Across the water on an island of countryside, there is a church. The church hasn’t had a pastor for many years, but it still continues. A husband and wife, who have been members of this church for a few years, are now overseeing it. Their daughter and son teach and preach at the church, and also teach English to children. Although in the beginning, they did not feel adequate to teach, they tried anyway believing that God would help them, and today the church continues and is a place where the minority of Christians can worship and learn. 
     The mindset of Christianity in rural Cambodia is very different than in North America. Churches attract poor families, who come looking for financial help from the church members. Families who make a lot of money don’t bother going to church, because they are not looking for help. Both situations are sad and have sprung up because of misconceptions about what Christianity is. Cambodians who become Christians are considered traitors to Khmer culture, and are often shunned by family and friends. There is a man who lives and sleeps in the church, to protect the small structure from being robbed of it’s equipment and chairs. This family cares for the church so dearly, as well as work full-time. The father and son are now receiving formal Bible training.
     It’s obvious that running this church hasn’t been all smiles and good times. It has been bitter-sweet and a test of devotion and determination. This family had no obligation to keep this church going. For a family of nine children who probably make less than five dollars a day, the managing of this church has probably been a burden to them, more than anything. It is a burden that they have gladly welcomed, and praise Jesus for. Jesus has made Himself known to them and has won them over with His relentless love. He has changed their lives and has proved Himself to be vital to the life of every human. He has proven Himself so worthy and so crucial to their nation, that they could not let this church die.
     Are we preaching a gospel that is vital to our nation? Is the Jesus we present crucial to our co-workers and our broken-hearted neighbors? Is the truth and invitation of our Savior so undeniable, and our conviction of the power of God, so strong that we would not let our own church die? This family of farmers in rural Cambodia will probably never have a big international ministry, and their names will probably never be known by the world, but their reward in Heaven is great. They are the church that refuses to die.

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