Dear Family and Friends,
I have never been hungry or homeless but I have been hopeless. Uncertain of my worth, and my potential I was very lost, hurting, empty, and on the path of major life destruction. I know the pain of a hopeless heart, but I come to know grace, mercy, and the joy of a heart FULL of hope.
People all over the world are hurting. Children are hungry, adults are out of work, and hope is only a dream to some. Cambodia is one such place where this is especially true. Decades of war has left the land and its people devastated and hopeless.
On April 17th, 1975 Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge which led to four years slavery, famine, suffering, and death in agrarian camps. The new regime carried out a radical program that included isolating the country from foreign influence, closing hospitals, schools, and factories, abolishing finance, currency, and banking, outlawing all religions and confiscating all private property. The objective of the Khmer Rouge was to introduce a pure Maoist agrarian society. To “purify” the people they executed those loyal to the old government. A conservative estimate of deaths as result of the Khmer Rouge is over 1.7 million people.
The last 10-15 years has seen a rise in human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, slave labor, narcotics-related corruption and one of the world’s highest rates of disability. Only 37% of Cambodian adult population is functionally literate leading them to hopeless poverty. There are over 35,000 families living in slums with 40% without access to a toilet. The daily salary is about one US dollar.
I share this history and facts about Cambodia with you because I believe there is HOPE for Cambodian people today. Through Christ we can move Cambodia away from the “Killing Fields” of the past toward a bright future.
Water of Life Community Church has partnered with New Life Fellowship Church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Each summer Water of Life sends teams to work in Cambodia at the church for two weeks. During this time, team members provide fellowship, ministry and education to Cambodians. We aim to bring the love of Jesus to orphans by providing them with hope of a childhood. We will truck through the jungle to villages, and visit the slums to reach all God’s people.
For two weeks of my life, I want to hug orphans, play soccer with them, get dirty with them, and laugh with them. I want to teach English, education is a vital life skill that continues after we leave. And, for those who know me, no, I can’t spell, and I am not an English scholar; but I own a dictionary and I will take it with me. =) I am ready to leave all I know for two weeks and give myself completely to what God has for me to do in Cambodia. This is going to be an extraordinary opportunity for me to share the gifts He has graced me with. This overseas trip will allow my relationship with God to grow deeper as I will be in an unfamiliar foreign land serving Him, and in return strengthen my ministries back home. I am SUPER excited to go!
My trip is only a few weeks away; I depart July 5th and return July 18th. I am asking you to partner with me in prayer and/or financial support. My team and I need prayer for safe travels, good health and spiritual strength. My deadline for all the money is approaching very quickly, and I ask you to please pray and contact me if you are able to be part of my team and help send me to Cambodia.
I have been called and I am going to Cambodia this July. Together WE can bring EDUCATION, LOVE and HOPE to the Cambodian people! Will you partner with me?
Serving Him while serving others,
Angela Marie Ortega
I hear echoes of dark screams.
