| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Castaway Ministries’ mission statement is: “To share the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and deed in the U.S. and abroad.” In short, Evangelism & Discipleship: Win souls to Christ (Only Jesus saves; 1 Cor 3:6-7) by sharing the gospel message with the full counsel. Then, train up converts in the Bible. The aforementioned “deed” refers to good works done FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF winning souls to Christ. We are not a “make the world a better place” ministry. The Lord Jesus Christ did not commission believers to ‘go into all the world and be a good person.’ He commanded us to… “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16 Castaway Church – Tithing: Tithing is not an easy spiritual habit to form for many Cambodians coming out of Buddhism. Pastor of the church where I served in 2016, nearing retirement, spoke of tithing as if it is the mountain he continues to coax his congregation to climb. The Lord led me to tackle it in a sermon this month. The Lord of all Creation certainly does not need our money (Ps 50:10-12). Tithing is a test of faith, to trust the Lord with a portion of that which He has entrusted to us (Jam 1:17). Beyond what we can see, touch and feel, we trust the Lord to provide. He blesses obedience (Matt 6:33; Mal 3:8-10). Mature believers put action behind their faith, ‘put their money where their testimony is.’ Young believers were encouraged to put even a 2-cent equivalent into the offering, to begin the spiritual discipline of tithing, to jump from trusting the world into the arms of Almighty God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 Missionary from Alaska Visits: An American missionary who serves in Christian education in Alaska visited the church. Here in Cambodia for the summer break, he is refreshing before heading back. Click here to watch a video of him teaching the kids a song in English => https://youtu.be/pHtH0yETfsg “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Cambodia’s Equivalent of Amazing Grace: This video (https://youtu.be/D7Yu4hQoVZA) is a men’s trio at Castaway Baptist singing Cambodia’s version of Amazing Grace. By that, I mean that virtually every Cambodian, believer and unbeliever, knows it. K’deye Sneye roughly translates to “Love in Action.” It sings the gospel message. Praise the Lord! “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Breaking Fear of Asking Questions: Cambodian culture teaches to respect elders, which is great. Taking that a step further, Cambodians are also taught to obey without asking questions. Through Bible studies and a sermon on “Doubting Thomas,” the goal is to break that fear so that we can answer doubts with God’s Word and move forward with strong faith.   “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5 With coaching, older teach younger…  “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalm 86:11 Helping Illiterate Youth Memorize Scripture: Every Sunday, there is a memory verse. Below, Bunsin speaks the verse to illiterate youth. They repeated back and forth until able to memorize and recite the verse.  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 Bible Art on Display: These kids love to color. Typically we wrap-up Sunday School with a double-sided worksheet. For example, on the front, is a coloring sheet that illustrates the lesson and on the back, an activity.  Below is the back wall of the church displaying their artwork…  “Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.” Exodus 35:35 Out in the Field – Those Struggling with Substance Abuse: Around my spiritual birthday, the Lord often brings about ministry that reminds me where I came from by His grace. Husband/father of the home has been torn apart by his binge drinking. His believing wife confided privately that she has been strongly considering leaving him. I encouraged her to stay. When we first met in 2018, he did not take the call to repentance and faith / new life in Christ seriously. Many in the throes of addiction are not willing to surrender to the Lord until faced with dire consequences. Recently he has come down with gout and has been struggling financially. So this time, he took me seriously and read Scripture. First steps in new life for those climbing out of addiction are challenging, but with the indwelling Spirit of God, the born-again believer can make it. I painted a picture for him of what lay ahead on the narrow, difficult path – for example, that separation from past-life friends is required. Although he was not yet ready to surrender his life to Christ, we all prayed together. Please pray the Lord breaks R’s fear of trading the familiar comfort of alcohol for everlasting life, joy and peace in Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Out in the Field – Those Struggling with Substance Abuse: “V” is a prodigal from a Christian home. I have known him for about four months. He and his wife were standing at an altar to false gods as he told me all religions are basically the same, that all roads lead to heaven. I corrected him, ‘The Lord Jesus Christ is the one true God who created the heavens and the earth, the one true God who loves you, who died for you, the only path to everlasting life in heaven. He will return to judge. All other gods, all other paths lead to everlasting hell.’ After directing them to Scripture and praying with them, he began repeating what I said as though he was aligned. Please pray that the Lord resurrects “V” to new life. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:3-5 Out in the Field: Evangelizing the LGBTQ…   “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 Online Ministry – “S” from Serbia: Castaway’s online ministry continues to charge ahead by the Lord’s grace. There are many men around the world struggling with homosexual desires who are afraid to talk about it in their local churches. “S” from Serbia (the former Yugoslavia) reached out this month for encouragement and prayer. Praise the Lord! “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Ex-Gay Testimony, 2023: Please share this testimony with those who feel hopeless, that they have gone too far to be forgiven => https://youtu.be/-6IXPUuPmH8 Praise the Lord! “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
Ex-Gay Testimony: Victory in Jesus (English)
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
“…Satan, which deceiveth the whole world… they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:9-11
June Ministry Highlights- “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall!”
