| 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)! |
Tag Archives: Buddhism
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)! |
Youth Ministry Cambodia VIDEOS, 2022 Year in Review
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
សរសើរតម្កើងព្រះអម្ចាស់យេស៊ូវគ្រីស្ទ!
ទ្រង់ផ្តាំគេថា ចូរអ្នករាល់គ្នាទៅពេញសព្វក្នុងលោកីយទាំងមូល ហើយផ្សាយដំណឹងល្អទួទៅដល់គ្រប់មនុស្សទាំងអស់ចុះ ម៉ាកុស 16:15
Note: My primary ministry focuses are: (1) Evangelizing the LGBTQ and (2) Evangelizing and Discipling Youth. The above “2022 Year in Review” video represents half of my ministry. Due to the sensitivity of LGBTQ outreach, there will not be a “2022 Year in Review” video for public view.
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.
November 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 support! Reminder: All of January, I am planning to be back in Pennsylvania and would be blessed to share at your church. Please reply if interested. Neighborhood Youth Ministry – Blessed with Special Guest Speaker: Soccer is hugely popular in Cambodia. Several of our youth dream of playing professional sports. After we studied how Gideon tore down the altar to Baal (Judges 6), “C” stepped up to share testimony. While Cambodians commonly offer sacrifices to appease demons (e.g. avoid curses, gain good luck), witchcraft is commonly practiced in C’s country of Cameroon, Africa. He was told he would never make it in professional sports unless he practiced witchcraft (i.e. bow to the “god of this world,” 2 Cor 4:4; Matt 4:8-10). Refusing to worship Satan, “C” chose to stand for the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, by the Lord’s grace, he is a pro soccer player for a Cambodian team. Praise the Lord! C’s hard-hitting testimony encouraged our youth not to return to idol worship that is so deeply ingrained in Cambodian culture. He urged them to worship only the Lord Jesus Christ. It greatly resonated, especially with the teenage boys. Praise the Lord! “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Youth Ministry Update – The Lord Spares a Fatherless Boy’s Mother: Recap: Fatherless student “P,” with us from the beginning, is the poorest of our kids. His mother, who struggles with a number of ailments, was not able to eat or sleep due to a vast array of neglected dental issues. Losing weight and in severe pain, the Lord led to step in. He is Father to the fatherless. “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5 Especially in a developing country, extensive dental work can be a long, arduous process. From tooth extractions to molds and a partial denture, we were up around 15 dental visits by the end. For example, molds and partial dentures are mailed to capital city Phnom Penh and back, fitted, tweaked… back and forth several times before finished. She is finally able to eat more than yogurt and porridge and looks much healthier. The family is overjoyed. Praise the Lord!! Please pray for salvation for the family. “P”s sisters are only living back home now because one of them recently had a baby. Typically it is just “P” and his mom. This boy needs a mom. Thank you for your support!! “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 Youth Ministry – J’s Dad: Another teenager with us from the beginning, “J”s parents have been divorced for years. His dad drinks like I used to drink. Over the years, I have shared the gospel and testimony with him several times, ‘The Lord Jesus can help, but you must repent and truly believe in Him.’ One time, he replied, ‘I know. My son (“J”) tells me that all the time.’ “C” said his son “J” evangelizes him using his Bible. “J” is 15 years old. That is genuine fruit. Praise the Lord! Like my grandma used to say, ‘Some people never look up until they are on their backs.’ I can relate. After being released from the hospital on alcohol related problems, “C” was willing to listen. He prayed to give his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. PRAISE THE LORD! We have been studying the Bible together. He seems to have a hunger for the Word. Please pray that he fights forward up the mountains of Buddhist indoctrination and breaking old life habits to VICTORY IN JESUS! “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17 Evangelizing the LGBTQ – Another Story Demonstrating How the Lord Leads: I heard that one of my former students who had professed to know Christ was now living as a monk at a mountain monastery. So I prayerfully set out to find him. My understanding was that there was only one monastery in that area. I was wrong. From one monastery to another… the Lord used that misunderstanding to open door after door to share the gospel. One would imagine that sharing the gospel with a head monk at his monastery would draw fire. In this case, the Lord gave them a fascination with my height and nationality. They listened to the gospel message, even when I differentiated karma from Biblical salvation. