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The Desert Monks of Egypt followed a three-step path to mysticism. The first level was called the "Purgatio" during which the young monk struggled through prayer and ascetic practices to gain control of "the flesh" - specifically gluttony, lust, and the desire for possessions. During this period, the young monk was to learn that any strength he had to resist these desires (grace) came directly from the Holy Spirit. At the end of the "Purgatio," or in Greek "Catharsis" a period that often took many years, the monk had learned to trust peacefully in the Lord for all his needs. As the monk underwent this period of purging, he identified with Christ's temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
At this point the "Illuminatio" or in Greek "theoria" commenced. During this period the monk learned the paths to holiness revealed in the Gospel. During the "Illuminatio" many monks took in visitors and students, and tended the poor as much as their meager resources allowed. They identified strongly with Christ when he taught the Sermon on the Mount, recounted in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. The monk continued his life of humility in the Spirit of God; his stoic acceptance of suffering often made him the only man capable of taking on heroic or difficult responsibilities for the local Christian community. Many monks died never having moved past this period.
The final stage was the "Unitio," or in Greek "theosis" a period when the soul of the monk and the Spirit of God bonded together in a union often described as the marriage of the Song of Solomon (also called the "Song of Songs," or the "Canticle of Canticles"). Elderly monks often fled into the deep desert or into remote forests to find the solitude and peace that this level of mystical awareness demanded. In this, the monk identified with the transfigured Christ, who after his resurrection was often hidden from his disciples. Ascetics who achieve this level of ascetic enlightenment are referred to as Schema.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cassian
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If there was ever a year when it did NOT feel like Christmas, this was it. I started feeling sick on the evening of the 23rd, (the day we got back from Siem Reap) and developed a rash, headache, sore throat, achy body, fever, chills, etc which have continued on through today. Today I feel a wee bit better, but feel as if a complete recovery is still a couple of days away.
The fact is, I miss Christmas in the West, with it's snow, and decorated houses with lights and such. I loved just cruising around in the evening feasting on the atmosphere. There is NONE of that here in Cambodia. But, that is the very reason why we are here. It is quite the sacrifice.

Lately, God has stirred up more schooling in our spirits. For years now, I have wanted a Masters degree, but have never even thought of actually doing it. Now we are seriously playing with the idea of more school in 2011. It would be nice to return from the foreign field some day (whenever that may be) and instead of working at WalMart, or wherever, we could get a job as a chaplain at a prison, or hospital, etc. We want to sort of safeguard our futures towards the ministry.

We are also in a season of desperate hunger for the presence and manifestation of Holy Spirit. O come Holy Ghost, and feed us.
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humility Booklet 12/11/2009
 
Here is the work I've been slaving away at the last month or so. If you want a copy, you can download it above. I can print our full booklet copies for $1US/each here in Phnom Penh!! I may stash some away for when we return to PEI.
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The infernal spirits treated Joseph as their enemy. One night the servant of God was standing before the alter of St. Francis, in the Basilica at Assisi, when he heard the door opened violently and saw a man enter, who advanced so noisily that his feet seemed cased in iron. The saint regarded him closely and saw that, as he approached, the lamps went out, one by one, till finally all were extinguished and the intruder stood at his side in utter darkness. Thereupon the devil, for he it was, furiously attacked Joseph, threw him on the floor, and attempted to strangle him. Joseph, however, invoked St.Francis, and saw him come forth from his tomb and relight with a small candle all the lamps, at the gleam of which the fiend suddenly vanished. By reason of this occurence Joseph gave St. Francis the name "Lamplighter of the Church."
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Honor 12/06/2009
 

New Life in Christ Church. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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6 weeks in 12/06/2009
 
We have been in Cambodia just a month and a half. Times have been good. We are receiving a modest salary from CMO for our work here, so that has taken the pressure of potential sponsors, and our minimum is covered. The focus of our work is training English teachers for the ministry here, English teaching, and helping preach at New Life in Christ Church. In 6 weeks, I have gotten to preach 4 times, and Jenny once. My latest preach (just this morning, entitled 'Honor' can be viewed -HERE-.
We are also teaching English to the children here. I rotate between the Grade 1 and 4 classes weekly. The kids are even more endearing than we remember, and Jenny & I see many of them as "our kids".
We have been learning so much about humility, submission, honor, etc. My whole view of ministry is changing, and I see the future as much more intimidating, but also much more important now. All selfishness must leave, if the body of Christ is to get well, and perform it's duties.
Christmas is nearing and nostalgia is setting in. I do miss PEI this time of year. To celebrate the spirit of this season, Jenny & I will be heading to Siem Reap to spend our holidays amidst 1000 yr old Hindu/Buddhist temples. Not quite the same as snow covered fields and houses decorated with lights, but it will have to do.
I like to imagine how worth it it will be when we are settled in to our heavenly home for eternity. Cozy.
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