Ok, I have been involved with Tearfund in different ways for pretty well the whole of my Christian life, and it is true that I am now a vice-president, and it is my job to say good things about the work of Tearfund. But let's imagine I were to take a step back into the land of objectivity. What would I say. Well, I would say, first of all that this trip was superbly organized and led. No 't' was left uncrossed, and no 'i' was left undotted. Everything was thought about in terms of health and safety, right down to the diarrhoea pack (which thankfully wasn't needed!). We also had a great leader in Billie Anderson, who was both orgauized and flexible, kind and firm - just the kind of person we needed!
But to go deeper, I was truly impressed by the partner with whom Tearfund is working here in Poipet, which is (as you will know by now) the Cambodia Hope Organization. It is, of course, a Christian-based organization, though here for the good of all. It is not the church as such, but 'church' has grown systemically out of its work. But it re-taught me a lesson which I learnt years ago in Southern Sudan - that there are many situations where the Church can be the most effective aid agency. The Church is on the ground, knows the situation, and will be there long-term. I am so glad that the genius of Tearfund is to support aid and development through the local church, and to connect those churches to one another worldwide.
Another things which impressed me was the way in which every penny in accounted for by Tearfund. Very little is spent on admin. So we were able to see specific projects with, for example HIV/AIDs and micro-enterprises, which are specifically supported by Tearfund.
But there is another thing which rejoices my heart and it is this. Tearfund also enables us to think differently in our Western culture, through programmes like Discovery and Just People. Let's really value them and use them to enable our folk to have hearts which beat with the heart of God.
Now that's an objective report- can you imagine a subjetive one......In one sentence 'Tearfund is brill'
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Music
Today we met at 7.30am for a special time of prayer for the nation of Cambodia, and especially for those grieving the loss of loved ones in the tragedy on Monday on Diamond Island Bridge in Phnom Penh. It was a wonderful time. The priestly ministry of the people of God in bringing the world before its Maker is a privilege. Tears were shed, prayers of love were uttered to one who knows and understands human grief and loss.
But, strangely, the part of the worship which affected me most deeply was the singing. Music here feels different- it has a kind of Chinese sound to Western ears. It is very beautiful. I only wish I could have recorded it for you to hear. Most of the hymns and songs were unknown to us, but we knew oursleves to be in the presence of believers worshipping the One God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I began to ruminate as the music washed over me, that when we arrive at the new heaven and the new earth, there will be people of all tribes and nations and peoples and languages before the throne of God, singing 'Worthy is the Lamb'. I'm sure they will bring with them all that is best in their cultures, and I imagined myself wandering from nation to nation, as the beauty of their singing was lifted up to the throne of God.
Then we sang a song I knew: 'Amazing grace', with the last verse in English:
When we've been there tem thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we first begun.
And thanked the Lord from the bottoim of my heart for his wonderful redemption, and for the whole company of the redeemed.
But, strangely, the part of the worship which affected me most deeply was the singing. Music here feels different- it has a kind of Chinese sound to Western ears. It is very beautiful. I only wish I could have recorded it for you to hear. Most of the hymns and songs were unknown to us, but we knew oursleves to be in the presence of believers worshipping the One God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I began to ruminate as the music washed over me, that when we arrive at the new heaven and the new earth, there will be people of all tribes and nations and peoples and languages before the throne of God, singing 'Worthy is the Lamb'. I'm sure they will bring with them all that is best in their cultures, and I imagined myself wandering from nation to nation, as the beauty of their singing was lifted up to the throne of God.
Then we sang a song I knew: 'Amazing grace', with the last verse in English:
When we've been there tem thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we first begun.
And thanked the Lord from the bottoim of my heart for his wonderful redemption, and for the whole company of the redeemed.
An army of ordinary people
Another blog from Jono Pierce:
We had a very moving day yesterday when we divided up as a group. I spent the morning and part of the afternoon with Bishop Harold doing some training and teaching with the pastors and church leaders in the local villages.
We began by hearing some amazing testimonies. Stories of immense suffering and pain, of time spent in refugee camps and abject poverty. Stories of men leaving Buddhist temples because of the light and life of Christ they had seen in others.
I was speaking from Mark 1 of the importance of building up our personal devotional life and again it was humbling to meet men who desperately want to spend time alone with God but have no space in their homes where they can do it. We have been given a deep sense of just how much we take for granted in the Western world on this trip.
We had a very moving time at the end of that day when we prayed for and anointed these pastors and church leaders. Bishop Harold anointed their wrists that they might have authority and courage to bring the Word of God to their communities. What touched us deeply was what they requested us to pray for. They prayed for boldness in sharing the Good News. They prayed for wisdom in leading their communities. They prayed for ways in which they could draw even closer to God. Then they prayed for us. I've no idea what they said but i know it was beautiful and it helped me enormously.
