At the heart of our work

In Cambodia they say men are like gold and women are like cloth.  Drop gold in the dirt and it can be washed clean. Drop cloth in the dirt and it is stained forever.  From within that deep seeded context we find the atrocity of sex trafficking of little girls.  With this cultural perspective in view, how can this atrocity occur?  It occurs because the culture lacks any deep root of the Gospel of Christ.

We are here to help see that this changes.  We are here because folks have partnered with us in the work.  We will share through this blog what benefit is coming through your support.  Watch and see what God is doing.

At the heart of our work here is the desire to see God become known and followed among these precious people.  Stepping into the middle of the huge issue of sex trafficking of kids is without a doubt a place to see how lives can be changed through knowing the Truth.  In the next few posts, I am going to try to help you understand the root of the lives here and both the depravity and the desperation.  Then I will follow up with the rays of hope shinning through.  Follow us and please share with friends.  This is a cause that cries out. It is worth your attention.

Here is one of the best articles clearly describing the context.  Please, take a few moments to read, consider, pray, and share.

Face covered in fear

Please, follow this link for the story that will change the way you look at your children and grandchildren.  If you are a teacher, you will look differently into the eyes of young students.  We have a responsibility to our children to raise them in the ways they should go not for self pleasure or reward.   http://gu.com/p/3qjv7/sbl

 

Donate if you can.  Thank you when you do.

When in Cambodia……

The Cambodian Custom of removing shoes at the door.

I am a barefoot kind of girl and I have the calloused dry cracked feet to prove it. On our first day in Cambodia our house host laid us out a simple mat for our shoes and we quickly caught on. I did a little research on this Asia custom and thought you might like a little education. Thanks Jenny Hones!

Shoes on matOld traditional homes in Asia were raised about 2 feet off the ground for ventilation and staying above the cold damp earth. It was customary to remove your slippers in the entry which was at ground level and one would step up into the home in their socks. This custom of removing your shoes before entering a home, is still practiced in Asian homes throughout the world.

In newly constructed homes in Asia, regardless whether a single family home or high rise, the entrance is usually lower than the rest of the home. You step up into the house or flat. This practical design allows for any type of weather, such that all dirty and wet gear can be left in the entrance and does not need to be brought into the home, hence the house stays clean. This has a physical and psychological purpose: the motion of stepping up to a different level, allows one to be aware that they are entering someone’s private space. Originally, the Japanese home had wood hallways with tatami or woven straw mats as flooring for the rooms. The ancient Koreans had under floor heating stones to heat their wooden floors. That’s the original radiant heat!!! What one must remember is that the Asian lifestyle at that time was mainly centered around the floor. The tables were low and they sat on the floor to eat, sleep and do all their activities. That’s why it was so important to have clean and warm floors. That tradition remains today.

Another point is that Asians believe it is good health practice to be barefoot. The Chinese have been practicing foot reflexology for over 5,000 years. Being barefoot allows your pressure points to be stimulated. When confined in shoes all day, your feet do not have the chance to breathe, stretch and feel. If you do not practice removing your shoes in your home, please give it a try and see how you feel. You may like it!

Today, western furniture has taken over the average Asian home, but we still like to sit on the floor and walk barefoot. Just remember when visiting an Asian home, wear clean socks with no holes because you may be asked to remove your shoes!