April Ministry Highlights – Better Than?

Prayer Partners:

Thank you for your steadfast support!

Castaway Baptist Invites Transgender Prostitutes:

The Lord’s timing is perfect. In addition to sharing the gospel with transgender prostitutes, the Lord ordered me to urge them to come to Castaway Baptist.




I have received much backlash for being seen out witnessing to sinners. But the Lord requires me (and you) to do it: “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'”  Matthew 9:11-12

Castaway Baptist Prepares to Receive Transgender Prostitutes:



And the Lord has led to prepare sermons that will position us to receive them.

I have learned the hard way that many believers think they are “better than” those of us who have repented of homosexual sin and surrendered all to follow Christ… not to mention those who are still living in that sin.

Many consider themselves “better than” because they believe they are:
1) Less sinful or have arrived at “sinless perfection”
2) More forgiven
3) More of a man
4) More worthy to lead
5) Spiritually superior
6) Closer to the Lord

So, for example, here at Castaway Baptist… I share that I repented 14 years ago and never went back. I ask the congregation if they think they are better than me.

Then I ask, ‘If a transgender prostitute walked in the door now and sat down, would you laugh? Do you think you are better than him? If so, why? Do you think you have less sin? Do you think your sin is more forgivable?’

Then I challenge them to look in the mirror as we read through some of the more socially acceptable abominations to the Lord… “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”   Prov 6:16-19

From gossip to lying and pride, most believers struggle with one or more of the above abominations. Also see => Eph 5:5Gal 5:19-21Rev 21:8.

Homosexuality is just as forgivable as any other sin (1 Cor 6:9-11). And NOT ONE person on this planet has reached a state of sinless perfection (Rom 3:10)!


The Wisdom God Gave King Solomon:
(1 Kings 3:16-28)

Two prostitutes lived together, each with a baby. Both claimed the other had rolled over on her respective baby during the night, killing it, then swapped the dead baby for the living.

To test them and reveal the truth, Solomon ordered the living baby be cut in two pieces!

The mother of the living baby cried out, identifying herself…  “…’Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” … Then the king answered and said, ‘Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.’”  1 Kings 3:26-27

WHY Do You Serve the Lord?:

At Castaway Baptist, the Lord often leads to test what motivates people to serve.

Remember that we had a “points system” to reward faithfulness among youth. Recently the Lord led to stop giving points.

The test revealed who was serving for gain and who was serving for Christ.

Through it all, Danut has remained faithful.

For example, every Saturday, the church must be cleaned. It’s a humble, thankless job. Only 2-3 of us typically show up.

Through it all, Danut has consistently served and works until the job is done. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!



“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”   Mark 10:43-45



Interview: “Sounds Like Freedom” Podcast:

After sharing testimony, we delved into subject matter addressed in my book, The Church: We Shoot Our Wounded, especially Pastor Joel Madlangawa‘s (IBCSR) ongoing attacks on Castaway Baptist Church.

CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH / LISTEN ON YOUTUBE ==> https://youtu.be/0fYo0fGmkYI?si=-nQD6ywegwC5f3ET

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-13

PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Unusually Hot in Cambodia:

Throughout April, Highs have been 100+ degrees every day, except 2 days that maxed out at 99 degrees. “Feels like temp” has consistently been 110+.



“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  Luke 21:28

Jesus is coming soon. Do you love your friends and family? SHARE THE GOSPEL!

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!

March Ministry Highlights

Prayer Partners:

Thank you for your steadfast support!

HE IS RISEN! Praise God for salvation by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone!



Banner above hangs in front of Castaway Baptist… Scripture in English:
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Transgender Day of Visibility?:

Satan steals glory from the Lord (Isa 14:13-15). As Biden blatantly attacks the throne of God, proclaiming Resurrection Sunday “Transgender Day of Visibility,” we believers must stand against Satan’s agenda.

The Bible can only be properly understood as a whole, not one passage taken out of context (Matt 4:4).

As I preached on Sunday… ‘God’s Word charges believers to submit to all governing authorities (Rom 13:1), AS LONG AS those authorities are in agreement with God’s Word. When governing authorities rail against God’s Word, we believers are called to please God, not man (Acts 5:29).’

Dialing back a few years, I prayerfully decided to get a COVID vaccine. To bow to the government? NO. Because unvaccinated, I was unable to evangelize (Mark 16:15).

My ministry is unique. If any of you ever have a question about something I have done, simply ASK ME.

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'”  Acts 5:29

Castaway Baptist Church:

Many pastors (e.g. Joel Osteen) draw big crowds because they preach what people want to hear.