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Honored to Minister to a Fallen Hero: The Lord provided opportunity to speak and pray with an ex-gay leader who returned to his former lifestyle. Christians bombard him regularly. While some correction is loving and biblically justified, others seem to want to destroy him, finish him off. I prayed for an opportunity to speak to this man. The Lord led to try a different approach – mercy. He was open to talk. Since repenting 13 years ago, I have not returned to my past life. But there was a period when some wrongfully assumed that I had. Their false accusations tore me apart. The Lord led to share that story to relate and build a bridge to him. I listened to him. The Lord led to share biblical insight – e.g. depravity of man, spiritual warfare, my Dad’s testimony about the unpardonable sin. At the end, I closed in prayer. It was an honor to be used. Praise the Lord. I trust that this man is not beyond the Lord’s grace. Please join me in prayer for “Dave” (not his real name) to repent, start over and never give up! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 Castaway Baptist Church has been under renovation… Painted the Cross: The silver cross was not clearly visible against the backdrop of the bright sunlight. So the Lord led to have it painted.  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Tore Down the Wall: When we rented the church in April, a wall ran half the length of the church. The landlord was not willing to remove it. So we used one part for the sanctuary and the other half for Bible study / youth ministry. That worked, until we saw higher numbers…   The Lord led to go back to the landlord and ask again, ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ He agreed. Much better now. Praise the Lord! Video (1 min, 23 secs) => https://youtu.be/u2ySo2vzJp8 “And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God…” Exodus 8:28 Preach the Full Counsel: Two of the older youth who have been with us since early 2019 recently shared testimony. Heavily indoctrinated in Buddhism from an early age and blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), they said they had no idea what I was saying for the first year. Buddhism is Satan worship. It is largely the appeasement of demons to gain “luck,” earn merit toward a better reincarnation and avoid curses. As you can see, adults who join worship are few and far between. And youth who join often are allowed to do so under the guise of ‘tell the foreigner whatever he wants to hear’ in order to gain something – food, gift, go somewhere, etc. The prevailing sentiment is, ‘We are Cambodian; therefore, we are Buddhist.’ (Period.) Having revealed these harsh realities over the years here in the field, the Lord has led to preach direct “difficult to hear” truth. Some do not return a second Sunday. Please God, not man. Praise the Lord! Video, Example Sermon (21 mins, no translation) => https://youtu.be/ygrIJEX6Mvk “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 In 2016, the Lord led to launch Castaway and evangelize transgender sex workers. The first one to whom the Lord led has a daughter from his younger life. The daughter recently began attending Castaway Church. Remember that we have a reward system to encourage youth to attend and serve. Father of one of our most faithful kids came to help his son win. Whatever his reason, he heard the gospel message loudly and clearly. Praise the Lord! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 Special Music has been especially God-glorifying this month… Video, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” => https://youtu.be/5v_qAedNqCc Praise the Lord! Evangelizing the Marginalized: The Lord has led to a particular brothel (female) for several years. One woman I have known for years is now eight-months pregnant with her third child, evidently to one of her customers. Her other two kids have joined our youth ministry in the past. Sitting outside of the brothel, she was open to receiving prayer for her unborn child. The Lord led to share the gospel of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with her again, also to invite her and her co-workers to church. “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7 Trip to Phnom Penh (6 hrs away): While evangelism is always the primary purpose for travel, the Lord inspires trips through a variety of needs. I needed a new passport from the U.S. Embassy, a communion tray, cross and teaching materials from the Christian bookstore.  Once pointing a desperate and dying world to the Savior, the U.S. now sadly leads the world in moral depravity. The gate of the U.S. Embassy was adorned with rainbow flags. The overnight bus saves time and money, dropping off between 4:00 and 5:00am near the red light district right about the time bars are closing down. That desperate hour is perfect for sharing the gospel with transgender prostitutes and women of the night…  The Lord led to share the gospel with a man waiting outside the embassy trying to get a visa to visit the US…  Do you remember the monk who said I could tell him about Jesus if I also answered questions about the USA? He relocated from the mountain monastery a couple of hours from me to another one in Phnom Penh. We kept in touch through Facebook, and I tracked him down this trip. Right there at the gate of the monastery, that temple to Satan, Christ led to share the gospel of repentance and faith in the one true God with him one more time. Praise the Lord! “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” – C.T. Studd   Defended the faith at Krispy Kreme…  “…ye should earnestly contend for the faith…” Jude 3 Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
May Highlights- Castaway Baptist Church 2nd Month, Elephants & Celebrating 13 Years!
| Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Testimony – 13 years ago this month: When the call of God on my life became clear 13 years ago, I imagined pastors to be heroes of the faith. Feeling inadequate, I was easily discouraged from attending seminary. For 10 years, I procrastinated. Then came a time of crisis in my life that only the full counsel of God could have resolved. None of 7+ respected pastors (mostly Baptist) was willing to stand on difficult truth. I was devastated, dumbfounded and still find it difficult to believe that it actually happened. Through this crisis, the Lord removed the facade from pastors I had admired. On the bright side, the Lord used it. Conquering feelings of inadequacy, the Lord empowered graduation from seminary with distinction, led to plant and pastor a church (Gen 50:20). PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! 🕇 With the following in mind, I moved forward: “Be the change you would like to see in the church.” ( … and so can you!) I have never been so fulfilled in my ministry, in the center of God’s will. Pick yourself up, and fight forward in the power of Christ! “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 Castaway Baptist Church: We had a great month. Lots of new folks came through the door, especially youth. Praise the Lord!   Bible Studies, Fellowship…    Partnering with Local Churches: Outreach Soccer… CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO! ==> https://youtu.be/ATgdoPhgFtA  Partnering with Local Churches: Guitar Lessons for Three Interested in Learning…  Sharing the Gospel & Inviting People to Church…   A Korean missionary recently donated a much-needed speaker and microphones. Thank the Lord!  “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 Youth Ministry Reward System: The Lord led to implement a “point system” for rewarding the faithful. Youth receive points for attendance, service, memorizing Scripture, witnessing and bringing friends. Competition has greatly renewed fervor. Youth have been so excited to participate. ‘Can I see the points?!’ they ask. It has been amazing to see. Praise the Lord! Winners for April visited Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary.  On a tractor through the wildlife refuge (felt like a hay ride), the Lord led. ‘I will give five points for May to whomever is brave enough to share the gospel with our tour guide here (Cambodian Buddhist woman).’ A young and relatively new student named Danut stepped up. Praise the Lord! CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO! ==> https://youtu.be/S7bAVTTZYvE And so began his winning streak. Final tallies in for the month of May… and the winner is… Danut! Praise the Lord! Evangelizing the Gay Community: Difficult as it is to balance the church with regional motorbike runs, the Lord has pushed me to remain faithful in evangelizing the LGBTQ. Persistence is key. Those who have been following Castaway for a while will remember some of the folks below. Pastor’s son Kireyroat (next to me) & his friend…  Evangelizing the Transgender Community: Srey Pov hears the gospel while cooking fried rice…  Evangelizing the Transgender Community: Ounja working in the salon, then reading the Bible after work over a bowl of noodles…   Evangelizing Sex Workers: Jeye sitting on my motorbike outside of her workplace…  Evangelizing Farmers: The Lord led to these fellas along the way to witness to the rural LGBTQ. This young man (sitting) lost the lower half of his leg in a motorbike accident.  Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
April Highlights- Castaway Baptist Church 1st Month Summary with Sermon Excerpt
| Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! It all began with a homegrown neighborhood youth ministry in early 2019. For years, we met around a table in a public space on the ground floor of my apartment building. And finally we have an official place to gather and worship. PRAISE THE LORD!   “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 The Lord’s timing is perfect. Off school all of April for Cambodian New Year and the Sea Games, youth have been mobilized. Click here to watch VIDEO => https://youtu.be/xXakm49LAZM “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 From Bible studies…  …to cleaning the church and “dry running” Sunday services to inviting people door-to-door in 100-degree weather…  The Lord has kept us busy. Over the coming years, the goal is to continue to disciple, empower and establish Cambodian leaders – able to teach, preach, lead worship, etc. This body of believers must be Christ-dependent, not Matt-dependent.  