Burke Boys Blog

History is Important

2012-01-30T22:53:00.001-08:00

by L. Sterling Burke IV

After just returning from one of the local South East Asian countries bordering Cambodia, I was amazed at the difference in culture and mindset. While there, we took a day to tour the local areas. We went several places, but the one place that caught my attention was the King's summer home. It was a small, quiet home in the mountains. When you first walked in, there was a sitting area for guests that would have been waiting to see the King. It consisted of two chairs and a couch sitting nicely next to the fire place and facing a large window that overlooked a magnificent garden and the valley below. It was simple but elegant. We then turned right into the King's office. His desk also sat looking out over the garden and valley. Behind the desk sat a large book case filled with English and French books along with some translated into the local language. The bookcase was filled with great works of literature from all around the world. The house was full of books and art, all just how he left it. This is a real contrast from the King’s palace in Cambodia and what I feel it represents.

Compared to the king’s summer home in the neighboring country, the Khmer palace of the King shows a huge class distinction. You can see the desire to display all the "pomp" possible, and yet many things are actually missing from where they were once displayed. While the palace is still there, it has been robbed and much has been destroyed. Many of the royal artifacts have been stolen. Angkor Watt is another one of Cambodia’s famous landmarks. It is mostly run down and covered by trees. All the wealth it once had is gone; much has been taken. Both these places say much about the country and they are examples of the contrast between Cambodia and the neighboring country.

Here you see two countries bordering each other; one taking time to preserve the past, the other taking what they can from it, stealing from themselves and thus destroying bits of their own history in the process. I do see Cambodia beginning to grow. My prayer is that where there were obvious years of war and self-destruction that the people are learning from that, and growing stronger to take ownership of their decisions and their country, desiring to leave for future generations what they have been robbed of. I sincerely hope that their leaders will "lead" the way in curbing the corruption that has been so devastating and move on to ensure that all Cambodians begin to have a chance at educated lives that are less about "appearances" and selfish gain, and more about becoming stronger as individuals to aid the "common good", looking to the future while desiring to learn from and preserve the values and lessons they might be learning from the “past”.

Heroes

2012-01-28T02:26:00.000-08:00

by Benjamin Burke

A few weeks ago I emailed my all time hero Shaun Alexander, who was a famous running back for the Seattle Seahawks, and signed up for his newsletter. I check my email account a couple times a week to see if I have the newsletter from him yet, but I haven’t received one.

Now I didn’t think that he would write me personally, but I would enjoy receiving this newsletter they promised. Then I was sitting one day thinking about what I would do if I did receive a personal email, and it struck me how faithful God always is and will always be in relating to us.

We always turn to our heroes for inspiration and to set standards for who we respect or wish to be like. Earthly heroes, though, can let us down. Mr. Alexander hasn’t really let me down because I understand I probably won’t have a personal relationship with him. But One I can turn to, and trust to inspire me and relate with me, is Jesus.

I am by no means putting down Mr. Alexander. He is a strong Christian and has taken a faithful stand for God and I know that must be hard being in the spotlight. I respect him for that, and even though I still want to get that newsletter, truth is I can still daily go to the same hero he looks to, Jesus.

Lambs in Lambs Clothing

2011-09-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

by Benjamin Burke

My brother and I were talking to Jonathan, one ofour team members, and he was talking to Sterling about a book he’d read. Thebook was talking about lambs in lambs clothing. He said that, as Christians, wedon’t need to act like Christians; wealready are Christians. We don’t need to perform like we have to be somethingwe are not.

We discussed how manyChristians act on different issues like devotion time. Most Christians say todo your devotions in the morning, so you can start the day with God on yourmind. And that’s great, but if you are too tired in the mornings or have towake up extra early because you have to go to work, just don’t do it. If thatis supposed to be your special time with the Lord and you can’t focus on Him becauseyou’re “too tired”, it’s worse than not doing it at all. We have to give Godeverything. We can’t spend time with him with half of our minds on Him and theother half on sleep. We have to give it all we’ve got, even if that means beingthe odd one out. God doesn’t care whenwe spend time with Him, just as long as we dospend time with Him.

