Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 7, 2010

Christmas in Cambodia

Phnom Penh en route to Poipet

The signs of Christmas are apparent in Phnom Penh — more specifically, the commercial signs of the season. Cambodia is a Buddhist nation with a relatively small Christian population. Nevertheless, merchants throughout the capital city have adorned their stores in the festive garb of Christmas. The only thing missing is any sign of the child in the manger. You won’t find Jesus in Christmas in Cambodia. For Cambodia’s merchants, Christmas is a Western observance worthy of imitation because of its potential to lure the hoi polloi into their establishments. Last night we watched workers set up a large Christmas tree outside of a mall under the watchful eyes of a large crowd. However, the humble masses did not associate Christmas with Christ. Be assured that these Buddhist observers will not be stringing lights on a tree nor will their kids be watching and waiting for old St. Nick.

Cambodia has the trappings of Christmas without the truth about Christmas. The challenge for Cambodian Christians is to “put” Christ in Christmas, to tell their own people the story of Immanuel — God with us — and why He came. The challenge for Christians in America is to “keep” Christ in Christmas lest the season is entirely stripped of its meaning and significance. Being in Cambodia at this time of the year has caused me to think a little deeper about Christmas. I feel that what I am witnessing here is imitation without intimacy. Can you really have Christmas without Christ? What is it that makes Christmas Christmas? What will Christmas become if Christ is no longer at its core? And, why call Christmas Christmas if Christ is not associated with it?

A few years ago I was sharing a meal with friends at a little restaurant in Lijiang, China a couple of weeks before Christmas. We were seated near a large group celebrating a birthday. The birthday girl, a Chinese woman in her forties, asked me if we would honor her by singing a song. Since it was December she asked if we would sing an “American” Christmas song. So, I selected “Silent Night”. Afterward she asked me to explain the meaning of the song. I jumped at the opportunity. Later that evening, after the celebration, this woman became a Christ-follower. Somehow the message of “Silent Night” had struck a chord in her heart! She confessed that she had never known the meaning of Christmas. But, once she heard and understood it, she embraced the Christ of Christmas.

Today we will travel from Phnom Penh to Poipet, a town located on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Poipet is a place steeped in evil and darkness. Those who traffic human beings for sex and labor have found fields ready for harvest among the poor masses who live in Poipet’s slum neighborhoods. Three years ago, the Buddhist governor of Bantey Meanchey province asked my friend Steve Hyde to do a Christmas program in the province. So, Steve arranged for Cambodian Christians to tell the story of Christmas through the use of drama and music. Four-thousand attended. And, over the past two years the crowds gave grown even more. The people of the province are beginning to learn the story of Christmas.

Those of us who are Christ-followers in America face similar challenges. We can help others understand the meaning of Christmas by telling the story and living the message. By making Christmas about Jesus and about loving and serving others in His name we can help keep Christ in Christmas. Anything less makes Christmas a holiday rather than a holy day. Let’s live the meaning of Christmas this month and throughout the year.

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Posted in Cambodia, Christmas Reflections

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 6, 2010

To Change a Nation

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

It’s good to be back in Cambodia, this time accompanied by Pastor Alex. We left Houston’s mild winter weather wearing shorts and arrived in Cambodia thirty-two hours later. Steve Hyde, our host and founder of Asia for Jesus, met us at the airport. It’s also winter here in Southeast Asia but you would never know it because of the heat and humidity. But, nevertheless, it is winter and there are even a few signs of the commercial side of Christmas on display in this Buddhist nation. God is at work in Cambodia, sowing life into this beautiful country whose history is steeped in death. I can’t imagine what Cambodia would look like today if Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge had succeeded in dumbing down the country and fulfilling their vision of turning Cambodia into an agrarian utopia.

Although we arrived a bit tired from three consecutive flights and napping in airport lounges, our first order of business was to visit StopStart — an enterprise that employs young women rescued from the commercial sex trade. StopStart exists to help “stop” the trafficking and to help girls “start” a new life. According to their website, StopStart is a World Fair Trade registered organization that is “committed to building sustainable businesses through the education, training and development of local Cambodians.” And, 60% of their workforce “have been rescued from slavery and are being trained and developed in language, design, machining and management.”

