Testimonies from the field

July 2008 Newsletter

Testimonies from the Field
There have been so many incredible testimonies coming to our office I wanted to share some of them with you...

Fred Garmon, PhD, Executive Director PCL

Boys who should be tucked into bed at night

by Jennifer Tollefson

I'm in Phnom Penh, the capitol city of Cambodia. The heat is so overwhelming I can hardly breathe. We were going to vist a relocation village today where they are moving people who used to live on the garbage dump. While I am sure it is a step up for many of the families, It is one of the poorest villages I have ever visited.

But, as I left my hotel, I saw 7 street children sleeping in a row in the middle of the hot asphalt road. This is not my first time in Cambodia and although I hate to say it I guess I have become almost accustomed to the poverty. Even in the states, my work everyday involves some aspect of the problems here. Everyday I describe the dire situation to people over the phone and everyday I post pictures of the needy children on our website to encourage people to help and today I realized that somehow I have become detached. The poverty has become more of a fact for me than a need. When I saw those children huddled in the street my heart broke and I was reminded once again of why we do what we do.

This is more than business and more than a humanitarian relief project, these are people's lives. Sleeping in front of my hotel are little boys who should be tucked into a bed at night by a mother who loves them and instead they are woken up by strangers who want them out of the way before the tourists start walking by. My heart was broken this morning and I was reminded again how important our job is here and how lucky I am to be involved with an organization that is in a position to help.

You Cannot Pay Me What He Pays Me

Visot, a young Khmer, met Bien and his young leaders

Bien Raneses while taking free English classes at the People for Care and Learning center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

After a few months of classes, Bien asked Visot if he would like to help him in his work. Visot was a full time college student but committed to work for Bien. The pay was menial but he used it to help pay for his education. The small stipend didn't keep Visot from working long hours in whatever capacity that was required of him. He learned to translate and record medical records for the various free medical clinics and he helped teach English and computer classes to hundreds of Khmer young people. Bien shared his heart for the work and greatly enjoyed mentoring Visot.

One hot day he and Bien saw 2 Korean Business men with a flat tire and Visot immediately began to help them. The men were so impressed with his work ethic and his willingness to help, they asked him who he worked for. "That man over there," he replied and pointed to Bien. "How much does he pay you? " they responded, "we would like you to come work for us. We can pay you more" Visot modestly declined and responded "I don't think you can pay me what he does." The men were a little offended at the insinuation that they couldn't afford his labor and demanded to know what he made, "I am sure we can pay you more. Tell us what he pays you." Visot answered, "I think you can not afford what we receive from him because he gives us his heart".

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There are few things more valuable or more treasured than your heart. What the people we serve need more than money is someone who believes in them, invests in their life and gives their whole heart. This story is a perfect example of the power of servant leadership.

Our classes were full yesterday. More than 90 people showed up and I had to turn some away but I wanted to share this story with you...

An earnest young man named Sokhom translated for the computer classes today. He has taken computer courses so he is very familiar with computers. He is not an expert, but he was able to help the kids, figure out problems, and translate technical terms. He was recommended to me by a local missionary. You see, Sokhom has just one arm. When we talked together he was so happy. He was telling me how no one would hire him because of his one arm and I said his one arm didn't effect his brain or his heart ... and then we both started crying. It was ridiculous--but sentiment aside he is really good and I know he will be able to teach introductory classes on his own. I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people that have been sent my way since beginning the work in Cambodia! Julie Martinez, PCL Education & Coffee House Director

"Blessed by Going - more ways than one"

As the time approached for my trip to Cambodia this year, I was pretty concerned about the financial committment I had made. After all, mortgage professionals are not in the greatest of circumstances these days. But, having such a burden for the people of Cambodia I knew I had to go. Being my second trip to Cambodia, once again I went to bless others, however, once again, I was the one who was blessed. Not only was I blessed by the loving people in Cambodia, but upon returning from my trip I was unexpectedly blessed financially.... there was a large tax refund check from some previous year that I had no knowledge of, plus my tax incentive check from this year, and June (the month I went to Cambodia) turned out to be my most profitable month at work in the last 9 months! I encourage everyone to follow their heart!

Common Grounds Coffee House

by Julie Martinez

Common Grounds (coffee house in Siem Reap, Cambodia) Common Grounds Employees

has been open 5 mos now. I have 17 Khmer on staff, 15 of which are here from opening day! We have grown as a family and I continue to see these young people grow with their skills for Business, service, and the English Language. The coffee house is not only providing sustainable funds for the work PCL is doing in this area but is also proving to be a very successful training facility providing marketable skills that can change the lives of these young people forever.

Visit to Myanmar After the Recent Cyclone

"Stay in the hotel for your safety!. I was told on my trip to Myanmar just a few weeks after the recent cyclone hit, killing tens of thousands. I had planned to visit devastated areas and provide relief. "The police and the soldiers will get you" said a Burmese business man who checked out the site before refusing to take me there. A Burmese pastor had planned to take me where he was building "stick" houses for victims but said it would not be safe. So I stayed in the hotel and worked with and through the people who came to me there. One of the highlights of my experience was the 2nd graduation of ISOLD in Myanmar. These dedicated people risk their lives on a daily basis to come and study with us without the freedom we so easily take for granted.

Dale Denham, ISOLD Director