| Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! It Takes Guts to Serve the Lord: Recently while preparing messages, it became apparent that the Lord was trying to reveal something to me. Sunday after Sunday, He kept leading to call the congregation to “expose the truth.” I did not know what I was asking them to reveal. But I reluctantly followed the Lord’s orders. Click here for Sermon Video – “The Transfiguration” => https://youtu.be/X2ckQvtvAfk?si=CwTuMTOZcgOokh2T “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11 People began to open up. The Lord revealed offenses against Him, against our church and against me, dating back several years. For example, a woman in the village burned a Bible we had given her grandson. Satan has used this same home as a channel for accusations against Castaway Baptist, such as, “Christians are crazy.” In Cambodian culture, to say that someone is crazy is a brutal accusation. It made people reluctant to come to church. When Rebekah left two years ago, she told the neighborhood and nearby church that I abused her (not true) in order to divert attention from her own sin, adultery. Note below that adultery is a biblical justification for divorce: “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” Matthew 5:32 The village has now been corrected. Praise the Lord. God’s Word identifies our accuser as Satan (Rev 12:10), the father of lies (John 8:44). He shoots the messenger in order to discredit / disprove the message. Since high school, I have been reluctant to confront accusers. I would rather crawl under something and hope that “God will work it out.” But all of that has changed in recent years. The Lord has made clear that He will not continue to enable my cowardice (Heb 10:38). He has taught me to stand up for myself and for Him like a man. This week, the Lord led to several houses and a church. We confronted our accusers, fought lies with truth. We all grew through it. The Lord led to stand and fight like a man for the cause of Christ. PRAISE THE LORD! “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 Some have sought to provoke benevolent giving through a variety of schemes. For example, a church member suddenly becomes disinterested in attending… until someone gives them a sack of rice. Later, another scheme… “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23 Satan’s goal in this case is to derail the Lord’s leadership and church resources toward pleasing people. The Lord has led to let them go, rather than play their game. We now have a points system that rewards those willing to faithfully serve and stand for the Lord. It encourages obedience to God and discourages manipulation. “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 Bunrong: Few are willing to work hard like Bunrong. Usually the same Scripture that I will expound upon in by preaching at 10:00, I give him to teach the children’s simple version at 8:30 for the youth. He checks understanding by asking questions or playing a game. He also leads worship. I meet with him during the week to disciple and prepare him for success. Bunrong has shown tremendous spiritual growth. Praise the Lord!   “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3 The Lord Sent Them Out 2-by-2: After Bible study and cleaning the church on Saturday morning, typically our youth go into the village to share the gospel.   “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Evangelism: How Do We Do It? Our approach is simple. Typically we approach a house and small talk. Then we proceed with the simple gospel message, being sure to make clear the requirement for repentance and coming judgment for the unbeliever: ‘God created all things. The first man and first woman sinned against Him. All have sinned. Jesus came to die on the cross, paid the penalty for the sins of the world 100% in full with His blood, and rose again. We must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to receive everlasting life in heaven. He will return to judge; we must be ready.‘ In addition to the gospel message, within a Cambodian context, most important to clarify is that “do good & get good” (karma) cannot save a person (from everlasting hell). A human being does not have power to cleanse his own sin / save himself through good works. If they ask questions, we answer them. If the Lord leads to do so, we pray with them. “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Growth through Persecution: This season, we have seen tremendous fruit (ex. boldness to stand for Christ) through persecution. Praise the Lord! “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:14 Life Is (Should Be) Evangelism: Anyone can stand for Christ in a church building surrounded by fellow believers. But few are willing to stand alone for Christ in the market, at the restaurant and auto mechanic. My Dad taught me to be willing to do the latter. He prays for opportunities to share the gospel daily and follows the Lord into them. It is not uncommon to find my Dad standing in an aisle at Walmart contending for the faith… defeating Satan’s lies with Bible truth. Even in the midst of tremendous trials and persecution, the Lord provides fulfillment and abundant blessing. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!   “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 Christmas Prep: Speaking of Dad (and Mom and Aunt Bob), the family will be here on the ground in Cambodia in mid-December, Lord willing. I am looking forward to sharing the gospel in Cambodia with my Dad. Youth set up the Christmas tree, and we have already begun singing Christmas hymns.  Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! 3. PayPal charges a small processing fee. If you would like to avoid the fee, please send a check to: Castaway Ministries 99 Indian Mill Lane Clearfield, PA 16830 Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! And Thank You for your support! |