We don’t have to be “Christians”for God. As Christians, we simply are Hisbeloved children. Don’t feel like you have to follow a pattern. Nothing couldplease God more than for us to be our-selves. Just relate and talk to Him. Say“God, I’ve been having a rough couple of days. Do you have some pointers on howto resolve this situation? Help me dig down deep to find forgiveness for thisperson, or help me with the hurt. I know that you can. Help me find ways toglorify Your name in this situation. Amen.”

If we are lambs, wewill have a desire for God. He obviously wants our time. Give Him your best.Stop when you feel like you need Him the most and you are wanting to spend timewith Him. There is nothing wrong with that. God doesn’t care when, just as longas we are our-selves and spending time with Him.

Work

2011-08-21T23:38:00.001-07:00

by Sterling Burke

In the world we live in, work and work ethic is something we have strayed far from. We have become complaisant and lazy. We are self-centered and think others should be doing the work for us. We chose not to work when we have the chance. We chose not to work and stay diligent to the little things that take up no amount of time at all, all the while thinking someone else will do it later. When really the only thing we’re choosing not to do is build self discipline and order.

In choosing to put off even the little things were creating a pattern in our lives that will carry on. It’s never just enough to show up to work on time, or clean up after yourself just once after a long history of not doing these things and say its all ok. We have to be constant and steady in our work not matter what we are doing.

When we stay focused to the work God has placed in front of us; unwavering to the work He has for us, we will see so much more happen in our lives. He will open new doors with jobs and tasks for us that we never thought could be open.We will see new things happen and prayers come to pass if we just stay diligent to His work and call on our lives. Even if we’re stuck in a office behind a desk all day He has you there for a reason and if you stay attentive to the small-things He will be able to work though you more and more.

Whole Hearted Devotion

2011-08-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

by Benjamin Burke

I’m a kid, so I hate nighttime. It’s a waste of twelve hours for me. My family and I were listing to a sermon by Mike Bickle and, as he was talking, I just thought that so many Christians want the day and not the night. What I mean by that is so many Christians want God’s blessing and not have to sacrifice for Him. We have to want the full day. We have to take the good things, and the bad things. God challenges us by allowing pain, physically and emotionally. For example, Job had a pretty good life. A wife, kids, livestock, all these good things and God takes it all away. Everything; and yet, through all the pain and the sorrow, Job stayed true to God and trusted God to help him. Not only did He restore it, but He restored it 100 fold, all because Job had faith and took the day and the night.

God also challenges us to do things that might hurt ourselves and other around us. Abraham had waited for years and years to have a son, and finally God had given him a child. Then God turned around and told Abraham to sacrifice his son. And Abraham did it. He obeyed God. And do you know what God said when Isaac was laying on the alter? “And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” And God blessed him. Both Job and Abraham took the day and night and were blessed because of it. Only the day doesn’t get you the blessing, take it all and you’ll be better off.

How to Handle Discouragement

2011-05-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

by Benjamin Burke

Do you ever get discouraged? Maybe you’ve moved away somewhere and have to make new friends. Imagine what it’s like to live in another country where communicating with other people, about simple things even, can be hard.

It can be hard to go through periods of time when you feel down. It’s even harder to come to God with it. But the Lord challenges us to trust in Him and seek Him. Most people say, “It’s hard enough to follow God, but to give up everything, including friends and family, impossible!” But if you want to know God, you have to love Him and believe that He is enough, no matter what problems you face.

When I am feeling a little down, there are a few things I do. I pray, try to keep a clean heart and mind and not fixate on my troubles, and I choose to concentrate on God’s goodness. I remember to think about scriptures that I know will encourage and strengthen me. Two that I like are:

1.) For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear” (Hebrews 13: 5, 6). 2.) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James4:8).

I also remember to be thankful. It is easy to think about the things you don’t have, but it is more important to praise God for the things you do have. I try in everything I do to listen out for God. I am re-reading a book right now called the Door Within where the motto of the knights is, “You are not alone”. When I read this I remember that God wants to remind me of His love even when I am doing everyday things like reading. Finally, try to find someone to show kindness to and encourage them in what they are going through. Remember, you might not be the only one feeling down.

