Young Cambodians face a whole new challenge today. They grow up under poverty, and the society cannot provide a complete education system, so they have to work hard to get an education. In addition, the employment rate is low, and job opportunities are rare. Yong people can hardly find jobs, even the educated ones.

Challenges to ‘shepherd' the young generation

(1)  This young generation feels hopeless for the future. They have no goal nor direction, and peer pressure pushes them into such bad behaviors as drinking, drug abuse, and gambling. Not long ago, a couple of high school students were found intoxicated at the House of Peace. Our local field worker, Philip, is now following their cases, and giving them some counseling.

(2) Cambodian rural areas have their own ‘village' culture. Every family opens their home to everyone, and they have good communication with each other. Living as villagers is relatively boring, and gambling is the best entertainment. They ‘play' it
within the family. Their neighbors can come over and take part in it also. Gambling fills the atmosphere, especially during festivals. Even healthy sports activity can turn into something to gamble over.   Church leaders and the members may
themselves give in to the temptation sometimes.

(3)  Because society is more open, and the media delivers wrong messages about sex to the public, a lower moral standard, especially for sexual behavior, is the result. When the young face sexual temptation, they tend to let loose and cross the
line. Sexual involvement before marriage is now common. It happens to some young members of the church too.

The issues I've mentioned above are what the church in Cambodia confronts these days. It needs God's spirit to strengthen the preachers' spiritual conduct and their hearts to serve. May God give power, wisdom, and strategic minds to our
field coordinators, short term missionaries, and local preachers. Let us all work together to build a pure kingdom which belongs to God, to be a light to society, and to witness the greatness of God. (I believe churches in Hong Kong and
around the world face the same challenges.)

Dealing with difficulties

Tuk Tuk

I have had more opportunities to work alone in the village lately. The most ideal is 3 to 4 times a week. Not knowing how to drive becomes a limitation to me as a long-term missionary. I used to hire a ‘Tuk Tuk’ (the local motorcycle-built taxi - refer to the picture) with missionary teams, but it is more costly. Recently I have choosing the motorcycle taxis because I commute by myself and it costs less. The city drivers usually refuse to take passengers to remote villages directly, so I have to transfer a few times in order to get to the village.

I took my chance to learn to drive a motorcycle during the Khmer New Year holiday last month. There was a lot less traffic than usual.  Even though I know I could master the driving skills, the traffic is out of my control. So I did not take any steps further. The traffic accident rate is high in Cambodia, and mostly caused by drunk driving. I've thought of taking a car driving course, but I still have not decided about that. Please remember my need here, and put it in your prayers.

Youth camp Theme: A Changing Era	Missionary Retreat in Thailand Theme: A Better Team	Seminar Theme: Learn to Forgive	Seminar: resist temptation (missionary Miu Ling & students)

Things to be grateful for:

1.      Missionary Miu-Ling Lee and I attended a Chinese Missionary retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in April. We had a great time learning, sharing, and praying with some 60 missionaries serving in Thailand.

2.      The young church leaders organized a 4-day youth camp, and it just ended. The theme was ‘A Changing Era’. May the young generation walk on the right way.

3.      God is looking after my little daughter Kristy, and keeping her healthy always.

Prayer requests:

1.      May the local young people grow up in God's word so they can hold on when confronting temptation and attacks from the outside world.

2.      That missionaries and local preachers will work together and build close relationships to serve God in one heart.

3.      For a suitable way to get between the village and the city;  Also pray for safe journeys always.

4.      May God keep me safe when I go to the bank and money exchange

5.      For my elder daughter and my son-in-law to recognize God’ salvation soon.

Christina

Mailing Address P.O. Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia