The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine

Yesterday I finished my first summer read: The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine by Somaly Mam.  I have heard speakers discuss the issue of human trafficking. I have seen pictures of brothel conditions; and videos of raids in brothels, and of victims. I have attended sex trafficking seminars and conferences, and visited the World Hope Assessment Center in Cambodia. I have even read other books on young girls trafficked in SE Asia.  However, it is Somaly Mam's story that has impacted me in such a compelling and truly eye-opening way.  Telling her own story, Somaly Mam graphically personalizes the horror and violence of the sex trade industry in Cambodia.

Mam was living on her own in the forest around 1980 when a 55-year-old stranger claimed he would take her to her missing family. "Grandfather" beat and abused the nine-year-old Mam and sold her virginity to a Chinese merchant to cover a gambling debt. She was then sold into a brothel in Phnom Penh, and the daily suffering and humiliation she endured is almost impossible to imagine or absorb. She recounted disobedient girls being tortured and killed, and police collusion and government involvement in the sex trade. Somaly Mam managed to break the cycle only when she discovered the advantages of foreign clients and eventually married a Frenchman, Pierre. After a few years in France, Mam and Pierre returned to Cambodia and set up AFESIP - a charity "acting for women in distressing circumstances." Mam has fearlessly devoted herself to helping prostitutes and exploited children. This moving, disturbing tale is not one of redemption but a cry for justice and support for women's plight everywhere.

The statistics are shocking: one in every forty Cambodian girls (some as young as five) will be sold into sex slavery. In Cambodia (and in other countries,) many  people believe that sex with a virgin will cure AIDS; and in Khmer tradition, women are unquestionably obedient.

Love love love, Jewel

May 2011: An Update on What God is Doing Here and There

Earlier in the Spring, the Christian non-profit that Titus worked for (Cambodian Generations for Christ) was forced to close due to financial reasons.  So, Titus was not only no longer employed, but found himself homeless as he could no longer call his CGC office his home. Without a job and and with his church unable to provide a salary or a parsonage, the situation seemed hopeless. However, our God is Father and Provider and He proved Faitful [as He always does.]  Shortly after Titus left CGC, he board aproved the proposal for Titus to rent a room at the old Wesleyan Church Headquarters in the capital city of Phnom Penh, where two or three other Wesleyan Church families are also living.  Living in the community of Pastor Poleak's family, Pastor Reaksmey's family, and others is a huge blessing.  Also, friends who work for other ministry organizations, such as World Relief, have been asking Titus to assist in various translation projects and God has been faithful to provide.

After much fasting, prayer, seeking God's face, and talking to each other and others, Titus and I have decided to journey to Cambodia through YWAM (Youth With a Mission.)  The decision to join YWAM was an easy one, because it is such a wonderful organization and their dream, beliefs, values, and ministry seem to align perfectly with ours [Click HERE and HERE to read more about our vision for future ministry.] However, the decision to take step two was a little more difficult.  To join the YWAM staff, Titus and I first need to complete a Discipleship Training School (DTS) . DTS is the pre-requisite to all other training and opportunities and is offered at over 200 locations around the world, including in Cambodia.  After more prayer, fasting, seeking God's face, weighing the pros and cons, and asking others for wise counsel, we have chosen to apply to a DTS in Louisville, Kentucky.  The DTS is a combination of three months of coursework and two months of overseas outreach, and will begin in Fall 2012.  [To read more about YWAM in Louisville click HERE.]  Louisville is the closest DTS to my family, friends, and church, and we believe there will be the best opportunity for Titus to learn American culture and to lay the foundation of our marriage. Also, because we will still be in the States, we can continue raising prayer and financial support.

Also also, various members of my mother's side of the family has been involved extensively in YWAM, and my second-cousin Amos and his wife Amy are on the leadership team of the DTS in Louisville. Although I do not know them well, I am excited to have the opportunity to be taught, led, and mentored by them because THEY ARE AWESOME!

On April 30th, I graduated with a dual degree in Intercultural Studies and International & Community Development from Indiana Wesleyan University.  I am fortunate to keep the part-time job that I have had since Aug 2007; however, because it is an on-campus position and I am no longer a current student, I can only remain in my current position until September 1.  So, I am on the job hunt and I have already completed 31 applications.  It has been somewhat discouraging, but I trust that God has a plan and already has a job chosen for me - maybe I have not found or applied to it yet!

