Oppression is the word for the day. It is everywhere in Phnom Penh: The insufferable heat; biting mosquitos; confluence of car, moto, tuk-tuk and bicycles; choking air; the heralding of the jackhammer each morning and throughout the day; and an attitude of, trust no one. It is no wonder the deported men are lonely, discouraged, hopeless, dismayed, and defeated. To mask the pain they turn to cheap alcohol, accessible drugs, and lustful passions.
There is no hope in Cambodia.
Unless the gospel comes. When the gospel comes it stimulates, invigorates, awakens, motivates, and brings hope. The gospel is the only hope. One would think missionaries are pouring out the gospel, it doesn’t appear to be the case. One pastor told me, “Many people and groups are here, doing a lot of good things, but they are not sharing the gospel.”
Sad. Tragic.
Tomorrow is our Hope Now Leadership and Development Institute. Three young men will join me. I wish I could teach it for twenty-days, but I only have two. The content is gospel driven, Bible centered, Jesus permeated. Nothing else will help. We must raise up men to Biblical leadership so they may impart the good news to the hundreds of deportees wandering through life. Pray for me as I lead this small group of men.
Pastor Roger's Cambodia Report 
You’re just what they need, Roger…I am so thankful the Lord has put you there. We’re praying for you.
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Thanks, Sharon. It is a new day here and I am ready to meet the challenges ahead. I appreciate the comment! Say hi to Larry for me.
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Yes, prayer is what will help the men who have been deported. They are missing their families back in the States and a way of life in America that is not there in Cambodia. I am praying for them. I read Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
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Yes, the only hope we have here is in the Gospel of Jesus Chris our King. I have been here going on 6 years next month and I honestly can admit that at times I have turn to lustful desire and alcohol to deal with hopelessness. But as a save child of God, the cross always remains me, that if I turn to Him He will restore my hope full of living Holy Spirit. No matter how many time I have turn my back on God, God never lost hope on me and have sent many people and situation to remain me that He is here to help me with my hopelessness here in Cambodia.
Thank you Pastor Roger for bringing us hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to the leadership course for the next 2 days and hope God can humble me so I can serve Him as He have called be to do.
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You a video of words describing the conditions these men are living under! Even as a believer, I don’t know how strong I would be in that setting. I am praying daily for you and for the class and hearts that can hear and retain the food you will provide from His Word.
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Thank you. I want to describe what is happening clearly. Your comment is encouraging. Thanks for reading and your support.
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