The first night eating out in Phnom Penh, I witnessed a police officer sitting while a 50 year old man sat with a young girl one table over from me.
I was a bit shocked then, I knew it would be everywhere but one table down seemed too… close.
This is normal now.
Each time, i
t’s a struggle.
I was able to visit IJM (International Justice Mission) Phnom Penh headquarters and hear about their work recently. While there, I was given greater understanding as to WHY it is normal for officers to watch underage prostitution deals unfold.
Previous knowledge that
yes, it is because the officers are using the prostitutes themselves,
patronize beer gardens,
and their pay is mostly bribes.
It is also, that they often have 3 months or less of training.
Yes.
Less then three months of training on law enforcement.
IJM has found that this lack of training has a variety of side effects:
1) They don’t know the laws, in general. [Let alone the laws on prostitution].
2) They have no desire to fulfill their duties well.
3) They are not given training on how to report an underage prostitution case.
4) Promotion within the field is achieved only through bribes. Getting paid off to keep quiet about a brothel or beer gardens activities is normal.
It almost seems hopeless.
Almost.
There is good news though.
There is ONE police officer who is a believer. ONE police officer who is helping IJM provide further training to interested police officers.
One, who refuses to pay bribes to move up in rank. Regardless of how many times he’s been offered the opportunity.
So, instead of looking at disgust with officers as I pass them by an overwhelming sense of Hope comes over me. Hope that the Lord would move in each one, that they would be changed internally and that would transfer to fulfilling their job requirements well. Hope that they would become men of high caliber who don’t beat their wives, frequent beer gardens and “coffee houses”.
So I’m asking you to pray with me, that officers would be raised up.
Pray that they would know The LORD, and follow His commands to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Jesus.
Tomorrow, I'm praying I'll learn about ten more that are believers!
This is great Heather! Praying.
That’s awesome you got to visit the IJM HQ there and hear how things work! I and a few others started a KU chapter of IJM this year and are hoping to do a bunch of things next semester after we figure out all the red tape.
there IS hope! it’s exciting b/c God IS here…and people WILL be raised up!! praying and believing with you!!
If Christian men knew how much they were valued as brothers in Christ – dang, I think they’d live differently. Hearing there is one Christian police officer is SOOO encouraging! I’m praying God connects with him so deeply that he is moved to persevere in faith and disciple other men in the ways of living a Godly life and becoming the best Cambodian police officer possible! 🙂
Praying that he will raise up God followers who are wise to join forces.
Peace.