Khmer Scarecrows
Khmer-style scarecrow in the fornt yard of a countryside home
Today on our journey to the countryside with the students from CBI for village evangelism, we encountered something I hadn’t noticed before in other parts of the country. In this region, many people have scarecrows in front of their houses just like the ones we used to put in the farm fields to keep the birds away. Although I missed getting a photo of it, I even saw one that used a motorcycle helmet with a dark face-shield as a head. I asked the purpose and was told these scarecrows are placed there to ward-off evil spirits, bad luck, and disease. There is strong belief in a spiritual world here and the people constantly live in fear of malicious spirits and powers. I am so comforted to know I bring the gospel of peace. Please join us in prayer that many who live in fear will come to know the peace that passes all understanding.
Is pink your favorite color?
Notice the "spirit house" nearby. Guess their covering all their bases!
This one has a black face with scary features
I remember when I used to live in Thai refugee camp, we would paint on the front door in black a skull with x over it to thwart off “evil spirit” too. I was a kid back then. Now I live in the States and I’m a Christian. Yes, idolatry is a big thing in Cambodian culture.
What are some Bible lessons for kids in Cambodia that you found to be very popular and well-taken by the kids there? I’m going to Cambodia for the first time on mission trip this summer?
Thanks for your comments Sokna. We have found that lessons that show the mighty power of God like the account of creation to be effective with children, Genesis 1. Others include God’s judgments against the gods of Egypt with the ten plagues, Exodus 7-12, and Elijah on Mount Carmel against Baal and his prophets, 1 Kings 18. We need to establish a reverence and a trust in God before we begin to show Him as the Father of the Son or relate lessons about Jesus. Keep me posted on your plans.
That’s nice to open mind to live in the colorful world,the world of difference things .history teaches us that to follow the Angkar khmer rouge’s ideology, regard Pol pot himself as a GOD the people minds were blocked in the cage. and they listen and follow only thier Angkar God. i found in Kalamak Soth Budha teach”Don’t believe the kompi (Bible) or any one…Without Your super thinking but delay your judgement “