In Buddhist Cambodia, a large cross boldly adorns Castaway Baptist. The Lord often leads to preach directly against Buddhist teachings such as idolatry and karma. On the wall of the church, Scripture warns against idolatry (Ex 20:3-6Deut 11:26-28).



Pastor Joel Madlangawa of nearby IBCSR tells people not to come to Castaway Baptist. What spirit is working in a pastor who strives to destroy another church?

Even after the Lord led to confront him, Madlangawa continues to slander and engage in schemes that are much more in keeping with a catty homosexual than a man of God.

Back to what’s important… Recently we have had visitors from Australia and Canada.




“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:10

Evangelizing Buddhist Monks & the LGBTQ, in Obedience to the Great Commission:



When I looked up from the pulpit on Resurrection Sunday morning and saw Kireyroat sitting there, I was so thankful. Remember that Kireyroat is the pastor’s son I have been witnessing to for years. He finally came to Castaway Baptist. PRAISE THE LORD!



“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

Why & How I Evangelize the LGBTQ:

The below video is an explanation for those who misunderstand my ministry. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO => https://youtu.be/w05bbpcjYrg

“Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”  Matthew 10:17-18

Sri Lanka:

Recently the Lord led to Sri Lanka to do what I am called to do – PREACH THE GOSPEL.





True Story that Vividly Illustrates My Ministry:

At the top of a mountain in Sri Lanka, I met a couple in their 60s from the U.K. I praised the Lord for His beautiful creation and shared that He has led me to many countries to share the gospel. The woman replied, ‘I am a Christian. But I believe we should let people believe what they want to believe…’

I replied, ‘So let ’em go to hell, huh? We are surrounded by people who are bound for everlasting hell! We have a responsibility to call them to repentance and faith in Christ!’

She said, ‘I am finished talking to you!’ I said, “Thank you,” and walked away.

This is a picture of my ministry and much of the professing church. If this woman and I attended the same church, I guarantee you that she would try to tarnish my reputation and talk down to me, in order to feel spiritually superior in her blatant disobedience.

From “Pastor” Blaine Workman at ACAC in Pittsburgh, PA to Dan Osterhout at First Baptist Curwensville, PA to Martin Chappell at Calvary Baptist Bangkok, Thailand to Joel Madlangawa at Independent Baptist of Siem Reap, Cambodia; their M.O. is the same. The madness of Balaam (2 Pet 2:15). Having sold out for gain, they seek to destroy the faithful.

I belong to Jesus. Do you?



PRAISE THE LORD!

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”  Mark 16:15

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!

USA Ministry Update

Prayer Partners:

Thank you for your support. Our Visa applications were approved, and we passed our Covid tests. After 10 months back in Pennsylvania, we headed out to return to Cambodia. Praise the Lord!

In spite of Covid season, through this extended homestay, the Lord opened doors. We were blessed to serve 23 churches and 1 school through sharing ex-gay testimony and being a resource. Dad & Mom also shared perspective as parents of an ex-gay prodigal at many of the churches. Praise the Lord!

Click Here to view “Serving Churches USA 2020” photos.

There is a way out of a gay lifestyle for those who are willing to turn away from following their deceitful hearts to follow Christ. Must be born again. Praise the Lord!

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [a]homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU, BUT you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

To pastors & churches who welcomed us: Thank you for standing with us on difficult Bible truth in these last days!

We came home for Christmas 2019. Little did we know we would still be here 10 months later. The Lord has a way of bringing good out of challenges.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

2 Ways to Help:

  1. Pray for:
  • Conviction, eyes to see and ears to hear for the LGBT+.
  • Revival for the U.S. – that we would stand for all timeless, Bible truth in these days no matter what the cost.
  • Spiritual fruit from U.S. church engagements.
  • Financial support from U.S. church engagements.
  • Financial provision for a much-needed truck.
  • Smooth-as-possible transition back to Cambodia.
  • Open hearts & spiritual fruit in Southeast Asia.
  • Stand with us in prayer for the promised son.

2. Click Here to Donate to either fund via PayPal (both tax deductible)!

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!

And Thank You for your support!

Missional Adventure through the Jungle (Cambodia)- Part 2 of 3

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

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Missional Adventure through the Jungle (Cambodia)- Part 1 of 3

Praise the Lord for getting me through!

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26

Year-End 2018 Ministry Update

Prayer Partners:

Thank you for your faithful support. 2018 was an interesting year.

As much as we have tried to focus primarily on evangelizing LGBT+ adults, the Lord seems to redirect us to children’s ministries. Although baffling at first, we now view children’s ministries as early stage prevention.