Tag Archives: LGBTQ evangelism
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 steadfast support! Guest Pastor Yarin: Yarin (last ref, May 2022) is a Cambodian pastor who has been my greatest resource for ongoing language and ministry-relevant cultural insights. #1 challenge for most Christian youth is parents forcing them to return to the pagoda to worship Satan (e.g. worship evil spirits in an effort to obtain luck or avoid curses). Yarin’s preaching culminated in a high-impact testimony. At 17, his mother forced him to choose between her and the Lord. Yarin put Christ first and walked out. PRAISE THE LORD! “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37    He Sent Them Out 2-by-2: Yarin and I took the gospel of repentance and coming judgment outside the safe walls of the church building into the village and to transgender prostitutes.   Like me, Yarin often evangelizes alone. The Lord requires every believer to share the gospel (Mark 16:15-16). So why is it so difficult to find someone willing to join? “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33 Several years ago, having endured much criticism about witnessing alone, I asked a deacon to join me. He said that was someone else’s responsibility. Similarly, many pastors and professing believers criticize Yarin’s approach, etc. He replies, ‘Did you share the gospel with anyone this week?’ They typically reply, ‘No.’ To which he replies, ‘When you are actively sharing the gospel, I will listen to your advice. Until then, don’t talk to me.’ Believers know they should be witnessing, but few do. Rather than step up and start witnessing, they try to tear down those whose obedience shames them. Power and income at stake, many are terrified to stand for Christ in their communities and workplaces, afraid to offend people. Their personal agenda conflicts with the Great Commission. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 How Does All of This Tie into What Is Going on at Castaway Baptist? Willingness is key. The Lord has led through recent preaching from Exodus to push the church to step up to serve. Preparation is key. Last month, our oldest youth shared testimony in front of the church. This month, three shared the gospel message in front of the church. Over the past several months, I have trained our two oldest how to prepare a sermonette. Starting several years ago, we “dry run” how we should share the gospel in the village. Youth are challenged to share the gospel message from start to finish. Sometimes we arrive at a house to find folks drinking beer and smoking cigarettes, scoffing and mocking. So we role play that scenario. Rearing back in my chair, I pretend to smoke a cigarette and play that character: 1) ‘Haha! Does Jesus have money? I need some money!’ What would you say to that, guys? (Answer: Matt 6:33) 2) ‘Every religion is the same – do good and get good!’ This is the most common response to the gospel here. How does the Bible answer that one, guys? (Answer: Eph 2:8-9) 3) ‘Where is Jesus from?’ People ask this one sometimes to try to bring Christ down to the same level as Buddha – just a regular man, just a teacher. Answer: ‘Jesus was born in Israel. But He came from heaven. Jesus is the one true God. Jesus is Lord. He has no beginning and no end.’ (John 3:16, 16:28; 10:30; Rev 1:7-8) Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, He who was and is and is to come, God Almighty! “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7-8 Put Action Behind Your Faith! 13 years ago, the Lord called and pushed me, ‘Do what others are not willing to do! Share the gospel!’ And He promised reward. Now the Lord is pushing me to push the youth that He has entrusted to me – ‘Do what others are not willing to do! Share the gospel!’ And the Lord promises reward. Photo Below: Sharing the gospel with unbeliever who struggles with alcohol addiction (see his believing wife crying to the right):  Photo Below: Sharing gospel with transgender, holding nephew:  Photo Below: Reward. Praise the Lord!  “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 Testimony Exchange with a Serial Killer: The Christian testimony of notorious serial killer David Berkowitz, aka “Son of Sam,” endures much criticism. I can relate to that. The Lord led me to write him. Excerpt below:  Excerpt from David Berkowitz’s reply:  God’s Word makes clear that those who practice homosexuality, murder and many other sins that YOU have committed will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-5; 1 Cor 6:9-10). From the testimonies of Moses, David, Paul and others, God’s Word makes clear that THESE ARE NOT UNFORGIVABLE SINS: “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 If people were saved by being a good person, NOT ONE PERSON would make it to heaven: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:10 Praise the Lord for salvation by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ! “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” Philippians 3:9 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. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