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! At the end of the day, I went to the closest town to eat and stay the night. There the Lord led into the LGBTQ. “L,” pictured below with a lion on his sweatshirt, recently lost his dad and mom to tragic circumstances. “L” has since delved deeply into Buddhism, dresses as a ladyboy and participates in Buddhist festivals. After listening and comforting, it was the right time to share the gospel message and Christian worldview around homosexuality with him – to tell him about the God who loves him enough to give his life for him. Recently I returned and met L’s friend “V.” Influenced by another believing friend, “V” has been reading the Bible. Around lunch, they took me to see ancient Hindu rock carvings. People offer sacrifices (e.g. incense, food) in front of them. After browsing the carvings, they asked what I thought of them. I explained that I enjoyed the surrounding nature and mountain but that the God who created the heavens and the earth is the One true, living God. Other “gods” are deception from Satan (John 8:44; 2 Cor 4:4; Rev 12:9-11). Often we as believers are called to speak difficult truth that people would rather not hear. Had I silently endorsed Hindu gods by not speaking up, it would have been sin. As believers entrusted with The Truth, we are called to lead, rather than follow. Please pray for salvation for “L” and “V.” Praise the Lord! “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Acts 17:33 Evangelizing the LGBTQ – Ladyboy Prostitutes: “Ladyboys” (a term that Thai and Cambodian men who live as women call themselves) gather along the river in my town to sell themselves in the evenings. We ate together at a food truck in the area. We prayed together before eating. One used to attend church. Another sang a Christian song for the group. Another seemed to be very convicted when asked to read Scripture, specifically the call to repentance. The Lord was working there. Please pray for salvation, specifically for “K.” Praise the Lord! “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 Evangelizing the LGBTQ – Tourists from Thailand: On the way into a coffee shop, an employee who didn’t know my past joked, ‘Those two in front of you are gays from Thailand.’ (tourists here to visit the temples) I played it cool until they ordered and sat down. Then I introduced myself and asked it if was ok to sit with them. I shared the gospel. They replied that basically all religions seek to make us ‘a good person.’ So I shared key differences between Christianity and Buddhism. One of the two seemed to be more convicted when asked to read God’s Word. At the end, I prayed for them. And they said, ‘Thank you for sharing the right path.’ Praise the Lord! Please pray for salvation. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 “Grade A Nation” Podcast: This is not a Christian podcast. Chris is a skeptical unbeliever, who sought to discredit both messenger and message. Yet the Lord used it. Chris had thoroughly researched and asked deeply personal questions, drilling into great subject matter. We discussed a wide range of issues covered in my books and ministry updates. Praise the Lord! “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5 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)! |
October 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 support! Rebekah Update: Worship Video: “God Is Good All the Time!” => https://youtu.be/unXOXdtupHE After recording the above video (note the final clip) and before finishing this ministry update, I ran into my wife today for the first time in a while. As you know, we have been separated since July of 2021. Please pray that she repents and comes home. “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 Matt in Pennsylvania after Christmas: All of January, I plan to be back in Pennsylvania and would be blessed to share at your church. Please reply if interested. Cambodia – Neighborhood Youth Ministry: We have been studying Job. The kids are learning to lead in steps. For example, “J” and “P” shared the gospel with the group and received feedback. “P” closed the service, incorporating take-aways from the lesson into his prayer, like an adult. Praise the Lord! We went to a local church, and the kids worshipped in song. Praise the Lord! “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 Indonesia – Ex-Gay Testimony, Youth Group: The Lord provided opportunity to share with a church youth group. 