• Please continue praying for the visa process. With the recent increase in the level of national security (due to Osama's killing), the projected approval has been delayed ONE MONTH. :( When we applied in January, we were told the entire process could take 7-9 months, meaning that Titus could be approved between August and October. Our wedding is planned for October 29. Let's pray him to America!! (If you would like a prayer reminder card like the one on the left, let me know and I will quickly send one to you!!)
• Please also continue to pray for the ministry in Cambodia.  There are currently some transitions in the leadership and relationship between Global Partners (The Wesleyan Missions Agency that brought the Wesleyan Church to Cambodia) and the leaders of the Church in Cambodia.  Pray for God's grace, strength, and wisdom. Pray that God's Name will be glorified and that His Kingdom will prosper and not be hindered by the weakness of Man.

As always, thank you thank you THANK YOU for reading, for supporting, for praying, for loving, and for giving.  The knowledge that you are simply behind us gives me confidence to pursue God's will and the visions that He has given to us.

Love love love, Jewel

Sweet Blessedness

I am blessed... so so so blessed. In my senior capstone class this semester, one of the assignments was to craft a personal mission statement.  One of the lines in my personal mission statement reads, "...to direct attention to God's love and powerful activity in the world..." and part of that is accomplished by helping others (and myself) to recognize how blessed we are. I am blessed... so so so blessed.

Part One of a list that is to be continued::
1. In so many perspectives I am "poor", but on a world-wide scale, I am so indescribably wealthy. When and where that benefits His Kingdom, I am grateful. Did you know only 8% [EIGHT PERCENT!] of people in the world eat 3 meals a day?!

2. I was born into a Christian family. As a child, I heard about Jesus and I had Christian role models. My heart breaks for those who have chosen another way, but especially for those who know no other way. We believe so deeply what we were taught as truth from birth and it is a difficult decision to believe something otherwise, especially a way of life that is contrary to culture. What a gift of love that God placed me right where I am. He is good... so so so good. Please pray with me for the Buddhists in Cambodia and for others who were born into families of other faiths.

3. I can read. I feel so blessed that I can read the Living Word and meet God in Scripture. So many cannot read, and so many do not have a copy of God's Word in their language.

4. Technology. There are a few people many many many miles away that are very special to me, and various forms of technology have allowed us to stay connected and involved in each other’s lives. No, it isn't the most wonderful circumstance, but praise Jesus for Skype, email, Facebook, and telephones.

5. People who pray.  God's awesome power is released when His people pray.  As you are faithful in prayer, Jesus moves mountains and raises valleys, He heals and He provides. THANK YOU!

6. I am thankful that Yahweh, our God, is a personal and relational God. I recently had a great conversation with an old friend who asked me how I can feel so excited and at-peace about living in "a country like Cambodia." I had the opportunity to share with him the story of how the God, who had spoken to Abram (Genesis 12:1) and to Joshua (Joshua 1:9) came and spoke to me and asked me to go. Then I got to share with my friend the incredible miracle that God is still talking and by His grace, I am still listening. It is not a stagnant, commanding dictatorship, but a love relationship.


I am blessed... so so so blessed .The more I open my eyes and my heart, the more I realized how blessed I am.  In the last few months, I have been beginning each morning with the prayer, "Lord, reveal Yourself to me today and help me to be always conscious of you."  He is faithful. I am blessed... so so so blessed.

Love love love, Jewel

Re-Run: The Yin and Yang of Cambodia

I am re-posting this entry and soon a "Yin and Yang of Cambodia: Part 2" entry from last September because I have been receiving a new influx of readers and I don't expect anyone to trace back to my earlier entries (although those might be some of the best) that are foundational to my blog, to who I am, and to my future ministry.  Thanks for reading everyone!  I would love to read your thoughts and encouragement in the comments section.

