Ratanakiri News – 19 August 2013
Newsletter of Gordon Paterson, serving among the Kreung, Brao and Tampuen in NE Cambodia
Thank you for your prayers. The Lord is continuing to work in people’s lives in the Prison.
Baptism (9 August)
Last weekend 144 prisoners were baptized. Pastor Mam Barnabas was with us for 1 week for leadership training. The Prison Director gave permission for us to have a special event at the Jail on 9 August. Everyone could see and hear Barnabas (from their cell windows and special security areas) as he kept them spellbound for over 1 hour with his stories and testimonies. Cambodian Bible Society handed out paperback New Testaments to all inmates plus the guards. The prisoners sang their songs with gusto from the cells. Barnabas baptized them in groups of 20-30 at a time as they made their confession to follow Jesus in front of 200 witnesses – including the police guards. Even the Director gave a speech encouraging the inmates to follow the God that they have decided to believe in – who can change their lives. It is just 3 months since the Prison authorities agreed to partner with us – under the understanding that the power of Jesus and the hope that he brings can change people’s lives. They were willing to give it a go. The guards were cautious at first. But now that they have seen the change in people’s lives they are actively encouraging inmates to follow Jesus. They told us that their job is so much easier now – the prisoners are not fighting like they used to. They are forgiving each other, sorting out their differences and helping each other in the cells. Last week the International Red Cross prison inspector (on his quarterly visit) told us he was surprised to see everyone looking so happy. When he asked them in the woman’s cell they told him they all believe in God now and God has taken all their worries and burdens away.
PTL God is guiding the lives of the new Christians. Nyut Dina is from Laos and not yet fluent in Khmer. He was released from jail just after the baptism. One week before his release the Lord spoke to him by dream. Jesus told him that when he gets out of jail he needs to find a “God House” and go there often. God was confirming with him the importance of finding a Christian family – a place to fellowship and worship so he can grow. Dina is now reunited with his wife and child. Please pray for them as they start out on their new life with God. (More testimonies coming).