(*) "First they killed my father" - A book that deepened my love for the Cambodian people

This is an awesome book! A very heart wrenching book, not for the weak of heart. I read this book in 2 days and many parts made me cry. My heart was moved for the injustice and pain they had to endure. I cannot imagine the hunger, the waiting, and the emotional/physical torture that they had to endure. I felt that this book gave me a very good idea of what it was like to live through the darkest part of human history. In a small part, I understand.

As I read on and reflect, I cannot imagine God's beautiful creatures, such as the Cambodian people, mistreat each other in the name of 'hardwork' and 'ethnic purity.' My thoughts take me to many other similar examples such as: the welded iron letters on Dauchau's gates claiming that 'work is salvation;' the war children in Uganda as documented in the movie "War Dance;" the Japanese occupation of Taiwan that my grandparents survived through; the Manchurian massacre by the Japanese; the ethnic cleansing by the Nazi's around WWII; the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda as depicted in "Hotel Rwanda;" and many many more... Many are not mentioned, war-crimes never brought to justice, war-criminals never tried... A complete disregard for the santity of life is a complete disregard for God.

In fact, as I ponder this point, it makes sense why things like this happen. When we denied the existance of God, things like this happen. I cannot imagine the world without the presence of God and the Holy Spirit. As we think about the topic of how God protects us, here is the evidence.

I have spend the last 3 weeks in Cambodia, mainly in the capital, Phnom Penh. I also spent sometime in Siem Reap visiting the Wats (temples) and 2 days in Battambang visiting some friends. I found that there are many unique features of this land previously unknown to me. I'm impressed with their (1) rich past history of their culture and once the largest empires in southeast Asia, (2) evidences of their turbulent near past with the Pol Pot/Khmer Rouge oppression 30 years ago to this year, and (3) the beauty of their people.

Another interesting fact is that 75% of the present 15 million population are less than 30 years of age, and 50% of them are under age 21. Talk about the age distribution!!! 35 years ago, the Khmer Rouge, the 'Red Communist' soldiers, raised in power with their leader, Pol Pot, in April 1975 and was put out of power by the Vietnamese army in January 1979. The Khmer Rouge killed about 2 million of a total of 7 million people during those 5 years of tyrrany. Their objective was to restore ethnic purity to the 'true' Ankor Empire that was made up of only 'hard working Khmer people.' Which means that they kill anyone with an education or any foreigners (non-Khmer). Inevitabily, their crazy ideas also killed many of their own. The atrocities are detailed in this book.

It is this very reason that every Cambodian-origin person you meet today over the age of 30 will have gone through this tragedy and quite possibly have witness family dying under the iron fists of Pol Pot. It is a population with incredible Post-Traumatic Stress, yet, not many talk about it. Many of these people are forever locked in their emotions and has trouble with forgiveness, trust, and change. In contrasted, the 75% of under-30's Cambodian youth today that has never experienced the war holds a very different sets of values than the former. Eventhough, they have seen the evidence of the war in their parents, the war is not their story. I find the youth in Cambodia to be quite vibrant and open and wanting change. Many of them want justice. It will be exciting to see what happens next. This is a culture in transition as we speak...

We need to act. As communist idea purges religious practices, the freedom and openness to choice is now. As you and I know, our desire for spiritual fulfillment will never be quenched. People are seeking. People are putting faith into things that inspire fear and shame. As their brother and sisters, we need to develope character and integrity in the youth of Cambodia before the 'oppressive - materialism' that has plagued many 'westernized' countries takes over. Another issue is that the current Priminister of Cambodia is an ex-Khmer Rouge, and has prevented many of the war-criminals of Pol Pot's regime from coming before justice. He has been heard to say that if he does not get re-elected as PM this coming election, he will promise a civil war. Please pray for this country. I have come to love this country and its people. I think they are beautiful with a fervent heart for the LORD and the Good News. Pray for courage. Pray for encouragement. Pray for strength to live as Christ lived. Pray for transformation. Pray for revival. Pray for the youth!

In short, I am going to write much more about Cambodia... I have been deeply moved and am wondering what this experience means to me and my future. I want to tell you all about it and post some pictures, so, stay tuned...