Yesterday, Josh and I put on a kid's program at 'New Life in Christ' church for the precious children at tent city. We had gone to tent city the day before and handed out flyers with details about the service. Written in Khmer it said:
 'Fun and games!kid's program at New Life in Christ' church, Wednesday 10, 8:00AM-10:00AM. We will provide transportation and arrive to pick up kids at 7:45AM. 7-12 years old only.'
 I was mobbed by a group of kids who all wanted a piece of paper from 'the white girl'. Foolishly, I had given away all the flyers to the snatching hands and the papers were gone in less than 5 minutes. Josh and  I hoped that those flyers would actually get home to their parents, and that word would spread.
On Wednesay morning, we took a truck to tent city. Two of the Cambodian youth, Luke and Una came to help us. There were 20 kids waiting at the entrance for us and excitedly trying to jump into the truck. Una and Luke helped us to have some organization and elimination as we allowed kids to board the truck. More kids came out of their shacks, and we had to make 2 trips with the truck. There were about 90 kids who came to the program.
Our program took place in the sanctuary. First, we sang songs including my off-key version of 'I have decided to follow Jesus'. We had a hip-hop competition on stage while some of the youth from the worship team, played drums and guitar. Pastor Sally told them the Christmas story using pictures, and the kids were so intrigued. Following the story of Christmas, I told the kids about how they can invite Jesus into their hearts  so that their hearts would be full of God's love, they would have a relationship with Him and go to Heaven. When it came time to ask the kids how many would like Jesus, atleast 45 raised their hands and I think even more than that, prayed the prayer of salvation with me. It was very exciting. We finished the program with some 'over and under' ball races, and then we took the kids home in 2 batches.
Josh and Luke went in the truck, accompanying the kids back to tent city. Once they reached the field, and the kids got off the truck, they began throwing rocks at Josh and Luke. They were upset because we did not give them anything. The mindset is that 'the white people will give us stuff'. They think we are rich, and this stereotype has been set in place by white people who have given them stuff in the past.
Back at the church, Josh addressed the situation with the youth so that when word got around about the rocks, they would not be discouraged. To sum up his words: we would continue going back to tent city even if they throw rocks at us. We have nothing to give them but Jesus and our friendship. Missionaries like William Carey, C.T. Studd, Adoniram Judson saw little if any converts after years of hard work but today we are seeing the fruit of the seeds they planted. We want to sow seed in Tent city, even if Josh and I don't see the fruit. Perhaps the youth will be the ones to reap the harvest.
On Sunday, we will be returning to tent city. We are continuing the beginning of this ministry, which is to build relationships, credibility and real friendships.

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