We have been in Sihanoukville for almost a week, and the time spent here cannot be overstated! We've spent much time swimming in the Gulf of Thailand, and resting on Serendipity Beach, chatting with the scores of kids who try their best to sell you bracelets and such. There are also scores of ladies who want to sell you a back massage, or pedicure, or manicure, or etc etc etc. The distinction between 1st World and 3rd World is shocking. The kids, ladies, and beggars try in every way, to get the rich westerners to give them anything. Some things we see are disturbing.
We talk to many young girls, who testify that they've been approached by older western men, for sex. The temptation to be lured into this type of employment is great.
We try as much as possible, to befriend these innocents, and learn their stories. Complacence is destroyed by the stories we hear. On Serendipity Beach, ignorance and inaction go hand in hand. Many here do not want the responsibility of knowing the truth about what this place is notorious for. Ignorance seems the far better option. Last year over 2 million tourists visited cambodia, and it is estimated that 22% of these tourists came for the sex. !. That`s crazy.
So, we continue our time here with The Mission Worldwide. It is a time of rest, but also of advancement. We seek God's will for the future of this troubled place. Your prayers are welcomed.
Revelation 21:4 And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death; there shall be no more mourning, or crying or pain; for the first things have passed away.
