#65 - Marriage and True Follower of Christ

After almost 3 months, we finally finished the "This We Believe" sermon series.  "Marriage" is current our new theme beginning in March.  

Our students were excited as every one is interested in having a good marriage and they all knew many many people ended up in divorce or an unhappy marriage.  Although a bit shy and embarrassed about the topic at the beginning, the more they learn and hear from the Bible about marriage, they learned it is not just about 'not have sex before marriage'.  

They realized it goes back to a simple but very important question -- 

"Do I truly believe the Bible?"

"Am I truly a follower of Christ?"

Because the "love ♥" God intended for marriage is so much different than the romantic love of the world.  

The marriage God intended is a "one" that points to Him and not to satisfy our own self.

"Who think they will get married in the next 5 years?"  Almost all the girls raised their hands!

In Cambodia culture, it is accustom for boys sit together and girls sit separately.

Demonstrating a life-long commitment of marriage.
The year from childhood to 20+ is just a short time
to prepare themselves to be a Godly husband or wife.

Facts about Marriage (some interesting & some sad) in Cambodia that we learned from our students:

• One of our students' parents oppose to her study and try to force her to get married repeatedly for the last 2 years.

• All of our girl students (almost 20 girls) think they will be married in the next 3 to 5 years. (They are only 18-22)

• Some of our students got married suddenly while they were still studying the 1st or 2nd year of university.  

• All of our students know at least one of their peers or cousins who has already divorced after they got married for a few years.  One said his friend divorced within 6 months.

... and in Cambodia,

• It is common to get marry when they are 18 years old, so the parents do not need to "worry" about their daughters, because it will be her husband's responsibility to take care of her, i.e. to provide food and shelter.

• It is very common for our students (between 18-22) to have a young nephews or nieces because many of their younger sibling are married and have children.

• It is common that our students' mother is taking care of one or more of their grand children while the children parents go to work in a factory in another province, so they only see their children every few months.

• It is common to borrow money to pay for the wedding banquet, usually costs a few thousands US dollars to over ten thousands.  The young couple incurred the big debt as soon as they get married.

During Sunday worship.  Topic of marriage - in God's way.

Please continue to pray for our students and our family in Cambodia.

Our prayer requests:
◪ Pray for our students to "truly" believe every words in the Bible
◪ Pray for our students to "truly" become the follower of Jesus Christ by obeying Him
◪ Pray for the health of our family