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 steadfast support! Spiritual Combat Training: Satan has deceived the whole world (1 John 5:19). He has blinded the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4). Humanity has traded truth for lies and worships created beings rather than the Creator (Rom 1:20-32). The Lord has led to, ‘Teach these kids how to fight Satan’s deception.’ Christ is our best example. After a message on how the Lord defeated Satan with His Word (Luke 4), youth were tested… “sword drill” style. Example Question: Satan (through someone) says, ‘Jesus was just a regular person, maybe a good teacher, but not God.’ Which Scripture is most effective in combatting that lie? A) 2 Corinthians 5:17 B) Philippians 2:10-11 * Competition among youth drives progress. They did really well. Praise the Lord! IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS BELOW RE: “YOUTH TESTIMONY VIDEOS”: The focus of this month’s update is youth testimony videos, which are on Youtube. In Youtube, after clicking on the first testimony video below, PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK “CC” to turn on English subtitles:  Youth Testimony Share @ Castaway Baptist: Testimony is another effective weapon against demonic deception (Rev 12:9-11). Another adult brother and I led by example, sharing our testimonies. Then, each of our four oldest youth were asked to share their testimonies the following Sunday. The four young men in the videos below have been with us from the 2019 start of the neighborhood youth ministry. Click each video below for their testimonies: Pheaktra’s Testimony Bunrong’s Testimony Piseth’s Testimony Jib’s Testimony 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 Twins’ Birthday Party: Twins Karona and Rachana (younger sisters of Piseth in the above video) recently turned 11. They have been worshipping the Lord with us since they were about 7 years old. Praise the Lord for their lives!  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Blessings for Faithful Service: Faithful servants of the Lord (youth who attend, step up to lead, clean the church, memorize Scripture and share the gospel) were recently rewarded with a buffet dinner. Praise the Lord!  “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 Faithful in Evangelism: Sometimes with teenagers, it takes some prodding to get them moving. But from the restaurant to the neighborhood, our youth have been faithful in evangelism. I believe that evangelism is the primary reason the Lord leaves the born-again believer on earth (Acts 1:8). Above all, we must be faithful witnesses. This is why we are here. 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 Online Ministry: “D” (a believer in Spain) reached out again this month for encouragement and prayer. The Lord provided an opportunity to pray with a transgender who reached out from Thailand. Praise the Lord! “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 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. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
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 steadfast support! By the Lord’s grace, I have led many in prayer to repent and commit to follow the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. However, I stop short of reporting tallies, as I am not able to see the heart of man. A Cambodian pastor once shared with me: ‘Franklin Graham came to Cambodia and filled a stadium. They reported hundreds came forward to make a decision for Christ (article here). Because of reports like that, people donate a lot of money. It sounds amazing! But where are those hundreds of people now? I’ll tell you where most of them are. They are back at the temple bowing down to idols.’ If I preached the gospel message (without warnings specific to Buddhism – ex. against idolatry) and asked people if they are willing to “repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” I guarantee large numbers would be willing to pray with me and be baptized. Deep down, however, as a missionary on the ground here, I would know that they had no intention of worshipping ONLY the Lord Jesus Christ. The “best of the best” missionaries report tallies to keep money flowing in. I REFUSE TO DO IT. This is essential to understanding my ministry. First Baptism @ Castaway Baptist, 8/20/2023: Baptism does not have the power to save. The repentant born-again believer has been saved by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Eph 2:8-9). AFTER having given his life to Christ, the born-again believer follows the Lord in full immersion water baptism as a re-enactment / demonstration that he has died to self and been raised to new life in Christ. The Lord led to preach on His baptism (Matt 3:13-17) and apply it to us today. IMPORTANT: The Lord led to warn folks not to step forward for baptism if they had any intention to return to worshipping Satan by way of idol, angel or ancestor worship (Ex 20:3-6; Deut 13:1-3; Col 2:18; 1 Tim 2:5). In a Buddhist nation that shuns the non-conformist, baptism is a particularly bold public statement. Praise the Lord for the brave 6 who publicly confessed Christ as their Lord and Savior! 