No Selfies
“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least…
Ongoing Challenges
Street children are a difficult group to work with. In the past 5 years that I’ve been involved with street kids I’ve seen a lot of people and organizations simply drop out because of how difficult it can be sometimes. When you first start working with them there is a strong barrier of distrust that…
Have a Little Faith
I’m one of those Christians who doesn’t really believe in miracles, or at least not supernatural miracles. I’m usually looking for a rational explanation to things and frequently roll my eyes when other Christians make claims of miracles and signs. I’ve never seen a demon cast out and I’ve never had a “vision” from God. …
Why We’re Paying for a Buddhist Funeral
Today was both heart wrenching and eye opening for me. This morning as I sat in church my phone began to ring. I didn’t recognize the number and so I pushed the button to dismiss it. It rang again and I repeated. Again and again this happened. Finally after the 8th time I stepped…
Crossing Cambodia and Voluntourism Pt. 2
This is not the first time I’ve addressed the issue of voluntourism (See Crossing Cambodia and Voluntourism Pt. 1), however, its an issue that seems to keep coming up again and again. Recently I wrote about treating Missions as a Two Way Street, and was asked if I really think it is ok for us…
We Made It! 2 Years of School in the Bag!
Every child at Crossing Cambodia comes with a unique story. In fact, most of them I’ve known in one way or another since even before we started this ministry. Now as June is over and July begins we’ve managed to make it through a second school year! 8 of our 9 kids older students managed…
Missions is a Two Way Street
We get a lot of teams and volunteers that come through in the course of a year. We love them and are always excited to have them with us, but not just because they have come to help us. If we’re being completely honest, teams and volunteers are a lot of work, and sometimes it…
Reminding Ourselves that IN ALL THINGS God has Purpose
And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Recently my wife wanted a tattoo on her shoulder with flowers and butterflies and the names of our children. She wanted to do something to make herself…
Our Trip to Rabbit Island
In April of 2011, just before Cambodian New Year, Sinuon and I took a short trip to Kep. A small town, on a rather unimpressive little beach, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Where small mountains come up against the sea and the water is warm. We stayed there only 3 days but…
When a Lost Child Comes Home
For a long time I’ve read the Parable of the Lost Son and never fully grasped how deep it is. But until recently I’d never lost someone I loved so much, watched them go away, wrestled with fear of never seeing them again, and then had the chance to celebrate in joy when they came…