The Yin and Yang of Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia: a country with a history both inspiring and depressing, a fascinating nation where the future is still waiting to be shaped. Cambodia is charming, yet strangely disagreeable. You can ascend to the domain of the gods at the landmark temple, Angkor Wat, an impressive fusion of spirituality, symbolism, and symmetry; or you can descend into the hell of Tuol Sleng and witness the history of genocide and the Khmer Rouge. The beaches are beautiful, but lack the tide of tourism; the wilds are remote, and even less explored; the cuisine is delightful, but yet to be discovered.

Traveling through Cambodia reveals a vibrant palette of color. Rural rice fields shimmer like emeralds; Buddhist monks’ saffron robes glow in the sunlight. Cambodia’s ancient temples are erected from sandstone, and are cloaked in soft green moss or are dripped with light shadows. Khmer food is as stunning in color as it is in flavor, mixing green cucumbers, red chili peppers, yellow mangos, and white rice to create recipes that gratify even this particular American girl. But the people of Cambodia, their warmth and beautiful smiles, bring the most color of all.

Despite the beautiful scene, life is no picnic for the average Cambodian. It remains one of the poorest countries in Asia and it is a tough reality for much of the population, as they battle it out against the whims of nature, and sometimes of their politicians, who are known to illegally evict citizens from coveted land. Income remains desperately low for many Khmers, with annual wages in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands, and public servants such as teachers are unable to eke out a living on their meager salaries.

Yet there is hope for the
Kingdom of Cambodia. There are two faces in Cambodia, and while one is dark and gloomy, the other is shiny and promising. For nearly every illegally established brothel, there will be a new NGO school offering better education, or a new clean-water initiative to improve the lives of the average villagers. Such is the yin and yang of Cambodia, a country that both inspires and dismays.

Love love love, Jewel

To God be the Glory

In my last entry I asked for your prayers regarding my first speaking engagement as a future long-term missionary. I am now writing to thank you for your prayers, and to testify to God's goodness and faithfulness.

On Saturday afternoon I drove 2.5 hours to Kingsford Heights, IN. Typically I sleep through road trips, - the entire road trip - whether it is thirty minutes or nine hours; however, being that I traveled alone, I stayed awake the entire trip and prayed every mile. I thought it would be a good idea to start the trip with a prayer of safety. An hour later, I realized that I was still praying, and I kept praying. I prayed for my friends in Cambodia - poor friends, lost friends, discouraged friends, hurt and sick friends. I am thankful to God for laying these needs upon my heart at that time, and I am thankful for a God who is Father, Healer, and Provider, and who hears our prayers.

My old friends, Mike and Krista Brown, moved to Kingsford Heights, IN in 2009 to pastor Kingsford Heights Wesleyan Church - a small church with a long history and a lot of love.

Saturday evening we had a time of fellowship and eating with a group from the church. I prepared cha knai (ginger chicken) and grilled bananas. Another missionary couple prepared Bosnian stew (called "pot",) baklava, and salad. I really enjoyed this time that I was able to spend with the people. One service on Sunday morning simply doesn't allow those kind of relationships to be built, and I want to know (to really know!) the people that are praying for me. Afterwards, I returned home with Mike, Krista, and the kids - where I spent the night - and I enjoyed catching up on life and playing Cities and Knights of Catan.

Sunday morning was even more wonderful than Saturday night. Despite hours of preparation, I woke up Sunday morning still feeling nervous about speaking in front of a sanctuary of strangers, but I also felt God's peace. I went to the church early with Pastor Mike for pastor's prep things, so I was able to spend about half an hour with Fred, who does many things at KHWC and has been a faithful member for something like 50 years. What an incredible testimony! I spent a few minutes in each Sunday School class, answering questions about Cambodia, about Cambodians, about myself, and about the ministry there. During the beginning of the service, I still had no idea what I would say once I was on the platform. Once I was called to the front, I cannot tell you what happened next except that God invaded my mouth and blocked all the simple words that I had prepared, and He gave me a message - a message of HOPE for CAMBODIA - and I give Him all the glory.

Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your interest in my life and the ministry in Cambodia...

Love love love, Jewel

Speaking Engagement

Satan knows that God has been doing awesome things in the hearts of the people of Cambodia, and he has been fighting against it; however, GOD IS STILL VICTORIOUS, and He continues to send encouragement and reveal His goodness.