Steve introduced us to Hugh Marquis, the Australian businessman who is behind this life-changing enterprise. Hugh first came to Cambodia with a team from his church and never expected how God would use that trip to alter the course of his life. But now, Cambodia is not only in his heart, it is in his blood. Hugh loves the people of Cambodia and wants to make a difference. When Pastor Alex asked Hugh why he was investing so much time and money in Cambodia, Hugh replied, “To help bring change to a nation.” I like that kind of vision. You cannot change a nation apart from investing in its people. The kind of change that Cambodia needs must begin in the hearts of its people. By restoring hope to young girls who once lived in the dark world of the forced commercial sex trade, Hugh and his staff are indeed helping to change a nation, one life at a time.

I’m glad that we took the time to visit the StopStart organization and to meet Hugh and those who work with him. The atmosphere at StopStart was positive because it is a place of hope for those who once lived in the shadows of despair and abuse. I am thankful for Christ-followers like Hugh — people who are making a difference by demonstrating God’s love in practical ways. God is using people like Hugh to help change the nations. He can use you to do the same if you will allow Him to love and to care for those in desperate need through you. Make yourself available to God this Christmas and throughout the year. Ask Him to open your eyes and your heart to those in need of love and encouragement and hope. And then do something to help. Be willing to give yourself and of your resources to make a difference.

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Posted in Cambodia, Justice

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 5, 2010

New Christmas Paradigm

Houston en route to Cambodia

Mother Teresa challenged her Missionaries of Charity to go into the streets and the dark places of Kolkata to look for Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor. He is there — wearing the guise of the least of these, hiding beneath the downcast eyes of the lonely and disenfranchised, and suffering quietly in the blurry world of our peripheral vision. He is easy to overlook but a little harder to ignore once you find Him. While we should look for Him throughout the year, we should not miss Him at Christmas. Jesus said that what we do for the least of these we do for Him (Matt. 25:49). So, what will we do for Him this Christmas?

I am encouraged by the number of Christ-followers who are celebrating Christmas in a new and refreshing way. Instead of making Christmas all about us, these Christ-followers are changing the paradigm by giving of themselves as well as giving gifts to the least of these — the kind of gifts that restore hope and affirm the value of others. I am not suggesting that you trash your family traditions of gift-giving. But, I am suggesting that you consider adding a new dimension to your Christmas observance this year by challenging your family to look beyond the warmth of your hearth to those who are suffering and hurting in your community. And I am asking that you consider spending less on yourselves so that you can give more to those in need.

This past Sunday, Pastor Alex shared that he and Christy are giving a specific dollar amount to each of their kids with one proviso — they must invest this money in helping others this Christmas. The burden is upon each of their kids to look for the people they will help. This will force them to look beyond the lights and distractions of the season in order to find Jesus in the distressing disguise of those in need. But, I am confident that they will find Him. And when they do, they will make a difference. The cool thing is that this will add a wonderful new dimension to their Christmas observance, especially when the Kennedy family gathers on Christmas Eve to share the stories of how they used their funds to help others. My wife and I were challenged and inspired by what Pastor Alex and Christy are doing so we are going to do the same thing with our three kids. We can’t wait to hear the stories our kids will share when we gather as a family on Christmas Eve.

Yesterday, a friend called to tell me that he and his wife and kids had a talk about how they will observe Christmas this year. Their kids said that they don’t want much for Christmas. So, when this family considered how much they will save by purchasing less, they decided to help two families in need with the savings. They called and asked me to help them work out a way for them to do this anonymously. This family lives modestly but loves extravagantly. They could use these funds for other personal needs, but instead they have chosen to demonstrate the true spirit of Christmas — selfless giving and loving regard for the welfare of others. This family and the two families that anonymously receive their generous financial gift will remember this Christmas in a whole new way.

So, what will you do for Jesus this Christmas? Is He on your gift list? Will your Christmas be confined to those gathered around your Christmas tree or will it extend beyond your home? Will you help make possible the Christmas miracle someone in need is longing for? Do you need to shift your Christmas paradigm to include Jesus in the distressing disguise of the least of these? What will you do to help your kids consider people in need and how God can use your family to make a difference? Do Christmas in a bold, new, and refreshing way this year by living incarnationally, spending less, giving sacrificially, and loving extravagantly.

