It has been a long day, but I wanted to get a brief report to you as you are waking up, and before I head off to bed.
My friend Kosarl picked me up for church today at 7:30 AM. Traffic was light and we arrived at the church at 7:45 AM. There are two services on Sunday morning that take place at the church building. The first is at 9:00 AM. It is the Khmer speaking church. The people greeted me warmly, the singing was a blessing, and everyone had their Bibles, eager to read and hear the Word.
I was anxious about the Khmer service since I would be using a translator. My experience with a translator years ago was not pleasant. The guy, it seemed, had been enjoying a little too much communion wine before the service, and by the time I began speaking he could not figure out what I was saying. Finally, after about 10 minutes, I said, “Let’s pray” and put us both out of our misery.
But today was different. A young man who is from Cambodia, and lived in the Philippines for several years did the translating, and he was excellent. He even changed his voice inflection when I did mine. Once we got into a rhythm it seemed natural, and I could tell the people were tracking with us, and getting it.
The English service was also a blessing. It was a full house, with people from all over the globe. I met a Russian, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, American, and Filipino. I can imagine it is hard to be the pastor of an International church since it is transient in nature, with many people coming and going. The church is made up of believers from so many different doctrinal predispositions. I spoke on being complete in Christ from Colossians 2:10 and the washing, sanctification, and justification we receive when we believe (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Back at my hotel later in the day I walked over to a small market to pick up some bottled water to keep in my room for making coffee, and brushing my teeth. I couldn’t pass up taking a photo of this incredible, almost ridiculous, mass of wires.
It’s time to get some rest. I have a bit of a sore throat that I am nursing and praying it heals quickly.
*Reporting from my hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Pastor Roger's Cambodia Report 
Roger, glad today went well for you and the translator
Thanks for the update.
Charles
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Thanks, Charles.
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Rewriting comment because I didn’t know it’d be anonymous if I didn’t fill in my info: So glad for the better translator. Will pray healing for your sore throat. I would have had to take that picture, too!! Crazy!!
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Thank you. Almost every telephone pole looks like that. Hahaha! It so strange. My throat is feeling a bit better this morning, although it’s moved down to my chest. But I’m feeling good and rested.
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So glad for the better translator. Will pray healing for your sore throat. I would have had to take that picture, too!! Crazy!!
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I didn’t know that my message would be anonymous if I didn’t fill in my info & I can’t find edit.
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It’s weird how WordPress does this! It’s is confusing, to be sure.
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Seems like things are starting off better this trip brother we’ll be praying for you time there . Hope your health gets better and keep on teaching grace above all like always! Those wires don’t look safe at all looks like a hazard waiting to happen!
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The diversity you described in the church services reminds me of what we will all find in heaven. Rather than being in a transitional state going from here to there we will all finally be home.
I thank God that you had a good interpreter. What a blessing!
Praying for your health and recovery from this sore throat. I hope you’re able to rest well tonight.
Thank you for the update
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