God is everywhere. I feel Him on the streets of Siem Reap, Cambodia just as powerful as I feel him in the sanctuary of our church. He is all powerful and over everything that exists. Yet He is humble and willing to be servant of the least. So patient, as we run like mad men away from his perfect grace. He is all sufficient as we struggle in our deepest human need. There is nothing He cannot do and no one He cannot love. Not one person escapes the piercing gaze of His eyes like fire.
We're seeing Him move in the nation of Cambodia. We've met poor farmers that have absolutely nothing, and their lives are being changed. The work that Food for the Hungry is doing is completely transformational. They don't just mow over problems that will grow back a year later. They're not just driving up in a white truck and solving people's problems for them. The thing that's blown us away is that they empower the local people to fix their own problems with their own resources. Of course these people need some assistance, but they shouldn't have to rely on an NGO to meet all of their needs. God is their supplier and FH is teaching people this through savings groups, agricultural training, child development, education, biblical teaching, and a lot more.
Through the power of God, and a lot of hard work, the FH staff is up rooting the attack of the enemy that has existed here for hundreds of years.
I've got a question for you and would love some honest feedback. What do you think the role of an non-profit should be? Hand outs only? Or complete community transformation?
Thanks for your prayers as we continue our journey. Next stop... Bangladesh. It's very different than Cambodia, and we're so excited to see the work God is doing there.
Thanks for reading.
-jack and all the leeland boys
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17 comments:
I believe that you must help with the complete transformation. To truly help someone get on the right track, you need to help them realize what is wrong and teach them to fix it foe themselves. You will not always physically be there to help, but can always be praying for them!
I think it would be awesome giving people stuff so and then teaching them how to use that stuff.. Like, teach them how to grow other things than just rice. Most of the time the people just don't have time to think about solutions and learn new things, because they're too busy surviving. So yeah, I would say the best thing would be to REALLY help them, like you said.
I think you guys are awesome! you're helping people so much with the food for the hungry program and God is pleased i know for sure!
I think that handouts AND hand-ins are needed, when you help someone by giving them a handout it is also important to put a hand in and help see your seed that you have sewn GROW! and you guys are doing it! your awesome, love you guys forever-Juicebox
Stephen Christian from Anberlin also talked about this in his blog Modesty (modesty.blogspot.com). He said that it's time we take action rather than just talk and raise awareness. Yeah, I think organizations should start working to help people live secure lives on their own rather than just continually give and give. Now, there's nothing wrong with giving, but people need independence to take care of themselves and not rely so much on others. The biggest problem though is often times the country's government, which we have the responsibility to basically pray for. Anyways, that's my opinion. I'm kind of sleepy so maybe that didn't sound so intelligent. ;)
Awesome guys!!
About your question, it should always be totally community and life transforming. There will be no progress otherwise. In the case of lack of food, after the hand outs leave it will be right back to where they were. Only when coming in and working with the people to provide what they need and teach them how to provide for themselves will there be any long term change.
I guess I also see that question in regards to slavery, which is my heart's passion. If you only go in a rescue the body from bondage but you don't care for the soul or do aftercare work then they will most likely end up right where they were and rescuing them was only a waste of time and money. That's one of the reasons why I want to go and work with former sex slave someday counseling and sharing the gospel.
Truly the only change we will see in all the horrible issue that face this world is through the gospel. It's the transforming work of all that Jesus has done on the cross. We need to remember that with physical water, to offer the Living water and with the physical bread, the Bread of Life. My brother would say that we need a marriage between the activist and the evangelist.
But now I'm just ranting and so I should stop. I'm praying for you guys and I really appreciate you guys, God is really working through you!!
In Christ,
Olivia
Transformation! A hand out changes the situation of a moment. Transformation gives hope and power to the future as well.
Im praying for you guys, God's with you.
May the Lord bless you and reveal Himself to you more and more each day.
love!
Eilin
I think the best gift you can give is to tell people about Jesus and what He has done.
Great Commission: Witness to all the world. So i would say that means community transformation.
FH is doing such a great job there and I pray that Cambodia becomes a spiritual growth center that will influence the people surrounding them to rely on GOD to take care of their needs and problems. Although a complete community transformation requires a lot of work and is way out of most people's comfort zones, I think it is an awesome way to live for GOD and show others His love. If I got the chance to do something like this, I'd be scared but I know that it would really make an impact and would be well worth my time. Safe travels! :)
definitely complete community transformation! "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
Hey guys! thanks for keeping us updated on your travels! what a blessing to be able to go around the world and see what the Lord is doing!
Non profit can be both but I think helping people to take care of themselves is very important.
Take care guys! I'll be praying for you all!
hey! love your music, your blog, and the message you're carrying out to many people. i think the role is definitely complete community transformation.
keep spreading the word of the Lord! and God Bless You.
Definitely complete community transformation led by the love of Christ. May your steps be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Wanted to see if you guys have seen this. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Check out the trailer for the new reality TV series by Samaritan's Purse with music from Leeland. www.childrensheart.tv
Don't miss the Children's Heart first episode web premiere on June 10!
www.childrensheart.tv
Bill Coger
I appreciate the labour you have put in developing this blog. Nice and informative.
That is so exciting! I will be leaving for Poipet Cambodia with members of my church in a week. God Bless the Nations!!
Great post, love the fist part of the post! I will be praying for you guys! :)
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