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Roses and
a Radio
by Anna Carraway
In a country riddled with poverty and political discord, Project
Hannah's Women of Hope (WoH) radio broadcasts in Cambodia
are truly a source of hope and inspiration. Despite the lack
of an organized postal system and the great expense of telephone
service, letters and calls have come in from provinces all over
the country. Each heartfelt story and message of gratitude testifies
to the Lord's faithfulness in our outreach there.
But as always, PH's ministry goes beyond on-the-air efforts
and correspondence with listeners, taking the ministry of hope
and help directly to the people. Among the many on-the-ground
efforts of last year were three particularly heartrending visits
to women suffering from AIDS.
Mary and Malak, two members of the Khmer WoH team, PH Regional
Coordinator for Southeast Asia Gwen Flaming, and Trans World
Radio missionary Kathy Gregowske visited the AIDS ward in a
local government hospital, where one of TWR's children outreach
clubs is held weekly. This filthy, impoverished hospital contains
no nursing, toilet or food facilities, forcing patients to completely
rely on family for their care. Many of these Cambodian women
listen to our programs, yet little hope glimmers in the eyes
of those who lay dying in their beds.
During their initial visit, the PH team focused on meeting an
important physical need of the patients by handing out soap.
On a second visit, an artificial red rose was given to each
woman as a lasting symbol of God's love for her.
The Khmer team continued their mission by visiting a "village"
established for the care of AIDS victims, where they presented
roses and a radio to a group of women. It was astounding to
see and hear the expressions of profound gratitude and joy from
the women who received these simple gifts!
One Christian mother, dying of AIDS in the government hospital,
described how the WoH program reminds her of the hope she has
in eternal life through Jesus. Amidst the dark and desolate
circumstances of their earthly existence, this hope is vitally
important. As we read in Job 36:15, "But those who suffer
he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction."
Praise the Lord that these suffering Cambodian women were "spoken
to" on these visits, through roses and a radio!
For a personal account of Project Hannah's ministry to women
in Cambodia, check out excerpts of Gwen
Flaming's journal.
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