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 21:11 Indonesia – Worship Leader “J”: It is very difficult to be openly gay in predominantly Muslim Indonesia. Most keep their lifestyles private. One day, I got lost trying to find the jungle to take a hike. Stopping to ask directions from two young Muslim men covered from head to toe in black, I caught a glimpse of mascara on one’s eyes. Unplanned as usual, the Lord had led me right into the LGBTQ! I connected with the apparent leader (who could speak some English) online. Through another turn of events on a rainy day, I ended up at a KFC in his town. The Lord led to reach out and share the gospel with him. Getting out of there after our impending meeting required GPS. The electrical outlets at KFC did not work on my rain-soaked phone. In a next door coffee shop, I tried to charge. Both of the two customers in the coffee shop were openly gay. At first, I made small talk and spoke of my phone issues. When the conversation went to testimony, “J” shed a tear. He turned over his arm to reveal cut marks dating back to a week prior, he said. THAT was about the time the Lord had led me to plan the trip. This series of mishaps were not coincidence! We read Scripture for encouragement, prayed together and connected online. “J” reached out and asked to discuss God’s Word more. He, the same friend and I met for dinner. Beginning with Creation and The Fall of Man, I walked him through the biblical worldview around homosexuality (e.g. Gen 1-3; Jer 17:9; Ps 51:5; Rom 1:20-32, 3:10, 23; 1 Cor 6:9-11). Though raised in a Christian home and having led worship in church, homosexuality had not been directly addressed with applicable Scripture. He seemed to have concluded there was no way out and that he could not be forgiven. I can relate. “J” re-committed his life to Christ right there at the dinner table. Praise the Lord!! After walking through Scripture proving that Jesus can forgive the repentant homosexual, “J” said, ‘Thank you. I learned so much today about the love of God.’ Praise the Lord! Walking away from a gay identity and lifestyle is not easy. But in the power of Christ, all things are possible (Matt 19:26)! Please pray for “J.” “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20 Indonesia – Pastor on the “Down Low”: Those who have lived gay lifestyles are well aware that there is much “undercover” homosexuality around the world. On a flight from one part of Indonesia to another, I met a pastor who showed me photos of his beautiful wife and kids at home. We discussed my testimony and the ministry. Pastor invited me back some day to share testimony at his church. Off the plane, he followed me to the airport-adjoined hotel where I was going to stay for the overnight layover. I assumed that he either followed me there to help with translation or because he was considering getting a room for himself. I was wrong. Pastor asked if it was ok for him to stay overnight in my room with me. Standing there in disbelief, I confirmed with the concierge in front of this pastor that there was only one bed in my room. Confirmed. One bed was not a deal-breaker for the pastor. Through our extensive conversations, it was apparent that this was not some sort of rural custom or cost saving effort. Nothing, I mean NOTHING surprises me these days. “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 “Keep It Real” Podcast (2-part): Baltimore Baptist church leader Mark and I discuss: (1) the biblical worldview on homosexuality, (2) ex-gay new life realities and (3) handling rejection from the church. Praise the Lord. Part 1 of 2 (59 mins) => https://youtu.be/ZAztL7B29LI Part 2 of 2 (1 hr, 7 mins) => https://youtu.be/KJy8IqwcZso “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 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)! |
September 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 support! Youth Ministry Fruit – “Day of the Dead”: For many Cambodian believers, like the Israelites (Ex 32), the greatest challenge is the pressure from family to return to (deeply ingrained and fear-driven) idol worship. “Pchum Ben,” which just finished, is another Buddhist holiday (like April) wherein family pressures new Christians to return to the pagoda and offer sacrifices to demons. One time per year, people believe the gates of hell are opened for the spirits of the dead to roam the earth. In keeping with teaching around karma (do good, get good), the living “transfer merit” to deceased ancestors by giving rice (a food offering / sacrifice) to monks who see to it that it is transferred. As believers, we know that this life is a brief “waiting room” opportunity to accept or reject the only way to heaven – repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 3:2; John 3:3, 16, 14:6; Rom 6:23). Everlasting judgment awaits all who have rejected Him (John 12:48). And there is no coming back (Jam 4:14; Heb 9:27; Rev 21:8). This reality fuels evangelism: “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 the repentant born-again believer who walks according to the Spirit of God, there will be no condemnation (Rom 8:1; Rev 21:4). Moreover, Pchum Ben is yet another lie Satan uses to steal worship from the Lord. Charging the youth to stand for Christ against the establishment, the Lord led to address Pchum Ben using Daniel’s bold stand in Daniel Chapter 1. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 Youth Ministry Fruit – “P” & family: Mindful of the aforementioned, the Lord leads to engage families. Recently P’s sister came back home to give birth. I was invited inside the house for the first time. Her husband is Catholic Indonesian, open to talk. Praise the Lord. When asked “spur of the moment” at the end of last Sunday’s service to share the gospel, “P” stepped up. The other kids applauded, which seemed to encourage him. Praise the Lord! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” Romans 1:16 Youth Ministry Fruit – “H”: Many youth pray to give their lives to Christ. Not all demonstrate a hunger for the Word or love for the Lord (Matt 7:16-24). But “H” went out of his way to ask for a Bible. He wanted to understand it. He began reading right then and there at Genesis 1 (video below). Then he came to worship despite being very sick (later went to the hospital). I said, ‘Wow, you must really love Jesus?’ With resolve, he replied, ‘Yes, Teacher.’ PRAISE THE LORD! Please pray that “H” continues in the fight! “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 Door-to-Door Ministry Fruit – Man Asks for a Bible & Commits to Read: A neighborhood man with whom our youth shared door-to-door several weeks ago recently asked for a Bible. I took him one, gave him an overview and prayed with him. He vowed to read the whole Bible, jotting down his questions along the way. Please pray that the Lord gives “Bong” faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 LGBTQ Evangelism – Pastor’s Son “K”: Compared to usual LGBTQ outreach, periodic meetings with “K” (last ref. June) are refreshing. The Lord has established trust and pushes me to be bold. At the end of a previous conversation, he said he feels soft / girly and that people label him “gay.” I told him it doesn’t matter how girly he feels or people think he is. Then I asked him if he has a penis. He replied, Yes. ‘Then you’re a man!’ I confirmed. He smiled. Our most recent spirited debate was mostly about the credibility of God’s Word. He said there is no God, that it’s just people’s belief in “something” that drives them. After much apologetical and testimonial discussion, referencing Scripture (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21), I asked if the Lord had ever spoken to him in any way (e.g. impression). He said, “No.” I asked if I could pray with him that the Lord will reveal Himself to him. “K” agreed. Please pray that the Lord makes Himself known to this man and makes him a warrior for Christ! “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 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)! |
August 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 support! LGBTQ Evangelism, Bangkok: In 2016, Castaway Ministries was born with outreach to the LGBTQ in global sex tourism & gender re-assignment hub, sin city Bangkok. Recently I returned to Bangkok and hit the old stomping grounds (red light districts) to witness. It is relatively common for Cambodians to relocate to Bangkok for work, including sex work. The Lord led to some transgender prostitutes from Cambodia (“ladyboys”, as they call themselves and are commonly known in Thai/Cambodian culture). If Christ can forgive me, He can forgive them. Praise the Lord. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 Over the years, the Lord has also provided opportunity to speak biblical truth into life-changing decisions, if you get what I’m saying. Having made just about every poor life choice in the book myself, the Lord leads to use those “lessons learned the hard way” to urge others to avoid making choices that derail God’s plans for them. But even if the decision not to move forward with a procedure is made, the soul is not saved through behavior modification. Beyond avoiding a particular sin and subsequent guilt, the urge and hope is for repentance and salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 3:2; John 3:3, 16, 36). Happy lies put a smile on one’s face for today and send him to hell for eternity. If we truly love people, we must tell them the truth. Only the truth can set them/us free (John 8:32; 17:17). “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 Muslim LGBTQ Evangelism, Bangkok: First morning after arriving in Bangkok, I went downstairs in the hotel for breakfast. A man who said he was in town for work-related training asked me to sit with him. Conversation went from, ‘Why are you here?’ to testimony and the gospel. He demonstrated knowledge of the Bible’s Old Testament, which would be highly unusual for the Thai Buddhist majority to know. Then he revealed he is from the predominantly Muslim southern portion of Thailand that borders Malaysia. The Quran, a satanic counterfeit of the Bible, includes some of the Bible’s Old Testament. Additionally, a man named Jesus is revealed as a prophet who performed miracles but never died for our sins. In other