So whenever I am feeling down, I try to turn the spotlight off of me and onto God. When I do I always feel less discouraged.

Be On Guard

2011-05-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

by Sterling Burke

“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith,

be courageous, be strong, do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I have been taking a martial arts class with our teammate, Jonathan Trentham. The theme of the class is the verse above. I have read and re-read it many times through the years and it always challenges me.

This whole verse really stands out to me every time I read it. Paul was writing to the church in Corinth encouraging them to keep the faith and honor the Lord in all things, but also warning them as well not to fall into the hands of the enemy.

“Be on your guard” In the first 4 words Paul has already set a strong clear warning to the Church. Paul is telling them to be alert, not to let down their watch to continue to press in the Lord Jesus and his plan for their lives and not to allow room for anything that is not of God in their lives. He could have stopped the verse right there but he doesn’t. He continues to stress the point by saying “Stand firm in the faith”. His word of warning is growing louder and louder. Now it’s a cry to the people, "Follow the Savior, don’t give up, keep your ground, stand firm in the faith!”. He’s now pleading, begging the people not to give up hope.

The next part is letting them know not to back down, never to back down, and to keep up the fight! “Be courageous”, he says, as he encourages his brothers in the faith to maintain the fight, because God is on our side. That part really stuck out to me the most; “be courageous”. There's so many things that come to mind when you think of courageous but always one of the last is being courageous for the One that deserves our bravery the most.

Paul goes on to say “Be strong”. He’s not talking about physical strength but more mental and spiritual strength in God. Be strong in the Lord. That means keep his laws and commandments, His Word, 100% of the time. Again Paul’s prayerfully begging that they keep firm and stand in Jesus.

So, first “Be on your guard stand firm in the faith” he is warning his friends to keep the faith not to fall out. Then secondly “be courageous, be strong” he's telling them to keep up the fight in the spirit. What could Paul possibly say to wrap up such an amazing couple of verses? He ends with “do everything in love.” Be on your guard stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong; he chooses to end with, do everything in love. Do everything, not just half the time, not just when you feel like it, but do everything in love, all the time. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Be on your guard stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, do everything in love.” with only a few remarkable words, Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, managed to say so much.

Beautiful Feet

2011-04-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

by Benjamin Burke

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings the good news

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

God calls us to missions. Sometimes, it is only to our neighbors, our friends, those around us where we are at. And other times, it is to the world. He may call us to go to completely different cultures. No matter where God calls us to go, we have to go, period.

It’s a period, but it’s not the end of the story. One way we can prepare for missions is to do what Jesus says most frequently to do; Read the Bible and pray. You have to make sure you are ready, in season and out.

As Christians we know that a time will come that we will have an opportunity to share the gospel and the good news. Many Christians spend time sitting and waiting for the opportunity to do that, but they are not preparing or seeing the daily importance of having fellowship with God. But the truth is, you can’t give what you don’t have. A verse that comes to mind is a verse from Ephesians 6. It says that when we are going out as Christians we need to have our feet “shod with the preparation of the gospel”. You notice that it actually uses the word preparation. Preparing to share with people is the most important part of missions.

God does call us to go out and share. Let’s not just hear the call. Let’s not just look for opportunities. Let’s be ready! If we are full His words then those words can be used to change people when the Holy Spirit leads us to speak them. If we are taking His good news, we are proclaiming peace, tidings of good things, and salvation! Our God Reigns!

Change

2011-04-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

by Sterling Burke

In the world we live in, change, might be the principal part life. Some say life is change. Though if life is change, where is stability found? Does everything change all the time? The better question is; what doesn’t?

We live life fearing change when the reality is once you get up from reading this your life will have changed. Everything is change, and change is in everything.