Close as it already is to my heart, this establishment is not my kingdom. “The king… said… I have built… the kingdom by the might of my power… there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar… The kingdom is departed from thee… and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen… until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” Daniel 4:30-32 Certainly evangelistic, the first month’s sermon series was resurrection-themed: 1) The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. Altar Call: Which Thief Are You? (the thief who repented or the one who did not?) 2) S/Paul’s Conversion – Called to Surrender 3) Lazarus – Raised to New Life in Christ 4) The Rapture – Called to Heaven Click here to watch the sermon (final 3 minutes of a sermon) excerpt VIDEO => https://youtu.be/vwCkWMoVk_A Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. April was a big “step up” for all in terms of service and responsibility. Castaway Baptist Church is doing well. Praise the Lord! “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
March Ministry Highlights
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Good News! The Lord has provided to open a church. First Sunday for youth was this past Sunday, 4/2. We are preparing to open to the public (adults) on Resurrection Sunday, 4/9. As with any church plant, it has been a tremendous amount of work. The cross went up Tuesday. PRAISE THE LORD!!!   “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.” Psalm 20:7-8 Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 In preparation for the new church and inevitable spiritual attack on the horizon, the Lord led to educate our youth in Satan’s counterfeit paths (Matt 7:13-14) – world religions and false teachings. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 Headed into this new season, many of the youth signed up to serve in various capacities. Two popped in today without being asked and took the initiative to clean. Evangelizing the LGBTQ: The gay life is grim. Recently I found out that two more of my past life friends died. I reflected, as any believer would. Is their blood on my hands (Acts 20:26-27)? Did I share the gospel with them? The Lord uses such news to drive me to witness more. After completing seminary and prior to opening a church, it was been a blessing to have a window of time to get out and witness, witness, witness… In March, armed with tracts in each respective language, the Lord led to witness in Cambodia and Thailand’s red light districts and transgender prostitution hubs. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Relationships that began in 2016/2017 were deepened with Bible-based conversation correcting misinformation widely embraced by today’s world cultures. Ultimately the decision whether or not to surrender to the Lord is in each individuals’ hands. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 Red light districts bring heavy tourism and migrant workers. Often they are more responsive to the gospel than the LGBTQ. The guy on the right in the below photo, is an immigrant from war-torn Myanmar who has a tailor shop in Thailand. Remembering me from street witnessing several years ago, he approached me. After hearing the gospel again, he wanted to know more. I took him to meet another seeker from Myanmar who recently began leading a Bible study after another evangelist gave him a Bible and shared the gospel with him. I added both of them to our online “Bible Myanmar” group where Scripture is posted daily, walked them through Bible basics, answered questions and prayed with them. They vowed to ask questions as they arise. What an honor.. Thankful to be of service… Praise the Lord!  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 In Thailand, the Lord provided opportunity to serve by sharing the gospel and ex-gay testimony at two churches. Churches around the world struggle with how to handle issues relating to the LGBTQ. Click to watch the video below. Praise the Lord! Ex-Gay Testimony, Explanation of My Ministry & The Gospel Message C&MA Church, Thailand; VIDEO => https://youtu.be/TmAEdPdLCvY   “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Pray for our marriage and the promised son. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! |
ផ្លូវតែមួយ One Way
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Praise God for salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
(Neighborhood Youth Ministry, Cambodia)
“ដ្បិតគឺដោយព្រះគុណ ដែលអ្នករាល់គ្នាបានសង្គ្រោះ ដោយសារសេចក្ដីជំនឿ ហើយសេចក្ដីនោះក៏មិនមែនកើតពីអ្នករាល់គ្នាដែរ គឺជាអំណោយទានរបស់ព្រះវិញ ក៏មិនមែនដោយការប្រព្រឹត្តដែរ ក្រែងអ្នកណាអួតខ្លួន” អេភេសូរ 2:8-9
សរសើរតម្កើងព្រះអម្ចាស់យេស៊ូវគ្រីស្ទ!