This Sunday morning I have my first official speaking engagement as a future long-term missionary in Cambodia, and I am feeling pretty nervous. I have never been to the church, nor the town. I know only the pastor, his wife, and their three children. Saturday evening I am also preparing a Cambodian meal for the congregation, and I am feeling equally nervous about that.

Please join me in praying that God will communicate through me His love for the people of Cambodia, and engage the church community to feel a sense of urgency to reach the lost. I have a lot to say, but I pray that my words would be put aside so that God's message can be shared.
Thank you for your prayers and support!

Serving Him,
Jewel

The Girl Effect

The good news? There is a solution. Keep your girls in school. Give them an education. Safeguard their health. Let them become advocates for a better future.

Love love love, Jewel

Prayer Support

Let me know if you would like one of our prayer cards to keep in a place that you will see frequently and be reminded to pray for us during this long and grueling wait.

Use it as a marker in your Bible.

Frame in next to your computer.

Hang it on your fridge for all your company to admire see.

Tape it to your bathroom mirror.

How can you pray? Thanks for asking! LET ME TELL YOU:
*Sunday: For Titus, as he anticipates transitioning out of his current ministry position (pastoring in Kampong Spue) and training another to take his place.

*Monday: That I will remain focused as I try to finish out the school year and look towards graduation in April. That Titus will be encouraged and energized in/by His ministry.

*Tuesday: That the government will be accountable to approve Titus' visa within a timely manner, allowing us to get married at my home church on October 22, 2011.

*Wednesday: That Titus and I will continue to be faithful in praying, fasting, and seeking the Lord's will.

*Thursday: Especially: For a peace that transcends all understanding, as we trust that the Lord's will WILL BE DONE.

*Friday: That God will continue to prepare us - in every aspect - for future long-term ministry as husband and wife in Cambodia.

*Saturday: That our relationship will continue to be strengthened during this time of separation.

*AND EVERY DAY: Praise the Lord for the awesome things that He has already done in our lives and relationship - opening the door for me to visit Cambodia last Dec. and Jan.; providing the finances necessary for us to apply for the visa; blessing us with an incredible support system of friends and family; giving us the same dream, passion, and vision for ministry; and strengthening us with His sustaining power.

I know you love getting mail, and I love certainly appreciate your prayers. Leave a comment or mail your address to jewel.reed at student.indwes.edu . Seriously, I will mail it the next day! Thank you for your prayers

Love love love, Jewel
[and Titus]

Anticipated Future Ministry [pt. 1] - Re-posted

I am re-posting this entry from October because it is worth re-visiting, even for me.

Do you know that feeling you get when you're waiting in line for your favorite roller coaster? It's nervous excitement. The wait feels like an eternity and I'm so anxious to take the plunge, but the closer I get, the more nervous I become. However, only an act of God will get me out of line.

God has given me a great passion and many big dreams for reaching and for sharing His love with the people of Cambodia. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I have such big visions, because I do not always feel strong, but I am drawing my strength from God and from others there. Anyways, I cannot fully explain how excited I am for this ministry... but please stick with me as I try to organize my thoughts and feelings into words.

Dream #1) -- Cambodian Youth for Christ

I have a passion to reach young people, through working with the local Wesleyan churches to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who exemplify godliness in their lifestyles, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement. I want to create a safe place where youth and students can come after school, spend their freetime, and be introduced to Christ. I feel my heart drawn towards the youth who are shackled by the chains of Buddhism. I want to open the Bible with them, to sing praises with them, and to learn and grow with them. I want to speak truth into their lives, to show them God's love, and to introduce a new way of living, a way from very differnt from their families and their traditional culture. Youth are at an age where they can be so easily influence, and also rather strong influencers. Ideally, the center will offer English classes, and eventually computer access and music lessons.

Here are pictures from a recent university students fellowship at the home of missionaries Greg and Resie Fernandez:

Love love love, Jewel

I Will Follow You

This video is great for three reasons: Leeland and Brandon Heath are two of my favorite Christian musicians, and third: I obviously love Cambodia very much. The lyrics are also phenomenal and inspiring, and I have posted them below the video. Check it out:




You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.

All my needs you have supplied.
When I was dead you gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Use my hands, use my feet
To make your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until your work is done

'Cause Faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was she'd
So how could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.