Friedberg Happenings

We were able to drive to Oudong Mountain during the P’chum Ben holiday last month.It is about 25 miles North of Phnom Penh. It is the former Capital City of Cambodia  from 1618-1866. Since we went during the holiday it was extremely crowded and quite hot, but  that made it more interesting.

At the top of this mountain ,or really a hill ,is a few Stupas, which hold sacred objects of worship for Buddhists. It is here that money, Joss sticks(incense), and prayers are offered to the spirits. There are fortune tellers and astrology charts at the top here, to consult.

A view of Oudong in the distance.

There is much water around due to the rainy season.

Walking up the 400 steps to the top. Beggers, money changers(so you can give small change to idols and beggers), and sellers are there to greet you. This is to gain merit.

The view from the top was great. But believe me, it is hot.

View of religious buildings from up top.

Oh, to see green again. Living in Phnom Penh is a concrete ,dirt jungle. It’s been almost three months since we have seen beautiful landscape. It does the soul good.

A worship and offering area. Not quite sure what is going on. Lots of joss sticks, flowers, and candles. Cambodia has a mix bag of beliefs. Animism, Theravada Buddhism,  fortune telling, Chinese beliefs and a little mix of Hinduism.

These guys are getting their fortune read from the fortune teller who would pick pages from  a book to determine  their future.

Some would leave money for the astrological signs.

Very nice carvings.

Jordie looks happy.

Even more people on the way down. I think because it is after lunch.

Rice field with Oudong Mountain in background

We have begun to work in a new church plant in a very poor area of Phnom Penh, called Stung Meanchey. A veteran missionary couple from Switzerland, Markus and Elizabeth Hirschi , who have three sons,first started ministry here ,around one year ago; though they went home for a break for  four months recently. So it seems as if they are starting  anew, at this time.Two Khmer men also assist , Sochea and Sovanna. Sochea lives in Stung Meanchey.

There are currently two house church groups. One meets Sunday morning at Sochea’s place and the other meets Sunday afternoon  in a church member’s home. Sochea’s is in small area called Pniet ,the other group is  in a home over some very  dirty water and quite poor.They are about a half mile apart.

We are involved mostly in the Sunday morning group.

Both groups have about four Khmer attending each Sunday.

The entrance to the area, Stung Meanchey.

One of the house churches meets near here.

A large wat (pagoda) is in Stung Meanchey.

On the road to Sochea’s house.

This is Sochea’s house or really just a room.

Casey with Ming (left), Markus , Tanoot, and Sovanna .