One of the saddest parts of my trip to Cambodia is seeing the children. When you travel in a country with so much poverty, your heart really goes out to the kids. Kids who are drugged by their parents to use for begging purposes. The drugs keep the kids more cooperative during a long day of begging, and makes it appear to visitors that the child is sick. The woman in this picture is one of many examples we saw. Kids who live with practically nothing, are mal-nourished, and if they go to school, the parents must pay a bribe to the teacher so they will actually be taught. Kids who might be lucky enough to work in a factory and make $1.50 for a 10 hour shift.
The most horrific examples are the girls who are forced into the sex trade. Some are kidnapped off the streets, others are acutally sold into it by their parents who are desperate to provide for the rest of the family. It is so bad that if you are a male visitor who is travelling without his wife, it is assumed that you are there for sex. The rate of AIDS is one of the highest in Asia.
If you are a parent here in the USA, give thanks that you are able to care for and provide for your children. We are truly blessed! Pray for the children of Cambodia and those who are serving to meet the vast needs of this country. Pray that the people of Cambodia will rise up and say enough is enough when it comes to the neglect and exploitation of children. Pray for the missionaries I had the priviledge of serving that God will use the power of the gospel to transform the hearts of the people.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
No comments:
Post a Comment