In response to the demand, Josh and I are now teaching Bible studies every day. The Bible study follows after the English class, at 6:30pm. Josh teaches the Bible to the men, and I teach the women. It is an opportunity for students to also practice their English for another hour, although that is totally secondary to them learning about God. There are about 5-11 students who show up to each Bible study, and several of them come daily.
We are teaching from a book that has the gospel of John printed in both Khmer and English. Josh is also continuing to teach foundational Christian doctrine, and I am teaching from the book of Exodus. The girls are fascinated with the stories of Moses and the Israelites!
It can be a challenge to teach the Bible to people who are learning English as a second language. When I teach I repeat things, use different words to say the same thing, use gestures and draw pictures. There is a mix of students who speak English well, speak some English and hardly speak any English. The students are usually able to help one another out and translate to those who do not understand.
It is impossible to be too basic with the Cambodians. Cambodia is a Buddhist nation, where the story of Adam and Eve is not just common knowledge. We are answering questions about God that we have never been asked before, because they are just so basic. We are teaching the simplicity of the gospel to them, and in turn, we are teaching the Cambodians how to preach the simplicity of the gospel.
I also have a Bible study at 4:00pm, in which I am teaching two students. At the first Bible study, which was yesterday, they asked Jesus to come into their hearts! Now, as the Bible study continues I am answering their questions and discipling them.
Please pray for Josh and I that we may become even more rich in joy, as we experience the love that God is giving us for the unreached people of Cambodia. His love here, is so evident as He calls the Cambodians to come and be His children.