I Love to Tell the Story
Praise the Lord for the duty and privilege given to every believer to share the gospel of Jesus Christ!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
February Ministry Highlights
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! A Young Man from Ohio: This is a story I forgot to include in last month’s update… On the NYC subway (en route from PA back to Cambodia), there was a young man in his 20s who reminded me of my former self. He looked like a country boy at heart who came to indulge in the glamour of city life. Many who struggle with homosexuality feel misunderstood, marginalized and underappreciated. I sat down beside him and asked questions to demonstrate an interest in him. He said he arrived in New York prior to Covid, that NYC then was great. But these days, he is struggling to find joy in the big city. Having sought fulfillment and satisfaction in worldly things, he was disappointed. Howard said he comes from rural Ohio and has little communication with his Christian family. I related to his story and shared what Christ did for me in the midst of my disappointment, when all hope seemed lost… the choice that I made to follow the Bible rather than feelings. Somewhere in Ohio, there is a family praying for him. The Lord puts me alongside young men on planes, trains and buses to point them to peace, fulfillment and enduring satisfaction that can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for this young man from Ohio. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 The Lord Strengthens a Boy’s Faith: The Lord works in mysterious ways through life’s tragedies. 14-year old “V” has been a faithful participant in the youth ministry since 2019. He lives with his Buddhist grandma to help with her laundry business. Late last year, they got a new puppy. Grandma grew fond of Tony’s companionship. In December, Tony got run over by a motorbike. “V” and his cousin immediately came to me asking for prayer. When tragedy struck, V’s first reaction was to cry out to Jesus. Praise God! Tony at first was nearly completely paralyzed. Most people would have put Tony to sleep… not “V.” He kept trusting. Grandma fed Tony via syringe. A few days later, he was able to wiggle legs a bit. The Lord seemed to be leading for me to keep checking in, which meant to continue praying for healing for Tony. My question was, ‘Lord, am I giving ‘V’ false hope that You will heal the dog?’ The Lord impressed upon me that He was doing something through this. Reflecting on God’s Word and experience, I figured the Lord would either: (1) heal the dog, thereby increasing and proving V’s faith through the trial (which seemed unlikely) OR (2) it was a lesson about accepting the Lord’s will (seemed more likely), which would mature “V” in Christ. So I told “V” that when we pray for healing, we trust that the Lord will heal IF it is His will to do so (1 John 5:14-15). Returning from the U.S. at the beginning of February, I went to V’s house and asked about Tony. I expected to hear something like, ‘He passed away three weeks ago.’ Instead, V replied matter-of-factly, ‘Tony? He’s healed already. He’s in the house.’ One eye had to be removed, and he walks a little lop-sided. But Tony is able to walk, eat and play. Without being prompted, “V” and his grandma today thank the Lord Jesus for the healing. The Lord created us and wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. The fact that Christ did something specifically for “V” seemed to impart confidence in Christ. If the Lord God Almighty who created the heavens and the earth is for us, who can be against us (Rom 5:8; 8:31-32)? Praise Jesus! “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 Mission to Kandal Province with Youth: One of my former students in Kandal Province recently got married. It was an opportunity to take some of our older youth back to the church where I served in 2016. Against the backdrop of their first (Cambodian) Christian wedding, the Lord led to use the moment to beat home the point… “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers… And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God… Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate…” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 The kids worshipped in song at “M” Baptist Church. Praise the Lord! Click here to watch One Way => https://youtu.be/OQ7veVTPKFE “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 My experience serving at this church is narrated in The Church: We Shoot Our Wounded. It was great to visit church family. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 Evangelizing the LGBTQ: As pastor’s son “K” continues to delve deeper into gay life, the Lord is opening his eyes to harsh realities of that path. I am ever hopeful that one day “K”will come to repentance and new life in Christ. In the meantime, the Lord continues to use him to connect me with his LGBTQ friends for gospel sharing… First, I demonstrated genuine interest in their lives. Then, I shared the Bible’s timeless, inerrant truth that has the power to set the believer free. Were they delighted? No, they scoffed and mocked but took it relatively well. