Cambodia
Our first trip to Cambodia was October 2-14, 2011. Jesus always sent people out in twos and so my partner on this trip was my pastor, Jeff Johnson, from Calvary Hills Community Church http://www.calvaryhillschurch.com in Menifee, California. Jeff is a cool bloke, about my age, who had been to Cambodia three times previously. In our meetings prior to traveling, we both felt such strong confirmations that God was calling us together to Cambodia.
Part of that confirmation was evident in that we both, independent of each other, had connections to a ministry called Water of Life located in Phnom Penh. Randy Fleming is the leader of Water of Life Ministries (www.wateroflifeasia.com). Randy is from Fallbrook, California--a town suspiciously near Harmony’s offices in Murrieta.
1. A boy’s home were over 30 boys live and are raised in the Lord, while they receive the education and training to succeed in Cambodian society;
2. An orphanage with 35 children;
3. A home for vulnerable women and teens rescued from the sex trade and other issues;
4. A Christian school where children are learning academics in addition to the Bible; and
5. A medical outreach which provides free medical services to villagers living near the city dump. The medical outreach has been going to a valley near the Mekong River between Viet Nam and Cambodia, and Vietnamese pastors are pleading for Bible teachers.
It is amazing how many ministries are operating from Water of Life with powerful results and with such little income!
TWO STEP PLAN: PARTNERING--THEN PLANTING
We have begun the process of becoming registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO) beneath Water’s covering. Starting a ministry in another country is not as easy as just flipping a switch. Registering and obtaining recognition and approval from the government as an NGO can take the better part of a year. But we don’t want to wait a year to get started. Pending our qualification, we are actively partnering with the ministries of Water of Life by:
1. Helping them to produce and mail a quality newsletter;
2. Starting a child sponsorship program; and
3. Raising money for WOL’s immediate needs.
Paul said the body of Christ is one body, each member having its own function, with Christ at the head. When members, each with their own gift/function, all come together we are made complete. As WOL helps us on the Cambodia side, Harmony will help WOL on the US side. We see 2012 as a transitional year where we work with WOL to help them in their administration and fundraising while we go through the process to become registered in Cambodia. We believe our partnership with Water of Life will enable even more powerful results for the Kingdom of God among these beautiful people.
AGAPE!
John Bentley