2 more are on deck for next time.  2 of the 6 who were baptized 8/20/2023 gave their lives to Christ in 2019/2020. Like the Israelites in the Old Testament, returning to idolatry is more common than not here. The Lord led to wait for a variety of reasons, and I can see the value in that wait now. Several of these guys are bearing much fruit. Lord willing, I will be sharing more of that with you over the coming months. Click this link to watch the baptism 8/20/2023 video (English subtitles) => https://youtu.be/aqT0nrYURWg “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4 Door-to-Door Neighborhood Evangelism: Our youth have been faithful in inviting people to church and evangelizing. Praise the Lord!   “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 My Motorbike Mechanic Friend: After “D” (unbeliever) and his wife (believer) came to Castaway Baptist, he and I hiked up to ancient temple ruins on top of a mountain. He pointed out on idol carved into stone, so the Lord led to use it as an object lesson. I asked, ‘If I worship this idol, can it help me? No! It can’t see or hear. It’s a rock. Satan has deceived the whole world…’ We walked through Scripture on my phone’s Bible app (ex. Rev 12:9; Isa 42:8). ‘The Bible says that when people die, their spirits either go to heaven or hell immediately (2 Cor 5:8; Heb 9:27). They do not roam the earth (as Buddhism teaches). Satan deceives people into worshipping him. He steals worship from the Lord Jesus…’ “D” simply said, ‘I understand.’ Because he agreed? Probably not. Because I am older than he is, it would be rude to rebut. True believers plant seeds and contend for the faith (Jude 3). We partner with the Holy Spirit in evangelism. Praise the Lord! Speak convicting truth that the Lord can use!  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” Proverbs 27:6 “…a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23 Motorbike Evangelism: The Lord inspired an evangelistic mission into the countryside, beginning with the need to pay a visit to the monk who refers to himself as “Teacher Long Hair” (last ref, Feb). In total, the trip was roughly 390 miles.  Teacher Long Hair: On the long climb up the mountain to the monastery, I met him on his way down. I shared the gospel with him again. He read through Scripture. I asked if he had any questions and prayed with him. We must be faithful in seed planting.  LGBTQ+ Evangelism: From there, the Lord led to touch base with LGBTQ+ contacts. For example, “O” and I read Scripture and prayed together. As the Lord led through His Word, I shared that genuine faith results in a changed life (2 Cor 5:17; Jam 2:26).  More Evangelism: The Lord led to many others along the way – for example, several policemen, a fellow believer and a Seventh Day Adventist family. Doing my best in Christ to work it tactfully into the conversation, I told him that the Bible is God’s Word, and there is no other “book” or “prophet” (referencing false prophetess Ellen White and her writings). The patriarch of the family took it in stride. I shared the gospel and prayed with them. Praise the Lord.  “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
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 steadfast support! Castaway Ministries’ mission statement is: “To share the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and deed in the U.S. and abroad.” In short, Evangelism & Discipleship: Win souls to Christ (Only Jesus saves; 1 Cor 3:6-7) by sharing the gospel message with the full counsel. Then, train up converts in the Bible. The aforementioned “deed” refers to good works done FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF winning souls to Christ. We are not a “make the world a better place” ministry. The Lord Jesus Christ did not commission believers to ‘go into all the world and be a good person.’ He commanded us to… “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16 Castaway Church – Tithing: Tithing is not an easy spiritual habit to form for many Cambodians coming out of Buddhism. Pastor of the church where I served in 2016, nearing retirement, spoke of tithing as if it is the mountain he continues to coax his congregation to climb. The Lord led me to tackle it in a sermon this month. The Lord of all Creation certainly does not need our money (Ps 50:10-12). Tithing is a test of faith, to trust the Lord with a portion of that which He has entrusted to us (Jam 1:17). Beyond what we can see, touch and feel, we trust the Lord to provide. He blesses obedience (Matt 6:33; Mal 3:8-10). Mature believers put action behind their faith, ‘put their money where their testimony is.’ Young believers were encouraged to put even a 2-cent equivalent into the offering, to begin the spiritual discipline of tithing, to jump from trusting the world into the arms of Almighty God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 Missionary from Alaska Visits: An American missionary who serves in Christian education in Alaska visited the church. Here in Cambodia for the summer break, he is refreshing before heading back. Click here to watch a video of him teaching the kids a song in English => https://youtu.be/pHtH0yETfsg “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Cambodia’s Equivalent of Amazing Grace: This video (https://youtu.be/D7Yu4hQoVZA) is a men’s trio at Castaway Baptist singing Cambodia’s version of Amazing Grace. By that, I mean that virtually every Cambodian, believer and unbeliever, knows it. K’deye Sneye roughly translates to “Love in Action.” It sings the gospel message. Praise the Lord! “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Breaking Fear of Asking Questions: Cambodian culture teaches to respect elders, which is great. Taking that a step further, Cambodians are also taught to obey without asking questions. Through Bible studies and a sermon on “Doubting Thomas,” the goal is to break that fear so that we can answer doubts with God’s Word and move forward with strong faith.   “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5 With coaching, older teach younger…  “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalm 86:11 Helping Illiterate Youth Memorize Scripture: Every Sunday, there is a memory verse. Below, Bunsin speaks the verse to illiterate youth. They repeated back and forth until able to memorize and recite the verse.  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 Bible Art on Display: These kids love to color. Typically we wrap-up Sunday School with a double-sided worksheet. For example, on the front, is a coloring sheet that illustrates the lesson and on the back, an activity.  Below is the back wall of the church displaying their artwork…  “Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.” Exodus 35:35 Out in the Field – Those Struggling with Substance Abuse: Around my spiritual birthday, the Lord often brings about ministry that reminds me where I came from by His grace. Husband/father of the home has been torn apart by his binge drinking. His believing wife confided privately that she has been strongly considering leaving him. I encouraged her to stay. When we first met in 2018, he did not take the call to repentance and faith / new life in Christ seriously. Many in the throes of addiction are not willing to surrender to the Lord until faced with dire consequences. Recently he has come down with gout and has been struggling financially. So this time, he took me seriously and read Scripture. First steps in new life for those climbing out of addiction are challenging, but with the indwelling Spirit of God, the born-again believer can make it. I painted a picture for him of what lay ahead on the narrow, difficult path – for example, that separation from past-life friends is required. Although he was not yet ready to surrender his life to Christ, we all prayed together. Please pray the Lord breaks R’s fear of trading the familiar comfort of alcohol for everlasting life, joy and peace in Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Out in the Field – Those Struggling with Substance Abuse: “V” is a prodigal from a Christian home. I have known him for about four months. He and his wife were standing at an altar to false gods as he told me all religions are basically the same, that all roads lead to heaven. I corrected him, ‘The Lord Jesus Christ is the one true God who created the heavens and the earth, the one true God who loves you, who died for you, the only path to everlasting life in heaven. He will return to judge. All other gods, all other paths lead to everlasting hell.’ After directing them to Scripture and praying with them, he began repeating what I said as though he was aligned. Please pray that the Lord resurrects “V” to new life. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:3-5 Out in the Field: Evangelizing the LGBTQ…   “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 Online Ministry – “S” from Serbia: Castaway’s online ministry continues to charge ahead by the Lord’s grace. There are many men around the world struggling with homosexual desires who are afraid to talk about it in their local churches. “S” from Serbia (the former Yugoslavia) reached out this month for encouragement and prayer. Praise the Lord! “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Ex-Gay Testimony, 2023: Please share this testimony with those who feel hopeless, that they have gone too far to be forgiven => https://youtu.be/-6IXPUuPmH8 Praise the Lord! “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
Ex-Gay Testimony: Victory in Jesus (English)
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
“…Satan, which deceiveth the whole world… they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:9-11
June Ministry Highlights- “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall!”