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 It was a blessing to walk LGBTQ through salvation and homosexuality-specific Scripture.   “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 Evangelizing Non-LGBTQ: Gas stations are great places to share Christ.   Evangelizing Monks: While scouting how to get to a waterfall to possibly take our youth during the upcoming Cambodian New Year, the Lord re-routed me. Pagodas and monasteries are often built on top of mountains with steps leading up. At the base of the mountain, the Lord gave me favor with three lady monks from from Phnom Penh who came to visit the pagoda. They wanted to talk and invited me to walk the stairs (1,000+) with them.  Why would the Lord give me good rapport with these ladies? So that we we could all agree that all religions lead to being a good person? No. He put me there to share the ever-offensive gospel of Jesus Christ. If I could go back in time, I would have shared with all three sooner. By the time I made a move, I only got to share with one of three. I explained that doing good (karma) without the Lord Jesus leads to hell because we cannot save ourselves. I explained that only the sinless Lord Jesus can forgive our sins because He paid for our sins with His blood. She excused herself, got up and left. That was to be expected. I carried out my duty. Praise the Lord. “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:10 Teacher “Long Hair”: Dressed in white, one male monk was particularly notable. ‘Teacher Long Hair,’ as he called himself, was sitting alone inside what he called an “ashram” – the same word used on the Indian subcontinent, where Satan first inspired Hinduism and Buddhism (Rev 12:9). He tried to read my palm. I told him, ‘No, I don’t believe that,’ and proceeded with the gospel message. He listened intently.   He read a tract loaded with Scripture very thoroughly, as though he was hungry for wisdom from above (Jam 3:17). As I prayed with him, the Lord made clear that he was the reason I was sent there and that I need to return to see him again (2 Cor 5:20). When I went to hug him afterwards, he finally shared that he used to worship Jesus. But like the Israelites in the Old Testament, he has since turned back to Buddhist idolatry. This monk is a prodigal like I was. Please pray for ‘Teacher Long Hair.’  “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13 Prospective Ministry Center: We are long overdue for a ministry center that can accommodate adults and a growing youth ministry. Please pray toward this. If the Lord is leading to help, please see “Ways to Partner” below. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Pray for our marriage and the promised son. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! |
January Ministry Highlights
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: It was great catching up with many of you! Taking fire from both the secular world and a large portion of the professing church, this ministry needs a spiritual-battle-ready team. I am more confident than ever that we have it. Thank you to those who have stood with us! Blessed with Genuine Supporters – just a few photos, more on Castaway’s FB page:      “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 Ministry Update @ Shepherd’s Grace Chapel: Pastor Greg Sands has great compassion for folks like me. He previously served with Focus on the Family and by extension, ex-gay ministries. He saw firsthand what is required of those the Lord has called out of homosexuality to witness for Him (e.g. continuously sharing painful memories to help others, rejection from the church). Shepherd’s Grace has stood with us through thick and thin. When my Dad came down with a severe case of Covid and I was overseas, Pastor Sands went so far as to offer to come to Clearfield and help take care of him. We praise the Lord for the “above and beyond” spirit of Pastor Sands and Shepherd’s Grace Chapel! Find VIDEO on Church “Sermons” page here – https://www.sgcchurch.net/sermons.html     “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you… For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” Philippians 1:3-5 Chapel Time @ Frederick Christian Academy: What a blessing! On this second visit to Frederick Christian Academy (first in 2020), Principal David Lavoie had asked me to provide the: (1) Biblical viewpoint on homosexuality and (2) Importance of an appropriate biblical display of Christ’s love for all to the LGBTQ community. High school students… This is the generation most impacted by these issues. Students were very engaged and asked great questions. Praise the Lord! VIDEO: Ex-Gay Missionary Explains Biblical Worldview re Homosexuality at Christian School – https://youtu.be/mESqZXPhX4A “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 Like last time, Pastor Kent Ramler (People’s Baptist Church) and I had lunch afterwards. Good fellowship.  