The Lord is the driver. Summarizing what we see in the rear view mirror and telling you what we think we see ahead, this update is written from a passenger’s perspective.

Rebekah and I are back in Cambodia, where I was originally called. Praise the Lord.

We were saddened by the loss of Rebekah’s mother but rejoice in her legacy. She stood for Christ against fierce opposition and raised three children in the Lord.

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If terms of time investment, teaching was 2018’s primary ministry focus. A number of students prayed to receive Christ. Born into deeply rooted Buddhist homes, they have uphill battles ahead of them. Children’s Bible storybooks were given to those who showed genuine interest in going forward to serve the Lord. Please pray that no weapon formed against these kids would prosper, that they would fight to follow and grow up to be bold witnesses.

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 19:14

Sometimes we feel like we have not had time to do much intentional in-person witnessing to those who struggle with same-sex attraction and gender identity. About that time, we go to the market and end up sharing with a someone who identifies as transgender or go to get a haircut and end up sharing Christ with a same-sex couple. The Lord leads.

During teaching breaks, we continued to explore our region and witnessed along the way.

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” – Mark 16:15

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Encountered Yamu on the street, a homeless man with fresh head wounds from an accident. Took him to the hospital. Met basic needs. Shared the gospel and connected him with the local church. Pray for Yamu.

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Sharing Christ with young people in a restaurant in Kandal Province.

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Shared Christ with young men while on a missional adventure in Preah Vihear Province. Have you shared the gospel with someone this week?

“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:16

A doctoral candidate at a Christian university in the U.S. included our testimony as part of her research for a thesis advocating repentance and following Christ as a healthy alternative to a homosexual lifestyle. We are thankful to be counted as soldiers in this war. Are you?

Online we continue to post Scripture, typically daily in English and weekly in several other languages. Men who struggle with same-sex attraction continue to reach out for encouragement toward following Christ.

Though we were not able to get home to the U.S. or Philippines for Christmas, we returned to my former home in Kandal Province. We sang, “God, Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” as a family at Mercy Baptist Church.

On your behalf, we took Christmas gifts to the kids that I used to teach on the porch. Rebekah picked out ‘sport shirt and shorts’ sets and wrapped each with a tract inside. Some were given Bible storybooks. They were thrilled. Thank you for your support!

Quick to scurry off, the kids were encouraged to hunker down to pray and thank Jesus. Anticipating that none of them would be there when I looked up, I was overjoyed to see them all knelt down. It was another unforgettable moment in Christ.

The Lord delivered me from a life of guttural sin. Like the commission of the demon possessed man, my primary ministry goal has been to witness for Him wherever I go.

“(Jesus)…said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” – Mark 5:19-20

Nothing is more important than sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Across Asia, we were blessed with opportunities to share in churches. I share, and then typically my wife and I sing. Upon request, we have offered guidance to church leaders in evangelizing the LGBT+. We strive to lead by example in sharing the gospel- including the requirement for repentance and warning of coming judgment.

“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” – Acts 20:27

“But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” – Hebrews 10:38-39

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An evening of witnessing to transgender prostitutes in Kathmandu with Pastor Gyan

At our home base in Siem Reap, we have been blessed with opportunities to serve under Independent Baptist Church of Siem Reap (a largely Filipino church that preaches in English and also has a Cambodian service) and Siem Reap Ministry (a primarily Cambodian church). We admire Pastor Joel Madlangawa at IBCSR for his sound doctrine and courage; and Pastor Tieng Tan at SRM for his humility and perseverance in sharing the gospel.

At the end of nearly a year at Westgate International School in Siem Reap, I chose to resign after being reprimanded for Christian teaching and giving children’s Bible storybooks (which were confiscated from many of the children).

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Matthew 6:24

The Lord provides. We have looked into several options, such as running a guesthouse with space for teaching and an outreach in the countryside. Please pray toward this.

A missionary on our first short term mission to Cambodia in 2010 shared, ‘English is the best way to get the gospel through. Everybody wants to learn English.’ Recently we began teaching about Jesus and English in our neighborhood.

In looking toward a more established ministry center, we have begun talks with local pastors, missionaries and folks who have embarked down similar paths. Most began with a small school or education center which culminated in a church plant.

Please continue to pray for us as we trust the Lord for the son that He promised eight years ago.

Praise the Lord for all He has done and continues to do as we fight to follow down this narrow, difficult path that leads to eternal life! May the Lord bless you for your support!

Contend for the faith!

Victory and Peace in Christ,

Matthew & Rebekah Karchner
castawayministries.org

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”- Philippians 4:13

Apart from Him, I can do nothing. (John 15:5)