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Posted in Christmas Reflections

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 2, 2010

Signs of Passion

Have you noticed how people sometimes refer to a particular cause as being their passion? The word “passion” is from the Latin word passus, a form of the word pati which means to suffer. Webster defines passion as “a powerful emotion or appetite” and also as “ardent love” and “boundless enthusiasm.” There are certain signs that indicate whether someone is indeed passionate about a particular cause or is just blowing proverbial smoke. I posted a blog two years ago about Living with Passion. Here are a few additional observations about what it means to be passionate.

Presence | Passion leads to presence. When you are passionate about something you show up to make a difference or to demonstrate your support. There is no better way to demonstrate that you care than to show up — to actually be present. If you are passionate about making a difference in our government you show up at the voting booth. If you are passionate about your sports team you show up at the stadium. Unless providentially hindered, passionate people show up to demonstrate that they care about issues and causes and are committed to making a difference.

Perspiration | Passion leads to perspiration. My friends Mike and Kenzie Malkemes are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in Houston’s Third Ward. So, Mike and Kenzie work hard to tear down crack houses, clear lots filled with garbage, organize tutoring and sporting events for kids, and much more. You can tell they are passionate by the sweat on their brows. Their ministry, Generation One, mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually to serve others. It’s hard to convince folks that you are passionate about a cause if you never perspire or get your hands dirty on behalf of that cause.

Priorities | Passion alters our priorities. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what you are passionate about. Your commitment tells the story. Evidence of your passion should be found on your calendar and in your checkbook. We make time and set aside money to support the causes we are most passionate about. Those who are passionate make the time to get involved, to lend a hand, and to contribute financially.

Prayer | Passion ascends to heaven in the language of prayer. What we talk to God about most is an indication of what we are passionate about.  John Knox, the great Scottish Reformer, pleaded with God, “Give me Scotland or I die.” George Whitfield, probably the most famous evangelist in the eighteenth century, prayed, “O Lord, give me souls or take my soul.” When Henry Martyn, an Anglican priest and missionary, saw the peoples of India and Persia trapped in false religion, he mourned, “I cannot endure existence if Jesus is to be so dishonored.” Evidence of our passion should be found in the language of our prayers.

What cause are you giving yourself to? What keeps you up at night? What disturbs you most or makes you angry? What has captured your imagination and your heart? Where do you cheerfully and sacrificially invest time and money? Where do you volunteer? Who are the beneficiaries of your perspiration? How would you communicate your passion to others using only a single sentence? What would those closest to you say that your passion is? Do your actions communicate to others what your passion is? What are you doing to make a difference that will outlast you? I hope that you will think deeply about how God can use you to make a difference in our world. He is looking for people who passionately love Him and who are willing to passionately serve others.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 1, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

A boy and his chalk. | Yunnan Province, China

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Posted in China, Wordless Wednesday

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 30, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

After the Persecution | 2008 | Pastor Alex Kennedy | Orissa, India

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Posted in India, Wordless Wednesday

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 29, 2010

Thank You, Atheists

With Christmas just around the corner, atheists have launched their most aggressive campaign to date to counter the message and meaning of Christmas. Last year, the American Humanist Association tried to build awareness about the humanist movement through their Be Good for Goodness Sake initiative. This year, the AHA’s campaign features selected texts from the Bible used out of context and juxtaposed with selected compassionate quotes from well-known humanists. This initiative is a bit intellectually lazy. Whether you take Bible passages or Bertrand Russell quotes out of context, a basic principle of hermeneutics is that a text taken out of context is a pretext. But, in spite of the sloppy hermeneutics, this campaign offers good opportunities to those willing to think deeply and to investigate honestly. So, thank you atheists for providing fodder for discussion about the existence of God. That’s not a bad thing.

