November 9, 2010
Julie Broyles, Director of BEST (Bible English Study and Training) Center in Phnom Penh, writes a heart-warming story on her blog.
On November 9, Julie and several teachers went to the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh to join the Independence Day celebration.
Julie writes, “The moment everyone was waiting for was to catch a glimpse of King Norodom Sihamoni. It was thrilling to even capture a photo of him, and also thrilling to hear the Khmers as they, in unison, shouted, ‘Chayo! Chayo! Chayo!’ like our ‘Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!’
“But the most ‘moving’ Independence Day was November 6 when Sreyleak’s mother was immersed into Christ, being forever set free! Sreyleak is our secretary. Her mother is terminally ill and nearing the end. The Christians here have been praying for her and have gone to study with her. Try (one of the preaching students) had planned to go back on Friday to study again, but we were all crushed to find out Thursday night that plans had been made for her to go back to Battambang Friday morning (a 5 hour journey from here) to her relatives (to die there). We were crushed, as we had prayed for her to stay alive long enough to hear the gospel.
“Friday morning came, and we learned that the car that was to transport her was too old to make the trip and that they would have to wait and go on Saturday. Wow! This extra 24 hours was a gift from God, an answer to prayers. Try had us pray for him, and he went to the hospital to teach her. She made a decision to follow Jesus and wanted to be baptized.
“The Khmer Christians began to discuss how they could do this, as she cannot stand or move her limbs. She cannot sit up without someone holding her. Her neck is extremely painful if not held in just the right position, besides having a feeding tube in her nose, and an IV.
“When we asked the doctor, they would not allow her to leave the hospital. So we had to wait until Saturday morning when the daughters checked her out. Once she was loaded into the van, we came to the BEST Center, and she was baptized before heading to Battambang.
“Wow! It was very touching to see someone snatched from Satan’s grip, to know the angels were singing, and to see the love and gentleness the Khmer Christians showed. What an independence day! Even sweeter will be to catch a glimpse of the King of kings!
“P.S. I just found out that Syeyleak’s mother died this morning. She has gone to meet the King! I’ll bet she is saying, ‘Chayo!’”
