The people around Mondulkiri are known as the Bunong. They are a tribal people. Today we went to one of their villages for church service. The village was Sre Ampom (we think). Yesterday when we said Joyce didn't live in the sticks, that's a true statement, but her ministry area is out in the sticks for sure. It was a 23km journey over roads that are often impassible in the rainy season. We made it today without any problems. It certainly is beautiful country here.
The church had about 20 people today. We took some pictures of the kids and gave them some candy, and it didn't take very long for them and their moms to warm up to us. There were a bunch of young men who enjoyed greeting us, and one of them spoke very good English. The church was a simple wood plank building with a dirt floor and wooden benches. The men all sit on one side, and the women and children on the other. The church services was done in both the Bunong and Khmer languages. The Khmer songs were the indigenous songs we've heard for the past few weeks. The Bunong songs were familiar Western hymns with Bunong words.
Karl & Marti shared testimonies. The people seemed to respond well as we gave them, and later on they thanked us for sharing and encouraging them.
Joyce mentioned to us that one of the issues they face in the Bunong church (and with other tribal churches as well), is that when they decide something, the head of the family makes the decision and it applies to everyone in the family. Thus when dad becomes a Christian, he doesn't see any need for his kids to confess their sins and receive Christ. This is a deep-rooted tribal mentality that is a continual struggle.
After church we thought we were going to go to a restaurant in town, but one of the church families invited us to their house for lunch. They spread mats on the floor and we all sat on them and ate our rice and veggies from our plates on the floor. True Khmer village style as we've seen other places. Was the food safe to eat? Joyce Johns said that since it was cooked it should be. We'll know in a few hours.
We've got the afternoon free to explore the town here. It's relatively cool, at least compared to Poipet and Phnom Penh, but it seems to want to rain off and on all day, and after the rain it gets really sultry.
So glad you are still posting. Rick is back safe and sound, sleeping in the recliner at this moment. He seems to be readjusting well - we'll see when he has to get up for work Monday morning. Thanks to all of you for praying for the Cleveland team. We are all back safe. God showed us so much on the trip! Many blessings and challenges for the kids and adults. Mostly a challenge to see people as God sees them, and to treat them as unique and wonderful creations, in His image. kjf
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