Susan from Sunrise Ministries in Cambodia sends us this update. We can continue to be in prayer with them:
The Cambodian government policies combined with the hot season hot heat successfully halted community spread of the coronavirus. Friends working in medical fields and in the provinces seem to be confirming this. Don’t mean to gloat but everyone is back to work like normal, including our team and our Sunrise staff. We aren’t sure how long this will last because the temps are cooling now for rainy season, and the airports are open. Pretty tough to get in though, and the government quarantines the whole airplane if any passenger tests positive on arrival. Basically we can’t leave if we intend to come back, and we’re glad to be here. It is very surreal when we see the news worldwide. We are thanking God for his mercy.
Although the economy is open, there are serious difficulties as our two largest industries have been significantly impacted. Tourism has shrunk to near zero, and the garment industry is sinking fast. This leaves many without any income. Everything is lessened, even purchases from the guy that sells steamed eggs from a cart, or the one selling grilled chicken wings on the roadside (one of our clients makes the eggs to sell, and another makes bamboo skewers for the wings.) Schools are closed through November (the next school year). Prices for food are higher and the Prime Minister has been encouraging home farming on TV and Facebook. As a result, Sunrise has increased rice distribution to our clients for the foreseeable future and we may discuss gardening at our next client meeting. We are looking at ways of funding rice, including selling some unused furniture.
On a happier note, Sunrise is looking for ways to keep kids profitably occupied. We’ve found some creative games that kids can learn to play—then make their own versions. Our staff’s daughter helped us test out a game. The kids in the village loved it too! Smiles all around! This game allows students to get creative with whatever math they’ve learned, from early elementary all the way up to calculus. We’re going to make a booklet describing these activities and pass it around to all our kids, as well as other organizations.
Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and partnership!
Susan and the Sunrise staff