| Prayer Partners: Thank you for your steadfast support! The Lord led and provided to open Castaway Baptist in April of 2023. Having received word of a Bible burning in the village and false accusations aiming to discredit our witness, Satan came at us with all he had this year. But we are moving forward and bearing fruit in the power of Almighty God! Dad, Mom & Aunt Bob Visited Cambodia: Dad and Mom had never left the U.S. until 12/2023. Aunt Bob, a seasoned traveler, served as guide. As is the norm with first-time visits to developing countries, great blessings and great challenges came as a bundle. Dad and Mom, now back home, are climbing out of foodborne bacterial infections. They weathered challenges like soldiers for Christ. Dad Preached: Dad preached a sermon entitled, “Why Jesus?” Many other gods are worshipped in Cambodia. Why choose Jesus? A few highlights: Using an excerpt from John chapter 1 as a chair passage, first the deity and eternality of Christ were established.  “For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:23 To illustrate and apply the walk of faith by example, Dad shared our family’s testimony. Most attendees were the first in their families to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. So probably the most relatable part of Dad’s story was that he also was the first in his immediate family to believe in the Lord. Giving his life to Christ back in 1975 ignited a spiritual war in his family. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 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 10:34-37 Dad stood for Christ for decades, endured persecution, prayed for his parents’ salvation and continued to be a faithful witness to them. In their final years, the Lord moved miraculously. Both prayed to receive Christ. Leading into the altar call, Dad clarified that ‘serving the Lord is not easy, but you will see miracles!’ Praise the Lord for Victory in Christ! “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 “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 Dad & I Shared the Gospel Door-to-Door: For example, we shared the gospel with a woman and her daughter. She said that every time she has tried to worship Jesus, she gets sick. So she runs from Jesus and offers sacrifices / worship to demons out of fear. Remember that Satan was cast out of heaven for seeking to exalt himself above the Most High (Isa 14:12-14; Rev 12:9). Satan controls through fear. Cambodian Buddhists live in fear of evil spirits, appease them through worship in an effort to avoid curses and to gain “luck.” This is similar to how Americans buckle under satanic societal pressure, choose to say “positive and encouraging” things that send people to hell, rather than the offensive, life-giving gospel message of repentance. Satan coerces through fear of job loss, etc. Dad and I shared that Satan will continue to control her by fear until she repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. At that point, the Holy Spirit, who is stronger than Satan, would come to dwell in her heart and protect her. In other words, surrender to receive Victory. We prayed with her. “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 Christmas Dinner with Church Family: The faithful and their immediate families were invited to our annual Christmas dinner. The restaurant features a buffet and traditional Cambodian performance. 31 people came. Some heard the gospel message for the first time. Praise the Lord!   “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Youth enjoyed their gifts. Praise the Lord! And thank you to all who support Castaway Ministries!   Those willing to serve faithfully in 2023 received more for Christmas…  … and showed their appreciation to the Lord by sharing the gospel message with sellers. 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 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: Spiritual warfare
November Ministry Highlights
| 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! |
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! |
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
Interview: Rick & Carole Karchner, Parents of a Gay Prodigal – Overcomers Overcoming Podcast
Parents of a Gay Prodigal: How Rick & Carole Karchner (Dad & Mom) Handled my “Coming out”.
Click below to listen to the podcast (35 mins):
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Peter 5:8
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 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 12:9-11
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Tim 4:3-5
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Praise the Lord!
The War Is Not Over Yet!
Strange as it sounds, I think there is value in being encouraged by the level of opposition we face. Somebody said, ‘If there weren’t significant (spiritual) opposition to what we are doing, it would be an indicator that we’re not moving in the right direction.’
A German Sunday School teacher took his teenage child to visit a Christian university in the U.S., and this is what he said upon return:
‘In Europe, the (spiritual) war has been decided, and it’s over. People have made their decision. For the most part, no one wants to hear about Jesus anymore. In America, the war rages on. And that is what was thrilling to me- the fact that there still IS a war.’
Testimonies of the men Castaway serves can be knock-down / drag out. Just when you think the game is over and the man will be ushered off this earth into eternal darkness, the Lord steps in. Just because it looks bleak doesn’t mean the war is over. As my Dad used to say, ‘Maybe the Lord just hasn’t spoken yet.’
On American Independence month, let’s be encouraged that Satan still considers the U.S. a significant enough threat to load our churches, universities and media outlets to the brim with his troops.
We’re at war. Stay in the fight!
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:11-12
Castaway Ministries 