Building Update and Losing Face

There is a cultural way of thinking in the Eastern world that is called "saving" or "losing" face. We have to be very careful here in Asia to not cause another person to "lose face." To "lose face" is to lose one's honor, be put to shame. It is difficult for people in the Western world to understand Eastern concepts. Our church and our Cambodian leaders are being watched by our neighbors and our community. The problems we are having in securing the needed funds to finish the church construction project are causing them to "lose face." They can still "save face" if we can get them the needed funds soon to complete the project. The Vietnamese Buddhists in Vietnam gave full and complete support to their mission nearby. They have already finished their building, two blocks away from our church. The Cambodian Buddhists have the funds to renovate their HUGE pagoda near our church. I keep telling them to trust the Lord and look to Him. I keep telling our Khmer brothers and sisters that the hearts of God's people will be touched and that help will come. I still believe that will happen.