words, all of the attributes essential to salvation (e.g. His deity, substitutionary atonement) are removed. This man is a counterfeit Jesus. I corrected him on the deity of Christ (most notably using John 10:30, 14:6), contended that no one can know God apart from the Lord Jesus Christ and told him if the Quranic Jesus is true, we are all bound for hell because God provided only one door to heaven – by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:9; John 3:16-18). Most Muslim men would rebuttal that, but he did not. Hmm… I wondered why. Toward the end, we took a photo and connected through social media. When I saw his profile, I got the feeling that maybe he struggled with same-sex attraction (had not picked up on any cues previously). After breakfast, he asked, ‘Which room are you staying in?’ I told him the floor (many rooms) but did not divulge my room number. He said, ‘I’m on the 6th floor. Room 666.’ I reacted, ‘Wow!’ He looked blankly, unaware of its biblical significance. The Lord was saying, ‘In case you didn’t realize, this is of the enemy… a test.’ This is standard operating procedure for many who live closeted gay lives. Though typically much more overt in my approach, I once was that man. This is my life and ministry. It’s laden with risk. Separated from my wife, I am tested at my weakest moments. Satan whispers, ‘No one has to know!’ It requires in depth knowledge from my past life (“the depths of Satan,” Rev 2:24) plus biblical wisdom and power from the indwelling Holy Spirit to fight. If I were back in Pittsburgh working for the bank, similar testing would come. This is the norm for the ex-gay. The Lord has prepared me… for such a time as this. Praise the Lord! Please pray that M comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible, is transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light and fights on the right side of this war over the souls of men (Eph 2:13; Col 1:13). “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Neighborhood Youth Ministry – Door-to-Door Evangelism, Cambodia: Back across the border in Cambodia… Remember from July’s update that an envious mother pulled her three faithful kids out of our youth ministry over a dental emergency. I had been praying and trusting the Lord to resolve. Not long afterwards, apparently the Lord provided through someone else to get her teeth fixed. It seemed to solve the problem, no more need to envy. She really does look good, and I told her so. The kids returned on the last day of the Joseph story where Joseph forgave his brothers. Praise the Lord! It was an opportunity to clarify, contrary to Buddhist belief in karma where people who “do bad receive bad,” that Jesus forgives the repentant! This past Sunday, we door-to-door witnessed in the neighborhood and ended up at their home (unplanned). We shared the gospel with their mom. Her son (oldest) has been stepping up to serve, to share the gospel and pray with/for unbelievers. He walked away from praying for someone with the joy of the Lord, ‘I am so happy in my heart. Before I was scared to share the gospel. Now I’m not scared because I have Jesus in my heart.’ Praise the Lord! True joy is found only in serving the Lord (Matt 16:25-26; Neh 8:10)! A few minutes later, he told me his friend asked him to go to a coffee shop and hang out but that he didn’t have the money (nudge, nudge). Gotta love these kids! “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 Saved and Loved Podcast (Duration: 33 mins): Seema and I discuss content of all three books in the Straight series, including The Church: We Shoot Our Wounded. This interview includes (1) discussion about root causes of the normalization of homosexuality in today’s culture, (2) common gender role reversals, (3) biblical role of women in home and church, women pastors and Male Headship, (4) how to battle LGBTQ indoctrination of our kids and (5) encouragement for ex-gay men to fight forward, standing alone on the Word of God in these last days of rampant heresy and apostasy. 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 LGBT. – 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)! |
July 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 support! Witnessing to the LGBTQ: Motorbiking home from the grocery store, the Lord led to a street corner where transgender prostitutes solicit. A group gathered around. Many scoffed as I witnessed, which is the norm. But two seemed captivated by the story of a God who could so dramatically change a life. A few days ago, the Lord led back. I idled up to the curb alongside “R”. Typical Cambodian small talk (e.g. ‘Are you happy and healthy?’) segued to, ‘Why are you in Cambodia?’ In response to my testimony, he said he used to live in a Christian ministry facility that provided work for the poor, that residents worshipped Jesus together. I asked him if he believed in Jesus. He replied, ‘A little bit.’ I shared the simple gospel – ‘God created everything. The first man and first woman sinned. Jesus is Lord, without sin, Holy. He came from heaven to earth to die for our sins (paid for our sins 100% in full), rose again and returned to heaven. Today everyone has sin in their hearts, even if they do a lot of good. We must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He will return to judge. We must be ready.’ He read John 3:16-18 and said he was familiar with the passage. With a smile, “R” received the gospel much better than most prostitutes with whom I have shared. Note: LGBTQ who have some positive experience / memory associated with Christ and his church tend to be much more open. Every little bit counts. About the time I asked if he was hungry, his friend “S” (also a transgender prostitute) came by. The three of us walked down the street to a food stall and ate together. “S” also read John 3:16-18. I explained the gospel similarly to him, being clear that everyone has temptation but that we must repent and follow God’s Word instead. “S” was friendly but not open to the gospel. Before eating, I asked if I could pray with them. I asked the Lord to give them faith. Before parting ways, we connected on Facebook where they can see Scripture posts. Having added them to the prayer list, I hugged them both. Lord willing, we will meet again. Praise the Lord for each step! “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 LGBTQ Evangelism – “R”: “R” joined for two church services this month. Praise the Lord! Remember my original agreement with him (Apr 2022, May 2022). A “pilot” in many ways, I have learned a lot from this experience. Every day, I opened and closed in prayer, asking the Lord to give him faith, to save my friend. Some days, I teared up with passion, giving all I had to break through with the gospel. We read the Word together. Then I taught him some English, per our agreement. He made much progress toward English competency (helpful for this short life but no eternal value) but is not ready to give his life to Christ. I did my part (Acts 20:26-27), and I am thankful for his honesty. “R” began periodically cancelling our meetings and recently chose to take a study break. Only the Lord can save, and the decision is in the hands of each individual. Confident that my work has not been in vain, please pray for “R”. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Neighborhood Youth Ministry – “P”: Recap: “P” (Apr 2022) is the poorest of our students. Dad left years ago. He lives alone with his ailing mother, who is convinced she will not live much longer. She insisted he turn away from Christ to study at a Chinese language school (requires students be Buddhist) for upward mobility. Soon he came back. Praise the Lord! Since these kids began worshipping Christ several years ago, a spiritual war has been underway in their homes. We pray for their / our unsaved loved ones. The Lord is sovereign. In this next chapter of P’s story, his mom finds herself in a predicament where only the Lord can help… We have been studying the story of Joseph (Gen 37-50; Prov 27:4). Natural “leader of the pack,” “P” is the brightest and most proficient in English of our kids. Like Joseph, perhaps the Lord specially gifted him above his peers to help lift him out of challenging circumstances. The kids are trained to cry out to Jesus in times of need. A few weeks ago, the Lord led to P’s house. His mother’s teeth mostly rotted out (on top of her other ailments), she was in such debilitating pain that she had not been able to eat or sleep much for weeks. Life-threatening. “P” had not said a word to me but apparently had been praying. The Lord’s leading was clear, ‘The dentist will make a recommendation, and you will do it.’ Five teeth were extracted in one visit alone (photo below). After a few more visits, Lord willing, she will have a partial denture. Despite the fact that it was an emergency, helping his mom provoked envy in the neighborhood (curiously timed as we are studying Joseph). Parents of three of our long-time kids felt it wasn’t fair to help one family and not all equally, pulled them out of the ministry. Realizing Satan is behind these uproars, I trust it will be temporary and that “P” will ultimately be able to say… “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 “P” had shared the gospel with his mom previously, and she had heard it from me. But I prayed for another opportunity. Twice when he had to be at school, it was just she and I. One morning on the way to the dentist, she marveled that through all of the neighborhood gossip, envy and strife, her son had been a kind peacemaker (Gal 5:22-23). Launching off her son’s testimony, I pulled the car over and shared the gospel message. The Cambodian Buddhist mantra is “Do good; get good” (karma). I clarified that Jesus is the only door to heaven, that “Do good; get good” leads to hell. “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 