In the afternoon Gavin and i headed off on a motorbike Tuk Tuk to a remote village with Sem a community health worker who runs a service for those affected by HIV and Aids. While we were there Sem translated a session in a safe house about recognising the signs of HIV.
Sem who has come here 6 months ago from New Zealand spoke of how difficult his first 3 months were. Surrounded by such need and poverty he found it hard to deliver his training and learn the local language.
He would well up with sadness so that he could not speak.
Now He lights up with encouragement as he points out to me people who were terribly ill and can now walk. Children who CHO send to clinics for anti retroviral drugs. He translated a message for me as we spoke to the villagers and spoke of how our Father in heaven is making such a difference.
People from the village appreciate the rice and the cost of transportation to the clinics and the way that CHO travel the inaccessible roads on motorbikes to bring water, food and medicine to those who have nothing.
As we bumped our way back in the Tuk Tuk Sem beamed from ear to ear as he told me how much he loved his job. He said every day i'm part of something that is saving lives and i pray to our father every morning and every night to give us the strength we need.
What challenged me most was his comment that if asked to go back to new Zealand now he would find it difficult. He believes its important to just go in obedience to what God has called us to do. With a cheerful wave and a big smile he was off - another example of God's army of ordinary people in this place called to do extraordinary things and bring His kingdom here on earth.
Jono Pierce
We had a very moving day yesterday when we divided up as a group. I spent the morning and part of the afternoon with Bishop Harold doing some training and teaching with the pastors and church leaders in the local villages.
We began by hearing some amazing testimonies. Stories of immense suffering and pain, of time spent in refugee camps and abject poverty. Stories of men leaving Buddhist temples because of the light and life of Christ they had seen in others.
I was speaking from Mark 1 of the importance of building up our personal devotional life and again it was humbling to meet men who desperately want to spend time alone with God but have no space in their homes where they can do it. We have been given a deep sense of just how much we take for granted in the Western world on this trip.
We had a very moving time at the end of that day when we prayed for and anointed these pastors and church leaders. Bishop Harold anointed their wrists that they might have authority and courage to bring the Word of God to their communities. What touched us deeply was what they requested us to pray for. They prayed for boldness in sharing the Good News. They prayed for wisdom in leading their communities. They prayed for ways in which they could draw even closer to God. Then they prayed for us. I've no idea what they said but i know it was beautiful and it helped me enormously.
In the afternoon Gavin and i headed off on a motorbike Tuk Tuk to a remote village with Sem a community health worker who runs a service for those affected by HIV and Aids. While we were there Sem translated a session in a safe house about recognising the signs of HIV.
Sem who has come here 6 months ago from New Zealand spoke of how difficult his first 3 months were. Surrounded by such need and poverty he found it hard to deliver his training and learn the local language.
He would well up with sadness so that he could not speak.
Now He lights up with encouragement as he points out to me people who were terribly ill and can now walk. Children who CHO send to clinics for anti retroviral drugs. He translated a message for me as we spoke to the villagers and spoke of how our Father in heaven is making such a difference.
People from the village appreciate the rice and the cost of transportation to the clinics and the way that CHO travel the inaccessible roads on motorbikes to bring water, food and medicine to those who have nothing.
As we bumped our way back in the Tuk Tuk Sem beamed from ear to ear as he told me how much he loved his job. He said every day i'm part of something that is saving lives and i pray to our father every morning and every night to give us the strength we need.
What challenged me most was his comment that if asked to go back to new Zealand now he would find it difficult. He believes its important to just go in obedience to what God has called us to do. With a cheerful wave and a big smile he was off - another example of God's army of ordinary people in this place called to do extraordinary things and bring His kingdom here on earth.
Jono Pierce
How to cope with history
This blog is from Pete, the poet:
One of the places we visited earlier in the week was a huge, man-made dam near Battenbong. It was built by the Khmer Rouge in the seventies to provide irrigation for the dry season so rice could be grown throughout the year, However, due to the long hours of work and poor food many thousands died, One of the CHO team was forced to work on the dam - and survived - so it was quite an emotional return for him (only the third time in 35 years). We were also shown a deep cave high up on a nearby mountain where people were pushed over the edge to their deaths. As you can imagine, this provoked all sorts of thoughts on my part. Here's a poem which tries to sum it up:
Letting Go
I see a lake filled with Khmer blood
Sprinkled with lotus flowers.
The Buddha reclines
In a cave filled with skulls.