This year, the American Atheists organization has placed a billboard near the Lincoln Tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York City. The billboard features a familiar nativity scene with these words prominently displayed — “You know it’s a Myth. This Season Celebrate Reason.” As in real estate, location-location-location is important in the world of advertising. So, kudos to American Atheists for selecting a great location to display their message. Untold numbers of commuters will see their provocative message every day. And, while the message will undoubtedly be offensive to many, I see it as another opportunity for non-believers and believers alike to think deeply and to dialogue openly about the meaning of Christmas and the Person of Christ. I hope that this billboard campaign provokes lots of dialogue around office water-coolers. So, thank you, atheists, for giving folks another good opportunity to talk about Christmas.

But, that’s not all. The United Coalition of Reason will feature their message on busses in Washington, DC — “Don’t Believe in God? Join the Club.” And, the Freedom from Religion Foundation will feature personal testimonies of atheists on billboards in about a dozen cities along with their “Reason’s Greetings” holiday greeting. Once again, while these campaigns will anger many, the reality is that the First Amendment gives atheists the right to publicize their messages. And, don’t let anybody tell you that atheism is not a religion. This year’s campaigns, along with the featured personal testimonies of non-believers, have an undeniable evangelistic flavor. The various atheist organizations clearly intend to recruit non-believers and the religiously unaffiliated (also called “Nones”) to their ranks.

So, again I must say thank you to these various atheist organizations for posting their provocative messages. As a Christ-follower I can get angry about what atheists are doing at Christmas, but that won’t change anything or do much good. However, I choose instead to see these messages as a good opportunity to dialogue with others about the existence of God and the meaning of Christmas. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to honor Christ the Lord in our hearts as holy and to always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Once again, atheists have given us opportunities or perhaps provoked us into speaking with others about the hope that we have in Christ. Let’s not miss any opportunity to do so this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

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Posted in Apologetics, Christmas Reflections

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 26, 2010

Small Town, Texas

I grew up in the small South Texas town of Mission located just a few miles north of the Rio Grande River. Everybody in town knew my family. As a kid, I learned that news in a small town travels fast. Whenever I did anything wrong my parents often heard about it before I got home. But, the folks in town also made sure I was safe. Everybody kept an eye on everybody else’s kids. I enjoyed growing up in a small town and, in the back of my mind, I sometimes wonder if I will ever live in a small town again. Over the past week, Cheryl and I have driven through and explored lots of small towns on our way to and around Texas’ Big Bend country. While driving between Ft. Davis and Marfa this afternoon, we made a list of the top ten things about small towns that we have enjoyed over the past few days.

10. Interesting old buildings. | Every small town has interesting old buildings and houses. We enjoyed how seeing how entrepreneurs have restored some of these buildings and turned them into craft shops, specialty boutiques, restaurants, and more. It’s nice to see new life breathed into old buildings.

9. Historic hotels. | In addition to our accommodations in Big Bend National Park, we enjoyed our stay at the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon and Hotel Limpia in Ft. Davis. These old hotels are beautifully appointed with antiques and offer comfortable common areas where we enjoyed conversations around the hearth with other guests.

8. Steering wheel salutes. | We have enjoyed the drives across vast expanses between towns where you can see oncoming vehicles approaching from miles away. And, when another vehicle approaches, at least eight out of every ten times the driver in the oncoming vehicle will give you a quick salute with the hand at the top of his steering wheel. Or, if another vehicle passes you the driver will give you a quick wave.

7. Incredible hospitality. | When we phoned ahead to one hotel to tell them of our possible late arrival, the lady on the phone told us not to worry. “If you get here late,” she said, “we’ll leave the key in an envelope with you name on it on the front porch. It will unlock the front door to the hotel and also the door to your room.”

6. The Texas Stop Sign. | You will not see many Golden Arches in small Texas towns, but you will see the Texas Stop Sign in almost every small town — Dairy Queen. We enjoyed ice cream cones dipped in chocolate in what is the small town equivalent to a Starbucks-type atmosphere.

5. Home-style cooking and generous portions. | We sampled several small town eateries and enjoyed some delicious meals along the way. On Thanksgiving day we enjoyed an amazing four-course meal at the quaint Hotel Limpia Restaurant. This reservation-only meal was as good or better than any we have ever had. It was Texas cuisine at its best.

