| 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)! |
Tag Archives: Jesus
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)! |
ដោយព្រោះទ្រង់រស់ (ដោយព្រោះព្រះយេស៊ូវមានព្រះជន្មរស់) Because He Lives
“មើល ទ្រង់យាងមកតាមពពក នោះគ្រប់ទាំងភ្នែកនឹងឃើញទ្រង់ ព្រមទាំងពួកអ្នកដែលចាក់ទ្រង់ផង រួចគ្រប់ទាំងពូជមនុស្សនៅផែនដីនឹងយំសោក ដោយព្រោះទ្រង់ អើ មែនហើយ អាម៉ែន។ ព្រះអម្ចាស់ដ៏ជាព្រះ ដែលទ្រង់គង់នៅ ក៏គង់នៅតាំងតែពីដើម ហើយត្រូវយាងមកទៀត គឺជាព្រះដ៏មានព្រះចេស្តាបំផុត ទ្រង់មានបន្ទូលថា អញជាអាលផា នឹងជាអូមេកា គឺជាដើម ហើយជាចុង។”
វិវរណៈ ១:៧-៨
“ព្រោះព្រះអម្ចាស់ទ្រង់នឹងយាងចុះពីស្ថានសួគ៌មក ដោយស្រែកបង្គាប់១ព្រះឱស្ឋ ទាំងមានឮសំឡេងមហាទេវតា និងត្រែរបស់ព្រះផង នោះពួកស្លាប់ក្នុងព្រះគ្រីស្ទនឹងរស់ឡើងវិញជាមុនបង្អស់”
ថែស្សាឡូនីចទី១ ៤:១៦
សូមសរសើរព្រះអម្ចាស់យេស៊ូវគ្រីស្ទ!
May 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! The Lord delivered me from a gay identity, lifestyle and related “addictions” (slavery to sin) 12 years ago. Praise the Lord!! Continuing in seminary toward a Masters of Divinity, below is a recent video testimony assignment. Click to watch Video Testimony Assignment for Seminary. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13 LGBTQ Outreach – “O” (2+ hours away, last referenced March 2022): According to Cambodian and Thai Buddhist teaching, there is a third sex into which some are reincarnated as karmic penalty for previous-life sins. Considered to be a pitiful state, it is similar to an earthly purgatory. Also reminiscent of the “Born this way” lie preached in U.S. culture, it’s a reminder that Satan has limited material and recycles to suit a variety of audiences. “O” and his friend, men who live as women, are considered to be “the third sex” or “kathoey”. “O” was excited to read the Word and pray together. He read that God created only male and female (Gen 1:27). The Lord convicted to make 100% clear that homosexuality is sin. First, I stated that God did not create a third sex (very uncomfortable). Then, the first man and woman sinned. Today all people are fallen creations (read Ps 51:5; Rom 3:10). Everyone has temptation, maybe very strong temptation, but Jesus calls us to repent and follow the Bible. Although my previous identification with women was not nearly as strong as theirs, it is enough to show genuine compassion. I shared that the peace of knowing if I die tomorrow, I will go to heaven is better than sin. They both nodded. When we face the Lord on that day, we will be thankful that we obeyed when He pushed us to share the full counsel. Praise the Lord! “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:26-27 LGBTQ Discipleship: It can be a long way out of a gay identity. While love and compassion are key, it is absolutely essential that we speak difficult truth (painful as it can be) when the Lord provides opportunity. One who recently accepted Christ came to church wearing eye shadow. After noticing, I tried to address it but was interrupted. I sought the Lord, and He led through a question that he asked me on the way home. I told him that God created man and woman, that it is sin for a man to act/look like a woman (1 Cor 6:9). He takes correction well. Praise the Lord. A few days ago, we read Eph 2:1-10 and Rom 6:1-4 together, discussed what the Lord expects of us who have been resurrected to new life in Christ and prayed together. Another has been struggling with drinking and cancelled our meetings several times. I went to his work. The Lord led to walk him through John 15:5, to assure him the power to fight temptation comes from Christ, that we must be plugged into the Power Source (Word of God) daily and worship regularly. Then he cancelled again. I waited a while and sought the Lord again about how to handle it. Yesterday we read about the second coming and discussed that we must be ready. Recalling my own negative experiences with “forced mentorship”, I told him if he wants me to leave him alone, I won’t push any further. He assured me he is willing to fight to follow Jesus. Praise the Lord. We are in this together. Please pray for us. “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” Ephesians 4:15 LGBTQ Evangelism – “R” (last referenced April 2022): Recently we read of the power of homosexual lust on display in Sodom and the Lord’s subsequent judgment (Gen 19). Then we read 1 Cor 6:9-11 to confirm that homosexuality is sin, that it is as forgivable as any of the other listed sins and that repentance precludes judgment. “R” is a fighter. He could make quite an impact for the Lord. Please pray that he responds to the Lord’s prodding. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 Farming Community (LGBTQ) Outreach (2+ hours away, last referenced March 2022): In April, I went to this community. “T” was sick. “B” was not home. “B”s brother-in-law “C” has been the most open. He was sick. The Lord was moving. I prayed for them and shared the gospel again with Tailor’s mom. “C” has become a friend. In May, he came with his wife and youngest son to my town. We read Scripture and prayed together. Fascinated imagining what the Lord will do with all of these pieces, I feel like a spectator. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” Hebrews 10:23 Neighborhood Youth Ministry: April ended with the Ascension and the Lord having given gifts to men (Eph 4:8). May was about discovering what unique abilities and passions the Lord has given each of the kids, how they can use them to serve and glorify the Lord. When we meet, they now have assigned roles. A fully functional church is slowly forming. Praise the Lord!! “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:28 Click to Watch – “Give Thanks”, Khmer & English “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 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)! |
12 Years!
The Lord delivered me from a gay identity, lifestyle and related addictions (slavery to sin) 12 years ago.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, God of the impossible, God of the second chance!
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“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
អរព្រះគុណ Give Thanks
“ដ្បិតព្រះទ្រង់ស្រឡាញ់មនុស្សលោក ដល់ម៉្លេះបានជាទ្រង់ប្រទានព្រះរាជបុត្រាទ្រង់តែ១ ដើម្បីឲ្យអ្នកណាដែលជឿដល់ព្រះរាជបុត្រានោះ មិនត្រូវវិនាសឡើយ គឺឲ្យមានជីវិតអស់កល្បជានិច្ចវិញ”
យ៉ូហាន 3:16
“អរព្រះគុណដល់ព្រះអង្គ ដោយព្រោះអំណោយទានទ្រង់ដ៏រកថ្លែងពុំបាន។”
២ កូរិនថូស 9:15
សូមសរសើរព្រះអម្ចាស់យេស៊ូវគ្រីស្ទ!
ដ្បិតឈ្នួលរបស់អំពើបាប នោះជាសេចក្តីស្លាប់ តែអំណោយទាននៃព្រះវិញ គឺជាជីវិតដ៏នៅអស់កល្បជានិច្ច ដោយព្រះគ្រីស្ទយេស៊ូវ ជាព្រះអម្ចាស់នៃយើងរាល់គ្នា។ រ៉ូម ៦:២៣
April 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! Resurrection Harvest (Intro): In late 2016, the Lord led to begin seeking opportunities to witness to the LGBTQ. For 5 years, getting one to join for church was like pulling teeth. But now, when least expected, there has been a harvest. Praise the Lord! “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 Cambodian New Year, the most anticipated holiday of the year, dominates the month of April, more so this year because 2020 & 2021 festivities were cancelled for Covid. Nonetheless, the gospel was preached from death and burial to resurrection, ascension and salvation requirements. Praise the Lord! “…Christ died for our sins… he was buried… and… rose again the third day…” 1 Cor 15:3-4 “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 LGBTQ Conversion Story: As of last month’s update, “K” said he was not yet ready to give his life to Christ. I was unaware that communion would be served the following Sunday… until it was. Oh, no! With split seconds to spare, I leaned over and gave him the Bible’s warning, ‘If you haven’t yet repented and believe in Jesus, don’t eat the bread or drink the juice (1 Cor 11:23-29).’ He nodded and then partook. He has been attending church, has been given a Bible, a tract, has been walked through salvation-relevant Scripture, taught Gen 1-3, an example sinner’s prayer, knows how to pray a simple prayer, etc. Almost back to his parents’ shop, I asked, ‘Recently, you said you were not yet ready to give your life to Jesus. Then in church today, I said, ‘If you haven’t yet repented and believe in the Lord Jesus, don’t drink the juice or eat the bread.’ But you did.’ (as if to imply, ‘Did something happen this week?’) ‘Baht (Yes).’ ‘So do you believe in Jesus?’ ‘Yes, I believe.’ ‘Are you ready to pray – to decide to repent and give your life to Christ – new life, new path, to follow the Bible rather than your heart, including homosexual desires, religion and the world?’ ‘Yes, I’m ready.’ Biblically, one must confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead in order to be saved (Rom 10:9-10). A man must turn away from following his deceitful heart (Ps 51:5; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10, 23, 6:23; John 3:16, 36; Matt 3:2) and be born again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 14:6; Eph 2:8-9). I clarified salvation requirements again. “K” followed me in prayer, repenting of his sins and giving his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. PRAISE THE LORD! “K” has been attending church faithfully. In addition, typically once during the week, we read Scripture and pray together. He is also part of our Khmer Bible group on Facebook, where Scripture is posted daily. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9 LGBTQ Discipleship – New Believer “R”: Over the New Year, “R” went home to visit family, worked longer hours and had a motorbike accident. Nearly everyone here has a motorbike accident at some point. Though it can be chaotic, most traffic in town runs slowly. Injuries were minor, and he has recovered. Thank the Lord. “R” attended church. It’s a war (Eph 6:12). Remember that just like any other believer, those who struggle with homosexual temptation are works in progress (Phil 1:6). Please pray that both “R” and “K” continue in the fight (Matt 13:3-9, 18-23) and become soul-winners for Christ! That’s the point. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 LGBTQ Evangelism – Fruit Seller “R”: I have been buying fruit from, building a relationship with and sharing the gospel with “R” for years. Business since Covid has been slow. “R” wants to learn English and transition out of fruit sales. We negotiated a deal. I will teach him English if he will let me tell him about Jesus. Reading a chapter per session, we started in Genesis 1. Please pray for breakthrough. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 Neighborhood Youth Ministry: Just after learning Peter’s Denial of Christ and proclaiming, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back!’, our best trained youth followed his mother’s counsel to renounced Christianity to meet requirements to study in a Chinese language school where all students must be Buddhist. A few weeks later with his mother’s approval, he dropped out of the school and returned to worship Jesus. Praise the Lord! Like the father in the Prodigal Son story, the Lord welcomed me back 12 years ago. But like the jealous older brother, the church largely has not (with some exceptions who are reading this, thank you for your support!). The Lord convicted to treat this boy like the Lord has treated me, not like the church has treated me. So that’s what I did. Please pray that the Lord uses “P”. “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:17 This past Sunday, we had planned to worship on a church-boat on the edge of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and then boat into the lake to look around at (captive) crocodiles and eat lunch. Satan rules by fear. The Lord breaks his men of fear so that we can boldly serve Him. Evening prior to church, “P” sent me a message asking if he could just stay in the car while the rest of us go out on the boat. I “let on” like that would be fine, but I knew if I allowed it, others would follow and we all would end up cowering under the car. After church, I directed him to read out loud for the group Joshua 1:9 and 2 Timothy 1:7. He cracked a smile. Then I asked him if he was afraid. He said, “No.” And we went. I wish adults were that easy. 🙂 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “Amazing Grace” in Khmer: Language teacher has been teaching me hymns and worship songs. The Lord empowers. Praise God! Click here to watch video. Interviewed on “The “Kilroy Williams Show” Podcast: This is a deep dive testimony. We covered the Bible’s explanation for why people feel attracted to the same sex and experience gender confusion, the church’s acceptance (or lack thereof) for ex-LGBTQ, spiritual warfare and survival tips for the soldier of Christ. Praise the Lord! Click here to watch the podcast video. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 Click here for ministry photos. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! And Thank You for your support! 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)! |
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 support! Cambodian New Year – Cultural Context: Since eternity past, Satan strives to steal worship from the only God worthy of it. Khmer New Year, by far the most anticipated Cambodian holiday, is a three-day event in mid-April. Cambodians are taught that angels who protect the nation undergo a “changing of the guard”. At a time annually announced by the prime minister, Cambodians bow and worship “angels” (2 Cor 11:14), expressly forbidden by God’s Word (Col 2:18). Cambodians also offer them a sacrifice. For example, for the “year of the monkey”, an appropriate sacrifice on the altar would be bananas. After three days, people are permitted to eat the food offered to demons. Community and family pressure the reluctant (e.g. Christians) with, ‘You are Khmer; therefore, you are Buddhist.’ Praise the Lord for the insight from my Cambodian language & culture teacher. I started prayerfully planning teachings to combat this with Bible truth (ex. Col 2:18; Ex 20:3-6; Acts 5:27-29; Rev 22:8-9). “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” Colossians 1:28 Ex-LGBTQ Discipleship – “R”: Recent convert “R” and I have been making steady progress washing out the lies of the world with the inspired, inerrant Word of God. Praise the Lord! “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 LGBTQ Evangelism – “K”: “K” has joined me for church three times. At 22 years old, like most unmarried Cambodians, he lives with his parents and helps with the family business – selling second-hand clothing along the road. The second time I picked him up, his mom scolded him in front of me – ‘Cambodians are Buddhist! We do not believe in Jesus!’ After some pleading, she allowed him to go. When the pastor finished preaching, he handed off to a young Cambodian to share testimony – how she handled the challenge of honoring parents while putting Jesus first. There is no way this was coincidence. God provided guidance specific to his challenge. Praise the Lord! Although he is not yet ready to give his life to Christ (and I appreciate his honesty), I asked if he feels anything during worship. He replied, ‘sro-sreye’, which is ‘fresh’. Praise the Lord for each step! “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 LGBTQ Evangelism – “O” (2+ hrs away): Last you heard of “O” (January’s update), local pastor was not willing to welcome him for worship. Churches rejecting the LGBTQ is a global epidemic. This was an opportunity to prayerfully troubleshoot a workaround. Unable to force pastors to accept the LGBTQ, the only option is to provide a middle ground for strengthening the wounded for release “into the wild”. Taking it easy, I returned to the salon, took him and another transgender co-worker to eat. He loves to read, which works out well. We read “The Prodigal Son”, accompanying Scripture and prayed together. While in the area, I returned to the same church. Pastor was away. As is often the case, the pastor’s wife was much more welcoming of those with “unusual struggles” than the pastor is. She assured me to tell “O”, ‘Don’t be afraid to join for worship.’ Praise the Lord for each step! “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Proverbs 25:15 Neighborhood Youth Ministry: The kids are learning to multiply. We walked through the neighborhood and shared the gospel with several families. Praise the Lord! “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 Drug Rehab Center: Wife of a worship leader friend serves at a drug rehab center and invited me to share with the guys. ‘People are not willing to look up until they are on their backs (hit rock bottom),’ as they say. I shared the gospel and my testimony to dispel the myth that “deep sin” is unforgivable (1 Tim 1:15). We worshipped and prayed together. It was a tremendous blessing. Praise the Lord! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 LGBTQ Outreach to Rural Farming Community (2+ hrs away): The Lord convicted to go out there on Saturday afternoon. I checked at the church to make sure service times had not changed. Leader there sent me to the pastor’s house. He was not home, but his daughter, aware of my story, brought out her son who struggles with homosexuality and substance abuse. We talked and walked through Scripture. After Pastor arrived, we had a group discussion using my testimony as proof that “Jesus can do this!” Ultimately he said he was not ready to give his life to Christ. Having done my duty, we prayed together. Next day, I rounded up the the willing from the two target families and went to church. On the spot again, the deacon/elder asked me to preach. ‘Don’t Worship Angels‘ was the message I had prepared. A few in the small congregation looked as though they were about to climb out of their skin. After church, mothers of “Barber” and “Tailor” prepared a delicious lunch for us. Praise the Lord! “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:12 “10,000 Reasons” in Khmer: Language teacher has been teaching me hymns and worship songs. The Lord empowers. Praise God! Click to Watch Video – 10,000 Reasons, Khmer language. “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1 Discussion with Joshua Berglan of Live Mana Worldwide: Joshua has an intense testimony that the Lord is using to reach those who feel that they have gone too far to be forgiven. And he is not afraid to share it. It was a blessing to exchange war stories. Praise the Lord! Click to Watch Video – Discussing respective “deep sin” testimonies (1 hr, 15 mins). “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 Click here to view LGBTQ Evangelism/Discipleship photos. Click here for ministry videos. 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)! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! And Thank You for your support! |
February Ministry Highlights
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details and photos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your support! |
LGBTQ Evangelism: A local massage parlor employee prayed to give his life to Christ and made a profession of faith. PRAISE THE LORD! That being said, it’s a long way out of a gay lifestyle and false identity. Please stand with me in prayer that he bears fruit in keeping with repentance and becomes a soul-winner. Like most service industry employees in Cambodia, he gets few Sundays off. Please pray that the Lord provides another job / schedule. We have had two “discipleship breakfasts” so far. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10 Neighborhood Children’s Ministry: Remember that these first few weeks back in school, the kids were trained, equipped with a gospel tract and challenged to share with a friend. Rough and tough when we are all together, they were afraid to share the gospel one-on-one. So I told them we would do it together. A couple of Sundays ago, we went to a local restaurant where I knew the owner and staff. The kids practiced sharing on them. Considering that getting most adult believers to share the gospel is like pulling teeth, I figure I should go easy on them. In Christ, they can get there! “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Rural Mission: The Lord creatively led a couple of years ago to a group of LGBTQ in a poor farming community about two hours from my town. Ever since, I have been going back periodically to build relationships and share Christ with two of them – a barber and a tailor. When we hit a stalemate, I sought the Lord. He led to teach their nephews and nieces. Barber’s nephew prayed to give his life to Christ and then seems to have acted as a “sleeper cell” of sorts within his family. Next visit, his dad (barber’s brother-in-law), who has influence with Barber, was willing to read Scripture and hear the gospel. We prayed together. He agreed to go to the nearby church if I joined. Two Sundays ago, I took our neighborhood kids up there. They encouraged the families to worship and sang in front of the church. Barber, his mom, brother-in-law and nephews joined. Tailor’s nephew also joined. That day, I shared ex-gay testimony, the simple gospel message and led in the sinner’s prayer. Pastor invited me back to preach. At two affiliated churches, the Lord led to preach the Sower & the Seed parable (very fitting for a farming community), which naturally flowed into the gospel message. Praise the Lord! Reaching Cambodia’s LGBTQ: As follow-up to last month’s gospel message, my ex-gay testimony in Khmer language has been posted on Youtube and Facebook. What He has done for me, He wants to do for many. Praise the Lord! Click here to watch the testimony video. “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 Blessed to be Interviewed by Gary Wilkerson (son of David Wilkerson): David Wilkerson authored The Cross and the Switchblade and founded Teen Challenge. He previously pastored a church in Philipsburg, PA – high school football rival and neighbor of my hometown, Clearfield. His son Gary, who now heads World Challenge, said he was born in Philipsburg but only lived there for a short time. It’s a small world. We covered ex-gay testimony, LGBTQ evangelism and Cambodia missions. Teen Challenge also has operations in Cambodia. Their Cambodia team lead reached out after the interview was aired. What a blessing. Praise the Lord! Click here to watch the interview (44 mins). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:25 Click here to view recent LGBTQ Evangelism photos. Click here for ministry videos. 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)! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! And Thank You for your support! |
January Ministry Update (as a case-in-point)
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, we typically do not post detailed updates in public forums. Below is January’s update with some details and photos removed. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your support! This month, the Lord provided two case-in-point stories that illustrate Castaway’s unique challenges. Story #1: LGBT Evangelism: Remember the three men who identify as transgender in the rural salon? The youngest used to lead worship but says he stopped attending church because he got busy. There may be more to the story. At Christmas, he asked for a Bible. We walked through passages together. He has been active in our Facebook Khmer Bible group, reacting to Scripture almost daily. The oldest of this trio greatly influences the other two. On the way there three days ago, I prayed that he would be singled out. The Lord answered prayer – singled out and not busy – very unusual. We went through the gospel and read Scripture out loud again. My primary aim was to nudge him back into worship. I said, ‘If I truly believe in Jesus, I will join church every Sunday.’ He nodded. I asked if there is a church nearby and asked how to get there. He pointed in the direction of one about a mile away. I said, ‘If I made a decision to follow Jesus and did not follow, I can ask for forgiveness and start over.’ I asked him if he wanted to make a decision to start following Jesus. He said, ‘Yes.’ He followed me in a prayer of re-dedication. Then came a sad reality. While asking directions to the church at a corner store, the pastor pulled up. I followed him there. Even after sharing my testimony, he seemed to welcome me with open arms. In the U.S., not all do. But to him, I represent the richest nation on earth. He pointed out needs the church had, his lack of help and pictures of Americans who have donated and served. I told him my concern is for helping the LGBTQ follow Christ. When asked if he knew the salon worker, he said he did. I asked him to go with me (less than a mile away) to encourage him to come to church. Pastor remembered how busy he is and couldn’t spare five minutes. This is not a Cambodia-specific problem. With no political correctness movement to hide behind and probably with good reason in some cases, pastors here openly bully the LGBTQ. Called to stand in the gap, I am praying for wisdom. Please pray for a solution around the salon worker and the global issue this situation puts on display. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8 Story #2: Evangelistic Mission to a Remote Province: This was my 3rd trip to this province (556 miles roundtrip, according to GPS). 1st trip, roughly 4 years ago, I met a young boy with his dad in a poor fishing village (houses suspended above the ocean on stilts). 2nd trip about 2 years ago, I went to their house only to find that the dad had died of alcohol-related ailments. I cried, while his widow and son sat there dry-eyed as if to say, ‘You only met him once.’ I could have been that guy… but God. The Lord gave a heart for the boy. Through a soccer ball purchase, the Lord led to a seller who identifies as gay. 1st trip, I also met the village’s barber who also identifies as gay. Both responded to the gospel much better the 3rd visit than the 1st or 2nd encounter with a total stranger sharing an outlandish story about a foreign God. It’s all about building trust. I prayed with both. Praise the Lord. The boy’s name is ‘Big’. His younger brother is named ‘Small’. With exposure to the gospel but no church in the area, the mother figured she’d just go to the local pagoda and worship whatever gods. We walked through the gospel (2x with the kids), clarified Exodus 20:3-6 and prayed the sinner’s prayer for all interested in giving their lives to Christ. Praise the Lord! Leaving Big’s house, a man’s voice shouted at me from an apparent woman’s body – a “ladyboy”. Sex workers tend to relate to my humiliating testimony and return the favor with refreshing honesty. He asked many questions. We talked for about an hour, and he asked me to return later. We ate and talked for a long time. He ended by saying he is young and not yet ready to give his life to Christ. I warned that he could die tomorrow. Without Christ, he would spend eternity in hell. He said, ‘Some day, I will probably call you and say, ‘I’m ready.” Will Big’s family realistically succeed in following Christ without attending church? Probably not. Asking around, I located what appears to be the only church within reach. The gate was ajar. I shouted inside to no avail. Hearing noise, I walked near the sanctuary (open air) to a side room. A man came out, encouraged the dog to attack, grabbed a Judo stick and came after me shouting. Backing up, I yelled, ‘Jesus! (making a cross with my fingers, pointing up) I am a missionary! Jesus! Jesus!’ He continued at me, flanking me through the sanctuary with his Judo stick. My heart sank. Is this where we are as a church? What???!!! Bear in mind that I was there to find a place of worship for a fatherless child. When I turned around and started recording the pastor, he calmed down a bit. I walked out. “…as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40 Neighborhood Children’s Ministry: One of our kids has been “seeing ghosts”. Demonic encounters are common here. Satan terrorizes to steal worship from the Lord and drive those of weak faith back to Satan worship (Buddhism’s teaching that if evil spirits are not appeased through sacrifice and worship, they will curse – e.g. illness, “bad luck”). Click here for last Sunday’s spiritual warfare message. These first few weeks back in school, they have been trained, equipped with a gospel tract and challenged to share with a friend. “…rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 Reaching Cambodia with the Gospel: The gospel message in Khmer language has been posted on Youtube and Facebook for a few weeks. Promoted to a broader Cambodian audience than would normally follow our ministry, it has been viewed over 450 times. Some have reached out with Bible questions. Praise the Lord! “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 Rick & Carole, Parents of a Gay Prodigal: Reflecting on their handling of my “coming out”, Dad advised regarding, “How to Fight a War Like This”. Mom provided insight from the perspective of a loving mother forced to choose between her son and God’s inerrant Word. Click here to listen (35 mins) “Abraham… took the knife… the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven… Lay not thine hand upon the lad… for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” Genesis 22:10-12 Click here to view ministry photos. Click here for ministry videos. 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)! |
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! And Thank You for your support! |
Castaway Ministries 