I realized that, for those who don't already know, I never explained where I am staying at and what they do. I am living at Cambodia Crossroads, a house church in the capital city of Phnom Penh with the missionary David Ooi and his family in addition to many college students.
Many students come to Phnom Penh from various provinces for college. Unfortunately, housing in Phnom Penh is very expensive for many of the students (most of whom are farmers). Crossroads provides free rooming for students, but they have to attend regular programs. They have bible studies (or small groups) on Monday->Saturday from 7:30-9pm. In addition, newcomers have their own bible study from 5:15-6pm which goes through the whole story of the bible (Genesis to Revelation) in 3 months. I'm curious what the non-Christians reading this blog (honestly) think about such a program (does it produce an "ewww, imperialism and indoctrination" feeling?).
Well, the students seem to like it (they do not have to become Christian to stay and can leave at will). The bible studies are pretty different than in America -- rather than theological, they focus on how Christianity applies to life and practical areas such as leadership, discipline, and life attitudes. In a broken society (Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge massacre in the late 1970s) filled with corruption, these lessons and life-skills are sorely needed. Rooming with Akin in the past 3 years, I've sometimes talked with him about the corruption and brokenness in Nigeria.
What can bring real change and healing to broken societies? I feel like I am getting a glimpse of that here at Crossroads.
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