Angko Wat ... Orphan to Elder ... Drunk to President!

While we were in Siem Reap, we took a sightseeing trip to visit Angko Wat; for foreigner, it cost $37.50 to go in but free for locals, We decided not to go in because of time, but we were lucky to be able to drive around, It was closed to even driving a week ago!

This is a stock picture of Angkor Wat, you can see the difference of how overgrown the trees are!

Angko Wat is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, measuring almost 402 acres.  The temple was built in the early 12th century as the state temple for the empire as a personal mausoleum and dedicated to the Hindu god, and later converted to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.   It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world.  Angkor Wat played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, it is the country's main tourist attraction, unfortunately, Covid has mostly shut down almost all foreigner visit to this site.  We were lucky to be even able to drive around it.  The trees has grown so much that it looks totally different than pictures you found on the internet.

The boy is sitting on the ground by the door

We were at dinner when we got into Battambang, one of the AP asked if he could order another meal, using his own money because he wants to share the food to this young man that was squatting by the entrance.  "I know too well of his look" he said, I was once there before!  He shared the story of his life; his father died when he was two years old, there was 5 children in the family, In Cambodia, you need a man to be able to farm the land, because of his father's passing, his mother had to sell the land to support the family, she moved to the city to try to find work, when that failed, he and his sister was put into an orphanage.  He grew up in the orphanage, the people that ran the orphanage were very straight, if you don't listen, you were punished and sometimes starved.  He said he did not like to study French because the teacher was meant.  He is thankful to have met the missionary that taught him about who he is and what the purpose of life is, He is now a missionary to help shared the gospel to the people in Cambodia!  I am so impressed with this young missionary who remember what it was to be poor and hungry and recognized that, there was no judging of this poor young man, just pure love!  We tried to give some money but was counseled against it!  As I look into this starved young man's eyes, I am reminded that God loves each of his children!  Though our circumstances are not in our control, we certainly can try to make it better for ourselves and those around us.  In the end, God is just, He will make all things right for us!!

Sister Rith, one of the STLT, shared with us a week ago about her testamony of the Word of Wisdom that had changed his father's life and her family.  This is her testimony in her own words:

“First I would like to say thanks sister Yan for give me a chance to share my story with you. 

My father really like to drink wine every day.

When he drunk he always struggled with my mom and our life become unhappiness. 

Since 2012 my father began sick and his stomach was to much hurt and he almost die.

Doctor cannot help him and we brought him home because doctor doesn't have capacity to heal him.

He told us that he  saw two angels came and tell him in his dream that if he stop drink wine and start to take care of our family,he will receive a new life from them.

After he saw angles in his dream two missionary came and visit him and they gave blessings to my father and invited my father to learn about the Gospel.Few day later my father can eat rice and drink water and he gain more energy and his face look so fresh. 

He asked missionary to come to our house and teach us the Gospel. 

We baptize in 09 December 2012.

Life with the Gospel is the life of happiness. 

Our life fulfill of joy and we have much time to sit and eat rice together. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father gave us a chance to know the Gospel and the opportunity to seal together in the temple since 2019.

Because the Gospel bless my family alot that why my brother and I decided to serve the mission. I hope through my efforts can help many people received the blessing from Heavenly Father too.

Now my cousin brother is ready to serve the Lord next month. I am so excited for him. I hope he will know how much the Lord love him and bless him through his efforts. 

I testify that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer. 

He will bless us and watch over us all the time when we pray to him.

I say this thing in the secret (Sacred) name of Jesus Christ Amen.“ 

Before the family met the missionary and learned about Jesus Christ, he was a drunk.  All he cared about was his beer, he would neglect his family and work.  He had no motivation to care for his family.  He almost lost his family, his wife, and his children!  Since leaning about the Word of Wisdom and joining the church, his father had changed to be a better man.  He worked hard to take care of the family, and now care for their little congregation in Kampong Cham.  When we saw Brother Rith at church, I have to take a picture with him!

I can see how easy it is for one to be addict to alcohol in Cambodia!  As we drive down the roak, there are multiple signs of beer advertizing.  They are brightly colored, enticing and easily assessible.  I wish people would know how alochol can ruin ones life.