the last question was, "Do you like the new government?" You put a circle if you're for it and an x if you're against it.
Two hundred of them put an x and the Communists were really mad, so they got a plan and they sent out people to beat them up to try and get them to go for the Communists, but it didn't work. They called all the students who were against the government and asked them if they were still against it and they all said yes. These students were Christians. They were all beheaded. Very sad.
And so, I think more people should go to these Communist countries.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to Cambodia we go!
It’s hard to believe that we are leaving the YWAM nest and heading out to Cambodia!
Our time in Kona has been so amazing! To sum up our teaching we learned about: God’s tender heart for everyone, how to use our gifting to express God’s love, compassion for others, how to fight the enemy, how God can heal our past pain to propel us into the future He wants for us, and what our role is for this time in history.
Looking ahead – we will be leaving on Dec. 21 for a 30-hour journey to Cambodia via Honolulu, Taiwan and Thailand. Did I mention that we’re being taken to the airport at 4 a.m.?
We don’t have a lot of details about what we will be doing, but ministries can include, teaching English, working in the prisons, working with children and youth groups and whatever else God places in our path.
We have a place to stay in Siem Reap for about 2 weeks, and then it is suggested that we find a house to rent for the rest of the time. We have a team of 15 people, which includes two families (a total of 7 children), a married couple and two singles.
The team is diverse with a beautiful mix of gifts and personalities. Half of the team is already in Cambodia.
Although we don’t know exactly what God has for us after the outreach, God has placed China on both Jonathan and my heart. It’s exciting to see what will come of that inspiration! We would also like to spend time with family in Hawaii and Australia.
We will be taking our computer to Cambodia, so hopefully we will be able to stay connected! We appreciate all the love and support everyone has given our family! I know that we don’t go there alone, but are lifted up by all of you!
Sending our Christmas blessings to you all!
Love
Liu family
Our time in Kona has been so amazing! To sum up our teaching we learned about: God’s tender heart for everyone, how to use our gifting to express God’s love, compassion for others, how to fight the enemy, how God can heal our past pain to propel us into the future He wants for us, and what our role is for this time in history.
Looking ahead – we will be leaving on Dec. 21 for a 30-hour journey to Cambodia via Honolulu, Taiwan and Thailand. Did I mention that we’re being taken to the airport at 4 a.m.?
We don’t have a lot of details about what we will be doing, but ministries can include, teaching English, working in the prisons, working with children and youth groups and whatever else God places in our path.
We have a place to stay in Siem Reap for about 2 weeks, and then it is suggested that we find a house to rent for the rest of the time. We have a team of 15 people, which includes two families (a total of 7 children), a married couple and two singles.
The team is diverse with a beautiful mix of gifts and personalities. Half of the team is already in Cambodia.
Although we don’t know exactly what God has for us after the outreach, God has placed China on both Jonathan and my heart. It’s exciting to see what will come of that inspiration! We would also like to spend time with family in Hawaii and Australia.
We will be taking our computer to Cambodia, so hopefully we will be able to stay connected! We appreciate all the love and support everyone has given our family! I know that we don’t go there alone, but are lifted up by all of you!
Sending our Christmas blessings to you all!
Love
Liu family
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Deja Stew
When Jon and I first got married, my mom taught me how to make stew. I would make huge vats of it that would last weeks! Jon would lovingly call it "Deja Stew."
Well, I think God is cooking up a huge pot of stew for us, and He's throwing in all sorts of ingredients, letting it simmer and then voila we'll have our next step! So, anytime you see a title called Deja Stew, it just means that I think another ingredient is being thrown into the pot.
Here's what I think is in there to date:
-working at an orphanage
-teaching people how to use computers
-healing the hearts of God's people through prayer and life stories
-spiritual warfare
-reclaiming cultures to God
-glorifying God through dance, drama, memorizing the Bible
-Jamaica
-China
-Seattle
Hmm, sounds delicious!
Well, I think God is cooking up a huge pot of stew for us, and He's throwing in all sorts of ingredients, letting it simmer and then voila we'll have our next step! So, anytime you see a title called Deja Stew, it just means that I think another ingredient is being thrown into the pot.
Here's what I think is in there to date:
-working at an orphanage
-teaching people how to use computers
-healing the hearts of God's people through prayer and life stories
-spiritual warfare
-reclaiming cultures to God
-glorifying God through dance, drama, memorizing the Bible
-Jamaica
-China
-Seattle
Hmm, sounds delicious!
Friday, December 3, 2010
What will we be when we grow up?
What do you get when more than 2,000 missionaries gather together to celebrate 50 years of YWAM? No, it's not a trick question. I'm guessing that a lot of people are saying, "Here I am, send me!" this week.
Which leads me to my question ... God, what do you want us to do when we grow up?
For the first time in this journey I'm wondering if we'll recognize it when we see it. Until then it's kinda fun pondering the possibilities -- will we be working with computers in Jamaica, working at an orphanage in China, testing XBOX games in Seattle?
Hmm, we don't know yet, but our Heavenly Father does and I think He's giddy with anticipation for what He has for our family.
In an article about raising children as part of a missions team Darlene Cunningham writes:
"As we put our obedience to God first, He is far more committed to our families and our ministries than we are, and His will is always the highest and best for everyone and everything. If we seek Him and obey Him in detail, He will never call us to do something that will harm the family."
Thank you, God, that you have a plan for EACH member of Your family!
Which leads me to my question ... God, what do you want us to do when we grow up?
For the first time in this journey I'm wondering if we'll recognize it when we see it. Until then it's kinda fun pondering the possibilities -- will we be working with computers in Jamaica, working at an orphanage in China, testing XBOX games in Seattle?
Hmm, we don't know yet, but our Heavenly Father does and I think He's giddy with anticipation for what He has for our family.
In an article about raising children as part of a missions team Darlene Cunningham writes:
"As we put our obedience to God first, He is far more committed to our families and our ministries than we are, and His will is always the highest and best for everyone and everything. If we seek Him and obey Him in detail, He will never call us to do something that will harm the family."
Thank you, God, that you have a plan for EACH member of Your family!
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