by Rod and Dianna Samuelson,
VISA Volunteers to Cambodia
As we stepped off the ferry into the river some of the children from the future "House of Joy" were standing on the shore and in the water waving at us in their excitement at our arrival. Sopheap, one of the ladies in Prek Thei Church, carried the box of apples we had picked up at the market to give to the children as a treat. Pastor Paula carried the files that contain the name of each child who needed a "Childcare Ministries" sponsor.
I carried the 35mm camera to take pictures of each child for his/her record. We climbed up the hill to the church with the sun blazing down on us. The children chattered away in Khmer. The appearance of some of the children was heartbreaking. Dirty little bodies that desperately needed washing, open sores, head lice, and tattered clothes. Other children were clean, hair combed, and in old but clean clothes. They wanted to look their best for pictures so someone might choose to sponsor them.
The objective of the Free Methodist Childcare Ministry is to meet the needs of the whole child, body, soul, and spirit. Teaching hygiene to these young people is the beginning of warding off disease, teaching these dear little ones about Jesus and what the Bible says saves their souls. If itching head lice, open sores, and empty stomachs do not distract them, they can actually listen to what the teacher is teaching.
The love Pastor Paula showed these children was evident in their response to her. They wanted to touch her, get her attention, and talk to her. The apples were well received, and picture taking and the completing of applications got underway. As the sun began to fade it was time to go, and the ferry was waiting. The children walked us down to the river, and waved goodbye as we waded through the water, and climbed back on board the ferry.
Won't you get "on board" and sponsor one of our children for only $18 per month? Your $18 provides one child with food Monday through Friday, good hygiene, a caring place to learn about Jesus, and a safe place to play. We are helping to build the future leaders of Cambodia. A clean, well-fed, healthy child who comes to know Jesus is a reward in itself. To sponsor a Cambodian child please contact:
International Childcare Ministries
P.O. Box 535002
Indianapolis, Indiana 46253-5002
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