While many pretend to believe in hopes of further benefit, she is grateful and listens but does not claim to believe. I greatly appreciate her honesty. “P” and I take turns praying before and after dental visits. She bows her head. For the bulk of the past several weeks, P’s mom has either been in severe pain or asleep, only able to eat yogurt, unable to cook or care for him. Like many Cambodians, for several reasons, they do not have or want a refrigerator. And apart from frying an egg, he cannot cook. Moreover, the Lord led to “Take care of the boy.” It was a rare meal if he did not want fried chicken, Coke and/or chocolate cake. All good works must be done in Christ for God’s glory to advance the gospel (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Rom 10:14-17; Eph 2:8-10; John 6:28-29). So as to distance myself from Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), know that funds for the dental work come from the bucket in the budget used for ministry expenses, roughly mirroring a believer’s tithe. The cost will be prorated over the coming months to reduce impact on planned ministry. As for the fried chicken, chocolate cake, yogurt, etc… My Aunt Bobbie gives specially designated, “Food for the kids,” which also covers: Roughly once a month, I take a sack of rice and sometimes other essential food items to the faithful poor. They say, ‘Thank you!’ I reply, ‘Thank Jesus!’ Trusting for a future harvest of parents… THANK YOU for your sacrificial giving toward earning the right to be heard, toward advancing the gospel! “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40 The Lord Provides for His people (Jam 1:16-17). “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 Near-Future Plan: Praise the Lord! I am on track to finish seminary in December. For years, I have gone to the marketplace, “evangelee” or disciple to minister. For youth ministry, my apartment building manager has allowed use of space on the first floor. But that is not a long term solution. For years, we have been prayerful toward opening a “starter” ministry center. However, I had been reluctant to announce anything to you folks until certain it is time to move. Although there would be setup cost, month-to-month rent is inexpensive for a small space. Please pray toward this, and feel free to ask questions. “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21 Podcast – Cool Explorations (Canada-based, 1hr, 17min) – Topics Addressed: 1) My Recent blog post about the forthcoming book, The Church: We Shoot Our Wounded 2) What the Lord is teaching through trials (e.g. marriage, church rejection). 3) Tips for those with LGBTQ loved ones 4) How to fight LGBTQ indoctrination of kids 5) Encouragement to “stand alone on the Word of God” (as the old hymn goes) in these last days of rampant heresy. Praise the Lord! “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11 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. PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBT. – 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)! |
June 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 support! Ex-LGBTQ Discipleship: A 2012 short-term mission to a church in Siem Reap was my first time in the town where I now serve. Down a muddy road in the rainy season, we walked back and forth between the church and our guesthouse. Rejection from the church (not necessarily that specific church) had driven me closer to Christ. Solidifying my calling, the Lord made clear He had given me grace in the eyes of Cambodians to get a job done – win souls. At the end of an eventful day of ministry, rain was pouring. I was on Cloud 9 with the Lord (Ps 118:14). Tears flowing, I moseyed back in the rain, looking up, singing, “I stand, I stand in awe of You! I stand, I stand in awe of You! Holy God, to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!…” It was one of my most memorable, beautiful moments with Christ. When I moved to Siem Reap in 2018, I began attending another church but kept a good relationship with that pastor. Rebekah and I visited a while back. “K“, who came to Christ a few months ago, is showing promise. He has been faithful to church, and we have been going deeper during the week. He seems to be interested in learning to share the gospel. A month ago, I ran into the pastor. He said our neighborhood youth were welcome to sing at his church. To refresh my memory, I GPS’ed the church and rode to it. There was “K”‘s house on the road leading to the church! The day in 2012 that I was praising the Lord in the rain, I was literally standing in front of the house of our ministry’s first faithful ex-LGBT convert! “K” said he attended that church a couple of times when they had outreaches prior to 2012. Praise the Lord, who knows all things!! “R” continues to attend church when he has time away from work. We also have been meeting during the week. We read Scripture, discuss and pray together. Please pray for these fellas. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 Evangelism – local prostitutes: “Lady of the night” massage parlors line a nearby street. They tend to be actual women, not transgender. Sometimes under the influence, many sit outside during the day playing cards and waiting for clients. About two years ago, the Lord led to a specific parlor. A lady stepped out front and said, ‘I believe in Jesus.’ With previous exposure to the gospel, perhaps the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:38-41). Ever since, the Lord has led to periodically drop by (daylight) to see “S”. I started witnessing to prostitutes in the park on Pittsburgh’s North Side in 2010. Some of my most enjoyable ministry moments have been with ladies who have nothing to prove. Inappropriate words and actions are par for the course for this type of outreach and a reason people are reluctant to do it. 12 years in, I have learned to roll with the punches. Sometimes the Lord leads to pray with her. A number of times, I have shared the gospel, warned them of coming judgment and called them to repentance. Most usually scoff. “S” and her friend have kids. A boy and girl around ten years old hang out as men come in and out. They have attended our youth ministry a couple of times. This past Saturday, the boy’s mom said he had surgery to remove a growth. I prayed for him. Then it was the right time to share. Using my testimony as example, I assured them that Jesus can forgive, that they have not gone too far, that He can give new life. All were scoffing, except the boy’s mom. Her countenance had changed. She was willing to listen. The Lord uses trials. I dream of a future church – redeemed LGBTQ, prostitutes and youth-now-adults who have been trained up to be anchors. Authentic, genuine. The Lord is doing His part – convicting. Praise God. Now the decision is theirs. Please pray for “S” & friends. “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” Luke 15:2-4 LGBTQ Evangelism – local: Photo #1 (below): Restaurant server. The Lord leads to folks! Shared the gospel and testimony with him, added him to our Khmer Bible online group and prayed with him. Photo #2: Fruit seller “R” and I are making steady progress through the Word. The Lord continues to work through life circumstances to yield opportunities to clarify Scripture. Praise the Lord for each step! Evangelism – regional: Balancing seminary and the two ministries, I haven’t been getting out as much as before. This month, I made a strategic circle. Photo #1 (below): Map of trip route. Photo #2: Man near the Thai border at a pagoda who appeared to be asking spiritual counsel from a monk when I came down the hill. I told them about the One True God who created the heavens and the earth and loves us so much that He died for us (Acts 17:16-34); prayed with him and the monk. Photo #3: Follow-up with a young man to whom I witnessed to about a year ago, also on the Thai border. Photo #4: Check-in with “KR”, the pastor’s son. He brought his friends. I witnessed to and prayed with them. As he encounters disappointing realities in gay life, I speak difficult biblical truth. The Lord has prompted me to be patient with “KR”. This ministry is not a sprint but a marathon. Praise the Lord for each step! “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.” Romans 1:16 Neighborhood Youth Ministry: 1) Attended & glorified the Lord in song twice at a local church (mentioned above). 2) Learned how to stand and suffer for Jesus like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 3) Shared the gospel door-to-door in the neighborhood. Praise the Lord! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 Blessed Fellowship – “B” & “C”: Recently there was a going-away party for worship leader “B” and his wife “C”, as they are returning to Austria. For those who may not recall, “B” invited me to share ex-gay testimony with his worship team. What a blessing! His wife “C” invited me to minister at the drug rehab center (March 2022). Faithful in that ministry, her absence creates a vacuum. As time permits, I hope to return. Both have been blessings and will be missed! “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Podcast: Two interviews were featured this month: 1) “The Author’s Spot” (39 mins, pictured below) details two example church rejection stories, clarifying content of my next book. 2) “Unadulterated Heart” (1 hr, 3 mins) discusses testimony, including my marriage, with a believer from Pittsburgh. Praise the Lord! “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 “Because He Lives” in Khmer: Per the Lord’s leading, I removed myself from this video. Praise the Lord (not me)! https://youtu.be/zvBh9YBmchI “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first…” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBT. – 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 