I only wish that as things change, we could learn from the circumstances it brings and so, gain understanding from the past. Maybe if the past is clear we would be able to distinguish just what is needed to produce a brighter future. This to me seems the wisdom in it all, because you cannot stop change, you can only attempt to handle it wisely. Experience teaches, in the end, it will be just that; an attempt. Change will always come, but for better or for worse is up to you. You control your decisions and every decision made affects change. You cannot control actions of others around you, but again, you can control your decisions and your reaction to the future it brings.

You never again will have the same chances and the same opportunities as you do now. You will never view life the same. Enjoy the day. I am by no means saying do not take pleasure in the season you are in. I am simply trying to state when change comes do not shove it away. Move forward. Do not live your life trying to recreate the past by holding on tight to memories. Good are bad, they strengthen you. They are there to learn from. Don’t let them pin you down where you cannot move on. Remember, but do not relive. Live in the present, for soon it will be the past. Look forward to the future for soon it will be the present. Remember the past for it shaped you into who you are.

Change is an inevitable force, which can, in no way be stopped. As a mountain does not melt away into the earth, nor does change linger at your command. Only God does not change. Only God is in control as life gives way to change. If you attempt to control change, you are placing yourself in the place of God. Learn to trust. God knows where you are, He knows exactly what is happening around you. He knows exactly where you are and what you need. He placed you where you are for a reason and only He knows why. Trust and hold on to Him and He will always use all that happens to strengthen you. So, embrace the change God brings.

He is good and He brings us good all our days as we humble ourselves, trust Him, obey Him, and follow where He leads, no matter what has to change to get us there!

A Word to the Young

2011-03-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

This is an review of the article A Word to the Young by Pastor Paul Washer by Benjamin Burke

In the article A Word to the Young by Mr. Paul Washer, Mr. Washer covers a lot of things, like reading the Bible, prayer, surrounding yourself with godly companions, and being committed to seek after God. The first thing he talks about is to “Remember the Brevity of Life”. He says that we need to “fight” off the temptation to forget the brevity of life, and that we need to learn from the bible and remember that our days are numbered. I really like this is because he really points out that our lives are going to end just as fast as they began. We must understand that we only have one shot to do what’s right, and that is to believe in the one and only true God.

The second thing he talks about is to “Remember your Creator”. He says that the only way we can remember the brevity of life is to remember our creator. He says that “Unless you purpose in your heart to remember God and use every means at your disposal to remain true to that purpose, you will fall into vanity and your life will be wasted”¹. This really stands out to me because if you say “I believe in God”, but don’t act on it and just leave it at that, it’s one of the most dangerous things you can say.

”Read the Bible”. Mr. Washer says that “One of the greatest things a young Christian can do is to make a lifelong practice of reading the Bible systematically from Genesis to Revelation over and over again”²… the only thing a real Christian can do to strengthen his faith is to read the Bible. He says that most Christians have a sectioned knowledge of the Bible because they don’t read it the way it is written.

“Pray”. That’s it. Pray. Its brings us closer to God. That’s the only thing that brings real happiness. If you don’t read the bible you can’t pray, if you can’t pray you can’t live eternally with God. What an awful thought. To be eternally separated from our “Creator”. Prayer is only thing that brings us closer to God, and that is the only thing that satisfies.

“Flee Youthful Lusts”. Mr. Washer points out that in the Bible God tells us to stand strong while facing Satin, but to “Flee from youthful lusts”. That’s how strong the secular world is. God makes it that specific to run away from the world. If you open that door just a tad bit, the devil can stick his “foot” in that little crack and he’ll never allow you to shut it. And the only way you can, is to ask Jesus to come into your life, and help you in that area.

Now I want to ask you a question, what do you want people to say at your funeral? Do you want them to say “I was proud of him or her”, or “He was a mighty man or woman of God”? Or do you want them to say “He or she wasted his or her life”, or “He or she knew there was a God, but chose to stray away”? Which one do you want? We must devote our lives to Him, and Him only. We have one shot at this. Our days are numbered.

Sterling - Jan. 2011

2011-01-31T02:13:00.000-08:00

I Regret That I Have but One Life to Give

“I regret that had but one life to give for my country.” I want to start this blog out with this quote by a man who loved his country, even to the point of death; Nathan Hale. He was an American spy in the revolutionary war. He had been caught stealing British documents. The British dragged him out to execute him without even a trial, and when asked what his last words would be, he replied, “I regret that had but one life to give for my country.”