Reunited with Shawn Kenney (Pittsburgh): The Lord is Father to the fatherless and uses the least of us as vessels. On Pittsburgh’s North Side starting in 2010, I served with an evangelistic youth outreach ministry. Shawn Kenney, who had participated in their programs, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting and resuscitated. Praise the Lord! They asked me to start a Bible study with him at the hospital. It was a great honor. I got back much more than I gave. A lifelong bond began in that hospital room. Recently, I was blessed to see Shawn, talk about how the Lord works even through life’s trials and pray together again. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us!  “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 VIDEO: Shawn Prays – https://youtu.be/h7OmukGLSxo Testimony Share @ Tri-County Church: In a small group, Dad and Mom shared how they had handled my rebellion and homosexual lifestyle. I shared my testimony. Many questions yielded edifying discussion. Praise the Lord!   “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 Send-off Gathering: Mom organized a send-off and put much work into preparing. A number of local churches and lifelong relationships were represented at my parents’ house. I provided a ministry update and answered questions. All gathered to pray for the Lord’s protection and blessing. The love in the room was tangible. Praise the Lord!    Connie Hoyt was one of my childhood “Junior Church” teachers. She taught us songs I have since taught kids from Pennsylvania to Cambodia (Prov 22:6). Praise the Lord!  “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 Amazing Grace @ Hope Baptist: VIDEO: Matt sings Amazing Grace at Hope Baptist, Clearfield – https://youtu.be/G0nU6WOxhok “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:7-9 Traveling Back to Cambodia: Dad and Mom took me to the train station in Altoona, PA. Witnessing along the way, I met up with a longtime friend and ultimately attended Brooklyn Tabernacle (second time). It was a blessing.   Muslims in the Middle East: On a layover in the Middle East (Dubai), I was blessed to witness to Muslims and Hindus. One of the Muslims and I connected online and have been debating the deity of Christ and the Bible vs. Quran. The Lord has given me an appreciation for the comradery. Praise the Lord! All believers are called to be in the seed planting business. We are stepping stones. Pray that another guy is sent their way to water that seed. Trust the Lord for fruit.  “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 Buddhist Cambodians in the Middle East: Walking along, suddenly I thought I heard Khmer (Cambodian language) in Dubai. Huh? Really?? Sure enough, they were two Cambodians there working as chefs. They looked at me like I had three heads when I spoke Khmer. The Lord used that common ground (and probably homesickness) as a bridge to the gospel. Praise the Lord! Jehovah’s Witness Minister on a Plane: On the third of three flights, the Lord sat me next to a Canadian Jehovah’s Witness (JW) minister. It was my duty to engage. Initially, my testimony seemed to have an impact. No one comes out of such deep sin by human strength. To verify my understanding of JW heresy, I asked if he denies the deity of Christ. He said Jesus is a son of God like any man can be a son of God. He said Jesus is not equal to God. (He said the Holy Spirit is a force, etc… but I chose to focus primarily on the deity of Christ, as none of us could be saved without this doctrine.) From seminary, I knew their satanically inspired “New World Translation” cunningly adds words in strategic places to deceive adherents and recalled a prime example to show him. Colossians 1:16-17 KJV reads: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.“ Colossians 1:16-17 Jehovah’s Witness version adds the word “other” repeatedly to imply that Christ is God’s first creation and therefore is not eternal God Himself: “because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all other things, and by means of him all other things were made to exist,” He rebutted everything I said. I directed him to numerous passages such as John 10:30, Heb 1 and Rev 1:7-8. If his theory is correct, I asked, how could the Creation account (Gen 1-2) have omitted the creation of Jesus Christ?? I told him that if Christ is not God, then His death, burial and resurrection have no power to save us. All of humanity would be hell bound. He acknowledged the sinlessness of Christ but continued to rebuttal everything I said. At the end, I showed him 2 Corinthians 11:14 and told him that some who are deceived go on deceiving others: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Pray for our marriage and the promised son. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! |
Castaway Ministries 