Mountain-top views over the Battenbong plains
Where the intelligentsia plunged to their deaths.
Beauty and tragedy are woven together
In this historical tapestry.
Acts of madness and unbelievable cruelty
Co-exist with courage and quiet heroism.
As for the survivors
I do not detect any harbouring of bitter memories
No festering of anger in the hidden recesses of the heart.
Rather a desire to let go of the past and purge the demons
To create hope and healing for the future.
It is the way of bloodless revolution.
It is the way of dignity.
It is the only way to be fully alive.
One of the places we visited earlier in the week was a huge, man-made dam near Battenbong. It was built by the Khmer Rouge in the seventies to provide irrigation for the dry season so rice could be grown throughout the year, However, due to the long hours of work and poor food many thousands died, One of the CHO team was forced to work on the dam - and survived - so it was quite an emotional return for him (only the third time in 35 years). We were also shown a deep cave high up on a nearby mountain where people were pushed over the edge to their deaths. As you can imagine, this provoked all sorts of thoughts on my part. Here's a poem which tries to sum it up:
Letting Go
I see a lake filled with Khmer blood
Sprinkled with lotus flowers.
The Buddha reclines
In a cave filled with skulls.
Mountain-top views over the Battenbong plains
Where the intelligentsia plunged to their deaths.
Beauty and tragedy are woven together
In this historical tapestry.
Acts of madness and unbelievable cruelty
Co-exist with courage and quiet heroism.
As for the survivors
I do not detect any harbouring of bitter memories
No festering of anger in the hidden recesses of the heart.
Rather a desire to let go of the past and purge the demons
To create hope and healing for the future.
It is the way of bloodless revolution.
It is the way of dignity.
It is the only way to be fully alive.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
A word from Billie
As Tearfund staff member on this trip Harold has offered me a turn on the blog today. So what follows are a few of my thoughts.
It is wonderful to be back in SE Asia- gentle and friendly people, green paddy fields and familiar but exotic sights and sounds. (Our family lived in the neighbouring country of Lao from 2005 - 2008). I'm very excited to see more of one of Tearfund's partners work firsthand, having also worked with Tearfund in the 1990s in Pakistan/Afghanistan and now being a staff member in the Teddington office.
CHO certainly doesn't disappoint - they are the church in the community bringing God's Kingdom in every area of life. This is Tearfund's distinctive way of working through the church to bring transformation in poor communities. We have seen how CHO are responding to all variety of needs especially focusing on children, while recognising that to help children you must also help their families to have a livelihood. From the desperate stories of children abandoned or even sold by their parents but now cared for at CHO's Safe Haven, to families like Suot's, who couldn't afford to send his kids to school after he lost his job when a cement factory closed down. He had no income until CHO gave him training and helped him set up a small holding where he grows gourds and beans and has the dignity of being his own boss and being able to send his kids to school. CHO is bringing hope to so many in Poi Pet.
Chomno is an inspiring leader with a big vision - he looks forward to a day when the Cambodian church will be transforming every village. He also dreams that maybe one day a child that they have either rescued or educated will grow up to become prime minister. It is thrilling to realise that we are a part of this work - as members of God's fantastic family. Thank you to any of you who have supported Tearfund or the Bishop's Appeal - you have enabled this transformation.
I think Harold wanted me to say a bit having to lead a team of 5 men (said with a twinkle in his eye which those of you who know him will be able to imagine).....but there has not been any issue with this; I have only been aware of 5 talented and unique individuals. It has been exciting to see how God is at work in and through each member of our team. We are a diverse group but each passionate about playing our part in His Kingdom. We have this in common with each other and with the CHO staff which brings a sense of purpose and unity that it is difficult to describe.
Thanks for reading to the bottom; we hope that these posts give you a glimpse into this trip and into where your prayer and financial support is directed if you have given these. Most of all though I hope you will feel encouraged if you are a member of the body of Christ by what your relatives are doing and if you would like to know more please do contact me at Tearfund or maybe even consider going on a trip yourself.
Billie Anderson
It is wonderful to be back in SE Asia- gentle and friendly people, green paddy fields and familiar but exotic sights and sounds. (Our family lived in the neighbouring country of Lao from 2005 - 2008). I'm very excited to see more of one of Tearfund's partners work firsthand, having also worked with Tearfund in the 1990s in Pakistan/Afghanistan and now being a staff member in the Teddington office.