If he loved his country so much that he’d give his life for it, how much more should we give our lives for our God? I have had the privilege to meet people like that all over the world. Some of those people have been put in jail up to seven times. Even though most of us don’t have to live like that, we still have a responsibility to do what God has given us to do, whether it’s in our town or even around the world. Like in Vietnam, China, or any where else no matter how old you are, you still have a responsibility to do what you are called to. That can be hard sometimes. Christ never said it would be easy, instead, He said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15).” He didn’t say, “go preach the good news where it’s the easiest.” See the difference? “All creation,” that means Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Russia, everywhere! But sadly, most of the people that I know are nice and comfortable in their nice little house with their nice little car. They never step outside of their comfort zone to tell anybody about God. I'm not saying you can't be comfortable. It’s just that you can't stay in the same place, stagnant, when God has called you somewhere else or to lay your hands to something. You need to go! Wherever it is, no matter how hard it is, we need to “go”. We have to “go”.

Jesus died on cross for you and me and we don’t even take time to listen to Him, or tell anyone about Him in the simplest and easiest of situations. Maybe sometimes we just need to slow down, listen, and come before God willing to do what He has called us to do.

Benjamin - January 2011

2011-01-31T00:09:00.000-08:00

I am Called to Pray!

I keep wanting to press more into Jesus, to connect more with who He is and what He thinks about situations that are going on around me and in different areas throughout the earth. Many times at night I lay wanting to be able to really pray. I always start prayers with requests that the Lord help me pray. You know where the scriptures say “teach us how to pray” (Luke 11:1) and “I want to believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24), those kinds of prayers.

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the armor of God. He describes how to use the armor. He tells us to put on the armor that we might withstand, and having done all, still be standing when we are wrestling in heavenly places. The wrestling that he is describing is a picture of being in a battle. That is exactly what it is, a battle. Thus we wear the armor. It is for protection as we stand and fight for the truth of God. And that is where Paul starts.

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul tells us to stand with our waist protected with truth, and our heart with the breast plate of righteousness, our feet prepared to take the gospel of peace, and above all to have faith as a shield to guard us from the arrows of the devil. He tells us our helmet is salvation and our offensive weapon is a sword. And that sword is the Word of God. It is a powerful weapon!

So, what I think we can learn from that passage is that we are constantly in a spiritual battle and that battle is prayer! In that battle we have to protect ourselves by speaking the truth in all things, walking in Jesus’ righteousness, and knowing we can only do those things through faith! Salvation protects our mind, and that’s why Paul tells us to put it on like a helmet. But the only way that we can come to salvation and be righteous and truthful and ready to share the gospel is by God’s word, and is through understanding God’s Word. And that is the final thing Paul tells us to “take up”, the sword of the Spirit. It is the only power that we will have to use to fight in our battle of prayer.

I do feel called to pray. Reading this passage really made me stop and think. If I want to be effective and able to pray, I will have to know and live by His word. I don’t have to be fearful and wonder what to pray. I can pray His word and know His will through doing that. I can always pray in Faith!

Benjamin - September 2010

2010-09-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hobbes

I have a little Hobbe“r”s that goes everywhere with me,
He’s cute and very furry and is as fluffy as can be.

I say that he is cute but if you ever saw this dog.
You’d not “Awe!” about his cuteness,
But probably rather pet a frog.

He looks like a little werewolf
double bottom fangs on either side.
They only serve to hinder licking,
Which he couldn’t stop if he tried.

As ugly as he is
He’s the kindest little thing
Ticks and all can’t keep thankfulness away for
All the joy and happiness he brings.

He shows love endlessly
Playing, chasing, sitting near
And never stopping to lick and love you
That’s how he shows you that you’re dear.

He likes to lick everyone,
No matter who it is.
Though many shoves are given him,
He still always has to kiss.

