Our Sweet Stay at Wat Preah Yesu’s Jungle House

by Ephraim Arriesgado

They named it the “Jungle House” and at first I was so curious. 

The Klement Backpacking and Ministry team with participants from Thailand and the Philippines had just arrived at Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage in Siem Reap, Cambodia for a week-end mission trip. Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage houses many families and children that have come to the facility to seek shelter and gain an education. The orphanage also operates a school, a recording studio, and a church. To us, it was a great opportunity for ministry and service in that corner of the world.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by no less than the couple who labored to establish Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage, Tim Maddocks and his wife, Wendy. The team had traveled a hundred miles, and their warm welcome took away all the pains of the journey. 

The team with Tim and Wendy Maddocks in front of their wooden house.
Photo by: Regin Reyno

Klement Backpacking and Ministry I

by Regin Reyno

In July 2012, we embarked on a backpacking and ministry to the beautiful countries of Thailand and Cambodia. It was an 11-day event and one of the most memorable activities that our batch did.

border between Thailand and Cambodia

Number 19, crossed-out

by Regin Reyno

19. tell the people about Jesus in Cambodia and volunteer for the orphans there (July 2012)

during the Adventist Youth program in the orphanage
photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

On The Road for Almost 4 Weeks

by Ephraim Arriesgado

Dear beloved readers,

I have been on the road for almost four weeks now. 

I started my journey on board the boat from Ormoc City, Leyte to Cebu City on July 19, 2012. I flew from Cebu to Clark, Pampanga on the 20th (my first time to fly, actually). Then from Clark to Bangkok, Thailand on the 21st (my first international flight). First times are sweet times, I should say.

The arrival in Bangkok, Thailand.
Photo Credit: Regin Reyno

Spiritual Reflections About Cambodia

by Cheryl Derequito

As superintendent of today's Sabbath School, I decided to show the video about WAT PREAH YESU in place of the Mission Story. Before showing the video, I shared a little about the history & present condition of Cambodia. After the video, I shared these five imperative spiritual thoughts that I pondered upon while I was in Cambodia. I, along with some people at the audience, weren’t able to contain our tears. After sharing these, two of the missionaries came & asked for more information & contact details of WAT PREAH YESU. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one whose heart God has touched & blessed.

Tribute to KBM Participants

by Cheryl Gay Derequito

People come and go. But according to Farah, that belief has changed because Klement has stayed in her life until now.

Klement is who we are. Klement is our family. The Klement family will always be part of us no matter where we are. For some, it is where we find acceptance. It is where we can be our real self. It is where we can laugh the most and cry the hardest. The bullying is a sign that we love and accept each other that no matter how flawed we are, we can laugh and joke about them without being offended. We are closely knitted that despite our many differences in values, principles, status, interests, cliques and AGE(ahem…bato bato sa langit), we get along well.

We were talking with Regin and we talked about each Klement who joined the KBM. He mentioned that it is only this time that he really got to appreciate and admire some Klements whom he wasn’t really close with before. I’d like to give tribute to each KBM member in this blog.

ANGKOR WAT – Finally We Meet!

by Dodge Lecciones

Majestic structures…sophisticated engineering…intricate stone carvings…splendid works-of-art…

These are but a few of the so many descriptions that went running through my head as I finally set foot on this great and grandiose temple that took my attention through my readings ages ago. I dreamed, but never did I imagine that at a young age I’d actually roam around and inside the temple.

with my friend, Baijan. One of the official photographers of the group.

Klement Ministry in Thailand and Cambodia 2012

by Cheryl Derequito

Who would ever expect that the "Just Chill," most relaxed MVC-SN batch would be able to  get together as early as 3 years after graduation and do something life changing?

at Wat Preah Yesu orpahanage

Sunrise Over Angkor Wat

by Regin Reyno

One of the most famous sunrises in the world, is the sunrise over Angor Wat. A Hindu temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia which was built in 1112 AD by King Suyavarman II of the Khmer Empire. The most powerful empire in Southeast Asia during the 9th century. Many people actually wanted to witness this sunrise, as it is so stunning and a breathtaking experience. Many postcards being sold in Siem Reap, regarding Angkor Wat, depicts the sunrise. Paintings of the famous temples being sold in the market also portray the marvelous sunrise. It is so famous that, according to blogs that I've read, thousands of tourists flock early in the morning, in Angkor Wat, with all their tripods, cameras, video cams, just to witness the sunrise. 

Cambodia

11 days, 2 Countries, 1 Mission

by Regin Reyno

On July 23, 2012, we will embark on an 11-day backpacking and ministry trip. Our destination? Thailand and Cambodia. In backpacking, the destination is not just the main point but the journey itself. Most of us will start from Mindanao then all the way to Luzon before flying to Thailand. Here's an interactive map of our trip.

Klement Backpacking and Ministry 2012: Thailand, Cambodia

10 Reasons to Join the Backpacking and Ministry in July

by Regin Reyno

Feet First. Klement's Male Chorus

     1.     The Holy Spirit tells us so. The Lord is soon to come. We must work while the day lasts; for the night is coming, in which no man can work.

The Lord calls for every talent of means and ability to be put to use.--Ellen G. White, Manuscript page 308

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

God calls for volunteers to work in His vineyard. In Cambodia we will be doing church services programs, tract and book distribution, home visitations, and orphanage feeding program. Meanwhile we will offer songs of encouragement to patients in Bangkok Adventist Hospital.  By doing these small things, the Lord will bless it and it will reap great results. 

Ministry to Cambodia

by Regin Reyno

   Klement Backpacking and Ministry plans to go to Cambodia to minister there. What will be our ministry there?

   Last May, Jessielyn and I had a chance to visit an SDA church in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We were able to attend their Sabbath services. It was a heartwarming experience to know and witness that there are SDA’s in that predominantly Buddhist country. But at the same time, it’s sad to know that there are only a few of them. And their Sabbath service needs “life”. Since then, it became my burden to minister to them. To be an instrument of the Holy Spirit in strengthening the spiritual lives of the members so that their light may shine more brightly till it reaches other souls.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Cambodia

Klement Backpacking and Ministry 2012: Thailand, Cambodia

                                                                         by Regin Reyno

          St. Augustine, a theologian and philosopher once said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Travelling indeed imparts wisdom to the traveller. The experiences encountered along the way, the sights, the sounds, the emotions, all contribute to the traveller’s knowledge, which will enable him/her to become a better individual because of his/her travels. 

            That's what I love about travelling. It's the important lessons that you get along the way. It's your experiences, your newly explored sights, the discoveries that you make, that will transform you into a better individual.  

            Your once naive mind sheltered in a cocoon, but because of travelling, will have broader horizons. You'll have better idea of what the world is and your perception will widen. So wide that you realize that there are vast amount of things not taught in school.