4. Historical markers. | Texas has a great Historical Marker system in place throughout the State. Cheryl and I made it a point to stop at these markers along the way to glean some historical perspective on this part of our great State. We learned some interesting things about who and what has shaped the history of West Texas. It was worth taking the time to stop along the way. We have a better appreciation for this expansive region of Texas.

3. County courthouses and town squares. | County seats in Texas boast some of the best-looking courthouses in the nation. These prominent courthouses are generally centrally located and adjacent to inviting town squares where people actually sit on park benches and have conversations.

2. New friends. | One thing I enjoy most about travel is meeting interesting people. Cheryl met a young lady from New York who has left the corporate world to seek new employment and adventure in small town Texas. We met a wonderful couple from Germany on a hike in Big Bend. They are from a city I visited in May with my Dad. And, we met a terrific family from India who live in Austin and are exploring our State. We’ll see them again tonight at the McDonald Observatory.

1. Spending time together. | The number one thing that Cheryl and I have enjoyed on our adventure through Big Bend and small towns is getting to spend time together. Cheryl and I do not lack for stuff to talk about. We enjoy conversation. And on those rare occasions when we are not talking, we also enjoy sharing our quiet moments together. We are scheduled to return home on Saturday evening and will do so rested and refreshed and grateful for our thirty years of marriage.

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Posted in Home and Family

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 25, 2010

Cowboy Proverbs

If you have never visited Big Bend National Park, consider adding it to your Bucket List. It’s an absolutely beautiful and amazing place. Over the past couple of days, Cheryl and I have hiked five different trails in the park and seen some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. When we planned our hiking agenda, I told Cheryl that I would walk at her pace and hike whatever trails interested her. I am glad that I did because she chose some spectacular hikes. Several times along the way Cheryl turned to me and said, “I just have to stop for a moment to admire God’s good work.” It was really quite refreshing to walk slowly and to allow our eyes to feast on Big Bend’s magnificent vistas. We talked a lot along the way about being thankful for the beauty of God’s creation.

Cheryl and I also talked about the first explorers to this expansive part of our beautiful state. We tried to imagine what it must have been like for those rugged individuals who first came and blazed trails here. We were certainly thankful that we had our GPS, maps, paved roads, and park rangers to assist us. We also drove past many of the old ranches in the area, including the old Terlingua ghost town with its historic cemetery. In several places we saw the skeletal remnants of windmills — weathered sentinels still marking the places where ranchers and cowboys once lived. Big Bend and the surrounding territory is quintessential Texas.


Last night, Cheryl and I got into a conversation about how cowboys shaped the history of this area and how this hostile territory shaped the cowboys who lived and died here. Over the past few days we have enjoyed reading and learning about cowboy wisdom — a practical no-nonsense wisdom gleaned from doing life in the saddle in tough places like Big Bend. Our discussion at the dinner table turned to what the book of Proverbs might have looked like if it had been written by cowboys instead of guys like Solomon.

Here is a sampling of some things we read that started us thinking about how cowboys might have said some of the things that are written in the book of Proverbs. I have added verses from the book of Proverbs that communicate a similar message.

• Never miss a good chance to shut up. | “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” Proverbs 17:28

• The best way to keep your word is not to give it foolishly. | “It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows.” Proverbs 20:25

• Nobody ever drowned himself in his own sweat. | “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23

• If you work for a man, ride for his brand. Treat his cattle as if they were your own. | “Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.” Proverbs 27:18

• Honesty is not something you should flirt with. You should be married to it. | “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” Proverbs 12:17

• Most folks are like a bob-wire fence. They have their good points. | “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” Proverbs 20:11

• The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket. | “Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.” Proverbs 22:26

• Too much debt doubles the weight on your horse and puts another in control of the reins. | “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Proverbs 22:7

• A person who agrees with all your palaver is either a fool or he’s gettin’ ready to skin ya. | “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28

• Don’t get mad at somebody who knows more’n you do. It ain’t their fault. | “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:9

• Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. | “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Proverbs 1:5

And, here is one final nugget of cowboy wisdom — Don’t squat with your spurs on! Best wishes for a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day!

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Home and Family, National Parks

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Judge Roy Bean's Rules | Late 1800's | Langtry, Texas

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Posted in Wordless Wednesday

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