He stands less than a foot off the ground
His upturned hair, you’d laugh if you saw
But sadly now I have to end this…
I know you might say “Awe”.

Not to worry, I’ll be back with more on Hobbes,
And the next time I might tell
Of our big ole burly golden retriever
Hobbes best friend, Brutis Shnell.

Sterling - September 2010

2010-09-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Choosing

In life we have choices. Right or left? Hot or cold? Fast or slow? And every choice we make will change us. So, saying that, do we always think about our choices like we should? Or do we pass them off like nothing? In choosing, we’re setting ourselves up for later. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to sit back and watch my life go down the drain simply because I want to do what I want now without thinking about the future. I’m trying make choices to shape my life into what I want it to be later. I’m not doing the best for sure, but I am trying. I see so many people who live for the fun they can have right now. And I see the price of the choices they have made. And then I look at others that have made good choices that set them up for later. We all can make choices that help build a stronger foundation for later. But we can’t do it on our own. We need help from family and friends, but mostly we need help from God. He is the only One who can really help us. We have the choice to live for Him or live for ourselves. We have the choice to go to heaven or to hell because of the price that Jesus paid. I have made my choice. It is time for you to make yours.

Benjamin - June 2010

2010-06-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting couple of weeks. First, dad wanted to take me to a "hidden beach." It is about an hour and a half ride on motorcycle up a cow path, a literal cow path, until you come to a small dirt road. The road was muddy, so dad asked me to get off and walk while he tried to ride through the mud. He makes it about 10 yards and the motorcycle sinks into two feet of mud. He starts pushing, but the motorcycle will not budge. After several minutes, some Khmer guys come buy and dad talks them into helping push us out of the mud (it cost $5 to get the help).

It was starting to get dark, but dad still wanted to see the "hidden beach," so we went around the mud by getting on another cow path. It took us over two hours to get to the beach from the time we left the house. When we get there, it was not much of a beach, there were goats, pigs and cows running around everywhere and it was almost dark, so we could only stay five minutes to swim. At least we know the way now. The brochure was not exactly honest in what it said and what it showed about the beach. It was not the paradise shown in the pictures, but it was an adventure to get to.

We start headin' back, guess what we see, a huge paved road on our right. The brochure took us through the cow field, but there was a road that ran right out to the beach that we could have taken. Usually up for the "road less traveled", we decided it would be a good time to take the quick way home and we decided on the paved road. We were hungry from our adventure, so we stopped at a restaurant on the way home and had a good meal. We had a great time and I enjoyed the "dad time." Never ones to miss an adventure, it started raining on our way home, so we had a 45 minute ride home in the dark soaking wet.

Another "Burke Boy Adventure" in the books!

Benjamin - Mar. 2010

2010-03-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

We are finally all moved in. It has been quite an easy transition for me into our home here, but there has been some hard things about getting settled in. Leaving my family, friends, and other special things, like pets, in America has been the hardest. Two big things happened after we arrived, that made me feel sad and lonely for my family in America. One was, it was the first time in years that they had an actual white Christmas and I really missed being there for that. I LOVE snow! Then my great Grandma Frances, who was so special to me, died and we couldn’t be there. But I am happy that Grandma is with Jesus and lived such a good and long life… she was 96 when she died. Those things were really hard but I know God was here with us, and there with the rest of our family in America. And He gave me peace in my sadness.

So, God has encouraged me through it all and He had plans to help me with all these things and the transition back before I even knew I would need it. He sent me a good friend back with us. His family came to help us get the Elephant English School started. His name is Eric Jurgielewicz. He’s been so great to have around! I love his whole family and the rest of the team too! Elizabeth LeMarr has been like a sister to me growing up and she is here, and I love seeing her. Also, being back with Srey Roth and the Heritage House kids is like finally being home again. They really are my family too.

And finally after much pleading, Dad gave in and let me bring home a little dog that one of the store owners near the market kept trying to give me. He has been another awesome blessing. He is really little. He weighs about 8 pounds and is quiet and playful and so good. His name is Hobbes and I am so thankful to have him.