| Due to the sensitive nature of this ministry, some details, photos and videos have been removed from the below update that was sent to our prayer partners. Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Honored to Minister to a Fallen Hero: The Lord provided opportunity to speak and pray with an ex-gay leader who returned to his former lifestyle. Christians bombard him regularly. While some correction is loving and biblically justified, others seem to want to destroy him, finish him off. I prayed for an opportunity to speak to this man. The Lord led to try a different approach – mercy. He was open to talk. Since repenting 13 years ago, I have not returned to my past life. But there was a period when some wrongfully assumed that I had. Their false accusations tore me apart. The Lord led to share that story to relate and build a bridge to him. I listened to him. The Lord led to share biblical insight – e.g. depravity of man, spiritual warfare, my Dad’s testimony about the unpardonable sin. At the end, I closed in prayer. It was an honor to be used. Praise the Lord. I trust that this man is not beyond the Lord’s grace. Please join me in prayer for “Dave” (not his real name) to repent, start over and never give up! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 Castaway Baptist Church has been under renovation… Painted the Cross: The silver cross was not clearly visible against the backdrop of the bright sunlight. So the Lord led to have it painted.  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Tore Down the Wall: When we rented the church in April, a wall ran half the length of the church. The landlord was not willing to remove it. So we used one part for the sanctuary and the other half for Bible study / youth ministry. That worked, until we saw higher numbers…   The Lord led to go back to the landlord and ask again, ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ He agreed. Much better now. Praise the Lord! Video (1 min, 23 secs) => https://youtu.be/u2ySo2vzJp8 “And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God…” Exodus 8:28 Preach the Full Counsel: Two of the older youth who have been with us since early 2019 recently shared testimony. Heavily indoctrinated in Buddhism from an early age and blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), they said they had no idea what I was saying for the first year. Buddhism is Satan worship. It is largely the appeasement of demons to gain “luck,” earn merit toward a better reincarnation and avoid curses. As you can see, adults who join worship are few and far between. And youth who join often are allowed to do so under the guise of ‘tell the foreigner whatever he wants to hear’ in order to gain something – food, gift, go somewhere, etc. The prevailing sentiment is, ‘We are Cambodian; therefore, we are Buddhist.’ (Period.) Having revealed these harsh realities over the years here in the field, the Lord has led to preach direct “difficult to hear” truth. Some do not return a second Sunday. Please God, not man. Praise the Lord! Video, Example Sermon (21 mins, no translation) => https://youtu.be/ygrIJEX6Mvk “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 In 2016, the Lord led to launch Castaway and evangelize transgender sex workers. The first one to whom the Lord led has a daughter from his younger life. The daughter recently began attending Castaway Church. Remember that we have a reward system to encourage youth to attend and serve. Father of one of our most faithful kids came to help his son win. Whatever his reason, he heard the gospel message loudly and clearly. Praise the Lord! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 Special Music has been especially God-glorifying this month… Video, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” => https://youtu.be/5v_qAedNqCc Praise the Lord! Evangelizing the Marginalized: The Lord has led to a particular brothel (female) for several years. One woman I have known for years is now eight-months pregnant with her third child, evidently to one of her customers. Her other two kids have joined our youth ministry in the past. Sitting outside of the brothel, she was open to receiving prayer for her unborn child. The Lord led to share the gospel of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with her again, also to invite her and her co-workers to church. “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7 Trip to Phnom Penh (6 hrs away): While evangelism is always the primary purpose for travel, the Lord inspires trips through a variety of needs. I needed a new passport from the U.S. Embassy, a communion tray, cross and teaching materials from the Christian bookstore.  Once pointing a desperate and dying world to the Savior, the U.S. now sadly leads the world in moral depravity. The gate of the U.S. Embassy was adorned with rainbow flags. The overnight bus saves time and money, dropping off between 4:00 and 5:00am near the red light district right about the time bars are closing down. That desperate hour is perfect for sharing the gospel with transgender prostitutes and women of the night…  The Lord led to share the gospel with a man waiting outside the embassy trying to get a visa to visit the US…  Do you remember the monk who said I could tell him about Jesus if I also answered questions about the USA? He relocated from the mountain monastery a couple of hours from me to another one in Phnom Penh. We kept in touch through Facebook, and I tracked him down this trip. Right there at the gate of the monastery, that temple to Satan, Christ led to share the gospel of repentance and faith in the one true God with him one more time. Praise the Lord! “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” – C.T. Studd   Defended the faith at Krispy Kreme…  “…ye should earnestly contend for the faith…” Jude 3 Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
May Highlights- Castaway Baptist Church 2nd Month, Elephants & Celebrating 13 Years!
| Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! Testimony – 13 years ago this month: When the call of God on my life became clear 13 years ago, I imagined pastors to be heroes of the faith. Feeling inadequate, I was easily discouraged from attending seminary. For 10 years, I procrastinated. Then came a time of crisis in my life that only the full counsel of God could have resolved. None of 7+ respected pastors (mostly Baptist) was willing to stand on difficult truth. I was devastated, dumbfounded and still find it difficult to believe that it actually happened. Through this crisis, the Lord removed the facade from pastors I had admired. On the bright side, the Lord used it. Conquering feelings of inadequacy, the Lord empowered graduation from seminary with distinction, led to plant and pastor a church (Gen 50:20). PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! 🕇 With the following in mind, I moved forward: “Be the change you would like to see in the church.” ( … and so can you!) I have never been so fulfilled in my ministry, in the center of God’s will. Pick yourself up, and fight forward in the power of Christ! “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 Castaway Baptist Church: We had a great month. Lots of new folks came through the door, especially youth. Praise the Lord!   Bible Studies, Fellowship…    Partnering with Local Churches: Outreach Soccer… CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO! ==> https://youtu.be/ATgdoPhgFtA  Partnering with Local Churches: Guitar Lessons for Three Interested in Learning…  Sharing the Gospel & Inviting People to Church…   A Korean missionary recently donated a much-needed speaker and microphones. Thank the Lord!  “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 Youth Ministry Reward System: The Lord led to implement a “point system” for rewarding the faithful. Youth receive points for attendance, service, memorizing Scripture, witnessing and bringing friends. Competition has greatly renewed fervor. Youth have been so excited to participate. ‘Can I see the points?!’ they ask. It has been amazing to see. Praise the Lord! Winners for April visited Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary.  On a tractor through the wildlife refuge (felt like a hay ride), the Lord led. ‘I will give five points for May to whomever is brave enough to share the gospel with our tour guide here (Cambodian Buddhist woman).’ A young and relatively new student named Danut stepped up. Praise the Lord! CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO! ==> https://youtu.be/S7bAVTTZYvE And so began his winning streak. Final tallies in for the month of May… and the winner is… Danut! Praise the Lord! Evangelizing the Gay Community: Difficult as it is to balance the church with regional motorbike runs, the Lord has pushed me to remain faithful in evangelizing the LGBTQ. Persistence is key. Those who have been following Castaway for a while will remember some of the folks below. Pastor’s son Kireyroat (next to me) & his friend…  Evangelizing the Transgender Community: Srey Pov hears the gospel while cooking fried rice…  Evangelizing the Transgender Community: Ounja working in the salon, then reading the Bible after work over a bowl of noodles…   Evangelizing Sex Workers: Jeye sitting on my motorbike outside of her workplace…  Evangelizing Farmers: The Lord led to these fellas along the way to witness to the rural LGBTQ. This young man (sitting) lost the lower half of his leg in a motorbike accident.  Please stand with us in prayer, and fast a meal or two toward salvation for the lost. “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Any of us could die at any moment. Click Here to find out how you can know enduring peace, God’s purpose for your life and be sure you will go to heaven when your brief time on earth is up. Ways to Partner: 1. Pray for: – Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBTQ. – That seeds would bear fruit, that the Lord would raise up Cambodian evangelists. – Revival for the U.S. church – that we would stand for difficult truth in these days no matter what the cost. – Financial support to keep me in the field doing what I am called to do. 2. Click to Donate via PayPal (tax deductible)! PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! |
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)! |
Castaway Ministries 