May 30, 2004

May 30, 2004 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia – What do I tell you to help you understand? Do I speak of the witch doctors who mix pepper sauce and pour it in people eyes and cause them to go blind when they go to see them because their eye itches or should I relate the incident of the young woman that was thought to be possessed by an evil ancestor's spirit and was placed in a bamboo cell that was elevated above a wood fire and left there until she died of smoke inhalation? I don’t understand so should not expect you to but that is the order of the day in rural Cambodia and in the hovels that surround this city of 3 million. Most of the people, formally educated and not so educated, wear amulets around their wrists and waists to protect them from evil spirits. They buy these from Buddhist monks and other religious shaman for a handsome price believing there is power in them.

Perhaps I should relate to you this week's televised news story that told of a “Ghost” fisherman at the pond near the Teachers college that reportedly gave two girls a fish that turned to ashes before their very eyes and has the entire college on edge, worrying about the curse that has been placed on the students and professors.

No, what I need to tell you is that some are finding the answers to life in studying the Bible with us. One student of philosophy was recently baptized and another asked me today, if he could go to church with us Sunday. God is the answer and you are sending this message to them here in Cambodia. For all those who cringe every night in fear of the evil spirits and for those who are listening to the message of Jesus and finding peace and salvation, we thank you.

William E. "Bill" McDonough, Director
Partners In Progress
Phnom Penh, Cambodia