There are still days when I pray and ask Jesus to help me transition into another new house, but I love being back in Cambodia, and I am so thankful for all the ways God has blessed me and encouraged me during my transition back.

Sterling - March 2010

2010-03-24T02:01:00.000-07:00

Over the past five months I have been trying to get used to being back in Cambodia, but I have realized I was missing something that has made all the difference in helping me get settled back into life here. I am here because God sent me here. I’m not just here because my parents are. I'm here because God has His reasons for having me in Cambodia.

I feel God has been encouraging me that some of the main reasons He has had me here since I was five is to live, grow, and walk with the Heritage House kids. Since I have been back from the states this time, I feel called to continue to encourage them in their walk with God. But again, God has even bigger reasons. Sometimes I’m the one that needs encouragement.

I have been trying to encourage my Cambodian brothers to follow Christ wherever He takes them, but they keep encouraging me. It has made me think a lot about what missions really is. I think about how we send all these teams into countries and think they are really going to help the church there because the church ”really needs it.”

Sometimes it does need the help that they think it does. God said go and make disciples in these nations, but sometimes we’re the ones that need to learn. Sometimes missionaries really just need to go back to their own church and pray and see what God needs them to do there. There’s always lost people around you in your own city or town. I used to always think of a mission field as it having to be in a different country, but I just now learned that a mission field is where God calls you to minister where ever that may be.

Now I am understanding more clearly what God is doing with my life here. God has called my family to S.E. Asia. He has called me here to minister, and to be ministered to. This is where He has chosen to place me and I have to be faithful to follow Him and help others follow Him right here. It’s been a great experience living in S.E Asia for the past 8 years, and I just hope through all of it that God will get the glory only He deserves.

Benjamin - Nov. 2009

2009-11-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

Wow, I chipped my tooth my first two weeks back in Cambodia. I fell walking up the steps at the guest house we were staying in. The only good thing about it, is that now, both of my front teeth match. People, I was mad, and I mean MAD! I started crying I was so mad. Plus, on top of that, I really hurt my shin when I fell. I was having a bad day.

To add to my bodily injuries that I was enduring, we were also house hunting. That day we saw at least five houses and it was not fun. Actually, it was an awful day. We saw one house that surpassed the others, but it was double our price range.

Luckily, the days are getting better each day now. This past week, I got a bike. It rides good, but it is used. The brakes were a little off, but we got them fixed. I like my bike a whole lot. I ride aroud the house where we are staying everyday over and over.

I am really happy to be back in Cambodia. It is Thanksgiving and I am really thankful to be living here. There are a few things here that are scary, sad, and sometimes makes me mad, but the Lord is moving in the lives of the kids at Heritage House and through Hosanna Cambodia. I am excited to see all that God does here in the next year.

Benjamin Burke Signing Off Here

Sterling - November 2009

2009-11-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

Since I have been back in Cambodia, life has been almost normal around us. With everyone minding their own business. That is what has caught my attention. The everyday life that the Khmer live.

We will be driving around I see people laying in their shacks everywhere. They look like they are starving to death. The people are so poor. Every house that you pass you see monks everywhere with old men and women, young boys and girls coming out to give their offerings to them. You see idols and demonic statues on and in every house. Cambodia has the oldest active temple in the world (Angkor Wat), and you will see pictures of it in some missionaries houses and many of the Khmer Christians homes as well. Don't they know what they are allowing into their homes?

All of this is what I missed the first time that I lived in Cambodia. I always thought that life in Cambodia was just like that. Everyone worshipping idols. Cambodia is not just like this though. This is what happens when you allow demonic leaders in power over a country for centuries. The door has been opened and needs to be closed.

To overcome the strongholds in this nation, it will take people who love God and want to serve Him no matter what happens. That is what I am seeing in the Heritage House kids. It has been really cool to see people from my generation stand up and lead worship in the Church and to see them starting cell groups in the salt fields. To see my generation not waiting for the older generation to do it for them, but to step out and do it on their own.

I am glad to be back in Cambodia. I pray that God uses us in this nation to let people know Jesus.

Godspeed
Sterling Burke