Prisoners

Here's the latest news of the 6 boys falsely imprisoned in Phnom Penh (see "Pray", "Prison" and "Progress" posts - all in Nov - for the back-story)..........

Hi everyone.

It's been a while since i've updated about the boys.

Thank you for your prayers! They mean so much to everyone: to the boys imprisoned, to the families, to the church community, and to us.

I was able to go visit them at the prison last Friday with the pastor's wife and two others. We were able to only meet with 3 out of the 6 boys, as they are split into two different rooms. They came out wearing their blue prison uniform, and we got to where about 20 minutes visiting with them. It was mostly them enjoying the snacks that their mom/auntie brought, sharing updates, and in the end I got to pray for them just as they were called back into their cell. As terrible as the situation is, there was something really comforting and beautiful that I got to see them, coping even in this situation, smiling, eating food, talking. Same with other prisoners that were being let out for family visits. Some hugged their mothers, some skipped over to their friends with a smile, and no matter what everyone is convicted or not convicted for, there was something very human and beautiful about that.

Each prison visit costs money, with transportation (it's about 30-40 minute ride out of town) as well as buying things for the boys like soap and shirts and food. Mostly with the expat community here, we've supported them by enabling these visits, meaning we give money weekly to all the families so they don't have to be financially burdened by these visits but can go and encourage their sons.

Legally, things are moving slow, but apparently their case has entered the court, which means they are now in the system and hopefully closer to their hearing where their case can be defended. The lawyer is working with 4 out of 6 families, and right now, the best we can do is support them in prayer and encouragement.

As I think about this Christmas season, where Jesus was born in a manger, under the oppression of the Roman rule, to a poor peasant family, where Shepherds who weren't considered to be proper citizens, labeled as thieves and liars, were the first to come worship...let us continue to pray both for Christ's justice to reign, not only here in Cambodia but all over the world and also around you. Let us also pray that we will be able to experience Emmanuel, God with us, amidst darkness and injustice.

Grace & Peace,

Chami