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Six years ago we were first introduced to Cambodia and the atrocities that took place there under the horrific regime of Pol Pot in the “killing fields”. At that time we shared the devastating impact it had and the long and difficult recovery Cambodia has been faced with.
It is with the grace and compassion of God, that we are once again, bringing to your attention some of the difficult and deplorable situations facing young children in Cambodia. Below are three wonderful ministries we are partnering with that are working in Cambodia reaching into the depths of the garbage dump community, the sexual exploitation of young girls and the Vietnamese.
Garbage Recycling
During our visit in 2002, we encountered the living conditions of people surrounding the garbage recycling community and never forg ot what we witnessed. The garbage dump surrounding Phnom Penh is approximately 50 acres and piled close to 100 feet high. For a meager $1.00 a day children and women pick through the filth, refuse and trash with their bare hands. Just as the millions of flies swarm over the garbage, so do the people as they rush to a fresh dumping of a truck, trying to be the first person to get the “choice” garbage. Many of these people live right on top of this garbage in small plastic shelters and tents. Their hands, feet and bodies are covered with germs and parasites. There is no such thing as cleanliness or hygiene, even the air is a constant swirl of smells and toxic fumes. This is their survival.
Setan Lee, founder of Transform Asia is very aware of the deplorable conditions children are facing in this community. Through an outreach program, we are going to invest in the lives of these children providing a proper meal and funding for them to attend school and receive medical attention.
Sex Trade Industry
An estimated 20,000 females are engaged in the sex trade industry in Cambodia. Of these 20% are believed to be victims of human trafficking. “Kunthy and Chanda” are two young girls aged 13 and 14 who were trafficked into prostitution. They were held captive, raped, drugged and routinely beaten by their brothel keeper and pimps.
International Justice Mission Canada, affiliate of U.S. based IJM is a Christian human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. After discovering the horrifying imprisonment of Kunthy and Chanda, IJM worked with local authorities to ensure the rescue of the girls.
IJM Cambodia staff ensured that the girls were placed in loving, professional aftercare homes. Kunthy and Chanda are now thriving, having traded the nightmare of abuse for lives that girls of their age should be living.
Vietnamese Boat Ministry
While in Cambodia, we had the privilege of meeting with an extraordinary missionary couple, Rick and Beth Drummond. They have begun a ministry called “Love Your Neighbor” reaching out and sharing the gospel to the Vietnamese.
The Vietnamese are at the bottom of the social and economic strata in Cambodia and are primarily concerned with survival. Because of their lack of education, their ability to find decent employment is marginal and families have turned in desperation to behavior that most people in other parts of the world find unthinkable and despicable.
Many of them have established “floating”communities surrounding the Ton Le Sap lake.
It is in these communities that the Drummond’s feel God has called them to minister in. Their desire is to open 4 new schools and provide Christian education to children who may not have the opportunity.
Along with the schools they also desire a “floating community centre” which is a large barge type boat that will allow them to travel up the Ton Le Sap lake. This will allow them to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people. Teams will be sent to administer medical and dental care and provide water filters as well as sharing the gospel.
Please join us as we support the work of these three great organizations, changing lives one at a time.
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