October 2023 Newsletter
In the southwestern region of the Indochinese Peninsula, there is a holiday in Cambodia called 'Pchum Ben,' which is similar to the Moon Festival of Southeast Asian countries and Chuseok in Korea.
'Pchum' means 'to collect,' and 'Ben' refers to 'rice balls made from rice.' Quite literally, Pchum Ben is a day when families come together to offer food with sincerity to their ancestors. During this holiday, Cambodians return to their hometowns to share delicious food with their family and relatives while honoring their deceased ancestors. Cambodians set up ancestral altars at home, pray for the well-being and blessings of their family, and then visit nearby Buddhist temples to pay respect to their ancestors. They also offer the food they have brought to the monks and make merit by visiting a minimum of seven temples to offer alms to the monks in the hope of receiving blessings.
During every holiday season, it is believed in Cambodia that one must visit temples to receive blessings. Out of Cambodia's approximately 16.5 million population, 95% of the people adhere to Buddhism, with only 0.6% of the population following Christianity. Despite marking a century of Christian missions in Cambodia, the reality here is still considered a spiritual desert for the Gospel. While the seeds of the Gospel have been planted and are bearing spiritual fruit, Buddhism, with strong support from the Cambodian government, actively propagates its influence.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Pchum Ben period is even more extravagant, with processions heading to the temples. In front of their respective doorsteps, people offer elaborate displays of incense, various floral decorations, fruits, and rice cakes, all in an effort to honor their deceased ancestors. Witnessing this display of seeking material blessings and protection from idols, we are even more fervent in praying for God's saving grace towards this nation.
May powerful evangelistic strategies break down the strongholds of Buddhism wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, and may the supernatural power of God abundantly manifest, that the grace of knowing Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, may come.
May the Cambodians who excessively serve idols encounter the true God who created all things.
In the rapidly evolving internet landscape, grant wisdom to effectively reach young people through evangelism and discipleship using digital means, and enable new approaches to children's worship services to be implemented in Sunday schools.
We thank the Lord for the faithful participation of those baptized at the Doulos Church as they gather for worship. May the church members hold Sunday worship in high regard, growing in reverence for the Lord through worship and maintaining hope in their faith, even in the face of life's challenges.
Preparations are underway to reach rural villages left unattended with medical outreach in November. Please pray that God would open the hearts of the residents.
Remember the members facing difficulties due to the monsoon floods, especially those at the Takhmao Doulos Church. Grant them the strength to endure and pour Your peace upon them during this season.
Empower evangelists with the abilities of the Holy Spirit, that they may lead people to life and guide them to our heavenly Father.