CHO certainly doesn't disappoint - they are the church in the community bringing God's Kingdom in every area of life. This is Tearfund's distinctive way of working through the church to bring transformation in poor communities. We have seen how CHO are responding to all variety of needs especially focusing on children, while recognising that to help children you must also help their families to have a livelihood. From the desperate stories of children abandoned or even sold by their parents but now cared for at CHO's Safe Haven, to families like Suot's, who couldn't afford to send his kids to school after he lost his job when a cement factory closed down. He had no income until CHO gave him training and helped him set up a small holding where he grows gourds and beans and has the dignity of being his own boss and being able to send his kids to school. CHO is bringing hope to so many in Poi Pet.
Chomno is an inspiring leader with a big vision - he looks forward to a day when the Cambodian church will be transforming every village. He also dreams that maybe one day a child that they have either rescued or educated will grow up to become prime minister. It is thrilling to realise that we are a part of this work - as members of God's fantastic family. Thank you to any of you who have supported Tearfund or the Bishop's Appeal - you have enabled this transformation.
I think Harold wanted me to say a bit having to lead a team of 5 men (said with a twinkle in his eye which those of you who know him will be able to imagine).....but there has not been any issue with this; I have only been aware of 5 talented and unique individuals. It has been exciting to see how God is at work in and through each member of our team. We are a diverse group but each passionate about playing our part in His Kingdom. We have this in common with each other and with the CHO staff which brings a sense of purpose and unity that it is difficult to describe.
Thanks for reading to the bottom; we hope that these posts give you a glimpse into this trip and into where your prayer and financial support is directed if you have given these. Most of all though I hope you will feel encouraged if you are a member of the body of Christ by what your relatives are doing and if you would like to know more please do contact me at Tearfund or maybe even consider going on a trip yourself.
Billie Anderson
Battambang: the lake and the hill
Part of our visit was an opportunity to go to Battambang, a city about 100 miles from Poipet. What a privilege that visit was. Chomno was going back to places where he had experiences great pain, and this was only he third time he had been back since the days of the Khmer Rouge. The lake to which he brought us (See Photo Album) was the place he was taken captive from his village by the Khmer Rouge. Here Chomno was put to hard labour, digging a lake with around 100,000 men to irrigate the land around so that there could be two rice crops a year instead of just one. It was simply amazing to go out on a boat on what is now a very beautiful lake, with many lotus flowers growing on the surface, and to realize that this vast expanse of water is man made. But it was made at such cost. Around ten thousand men died for this lake. Chomno as there for three years, until he eventually managed to escape back to his home. At that time he was a Buddhist, but of course the Khmer Rouge outlawed all religion.
Ater the lake, the hill. As we parked at the bottom of the hill we were to clime, groups of kids gathered to fan us as we climbed up. We were going to the caves where the Khmer Rouge took so many people to put them to death. The kids knew the story so well, and could tell the story so well, and in English. It was a horrible thought that many of the best intellectuals of the area, and anyone else feared by the Khmer Rouge, were literally thrown to heir death into these caves. A pile of skulls is there in the Buddhist shrine- a grim reminder of horrible cruelty which could be forgotten so easily. It is too painful to imagine.
The day after, we found oursleves in a pretty far-out village. Getting there required crossing a river which had flooded, and getting on a rice truck, pulled by a rice tractor. We ,et the church there, about which I'll say more later. But it was pointed out to us that many of the fields were still mined: the bamboos were the point you did not venture beyond. Then we heard someone say: 'This was a Khmer Rouge village'. The amazing grace of forgiveness and reconciliation is that this is a place where CHO is very much at work. If I'd been treated the way Chomno was by the Khmer Rouge, I wonder would I have the grace to go there....
Pete has written a poem about all this which he read at prayers this morning. I will ask him to post it later today.
Ater the lake, the hill. As we parked at the bottom of the hill we were to clime, groups of kids gathered to fan us as we climbed up. We were going to the caves where the Khmer Rouge took so many people to put them to death. The kids knew the story so well, and could tell the story so well, and in English. It was a horrible thought that many of the best intellectuals of the area, and anyone else feared by the Khmer Rouge, were literally thrown to heir death into these caves. A pile of skulls is there in the Buddhist shrine- a grim reminder of horrible cruelty which could be forgotten so easily. It is too painful to imagine.
The day after, we found oursleves in a pretty far-out village. Getting there required crossing a river which had flooded, and getting on a rice truck, pulled by a rice tractor. We ,et the church there, about which I'll say more later. But it was pointed out to us that many of the fields were still mined: the bamboos were the point you did not venture beyond. Then we heard someone say: 'This was a Khmer Rouge village'. The amazing grace of forgiveness and reconciliation is that this is a place where CHO is very much at work. If I'd been treated the way Chomno was by the Khmer Rouge, I wonder would I have the grace to go there....
Pete has written a poem about all this which he read at prayers this morning. I will ask him to post it later today.
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