The two girls, aged 16 and 15, appear like any other school girls. They attend the Methodist School in Phnom Penh and have been with the school for some time. Originally from Vietnam, the girls stand out with their fair skin and complexion.
While most school girls would be happy during vacation time, these two girls are very anxious for a good reason. There's a good chance that their mother would "sell" them. Many girls have been "sold" before. Their older sister was "sold" for a week, and came back to class after that. Apparently they can be "sold" again, albeit for a lower price.
Such is the reality for teenager girls in Cambodia. To learn first hand about the plight of these two girls from the pastor in charge of MMS in Phnom Penh brings a sense of urgency and significance to the post COSI integration program.
As I hear about how the missionary has arranged refuge for the two girls if they ever needed it, I cannot help but think of the happy smiles on the faces of Chanthin, who is going on to second year at the University, and Dinah, who has just finished grade 12 and hoping to get into university. I also think of the sister of Narak, our sponsored child, and many other COSI girls like her, who are safe from harm's way. At least for now.
Then there's Boran. You may remember him from the PCOSIIP video. His father died of AIDs when he was 7 years old. He lost his 2-year old sister and mother within the next 7 months, leaving him and his two brothers to fend for themselves.
I met up with him last week and asked how he was doing. He is now attending a high school near to the Methodist center and tells me of this gangster who comes to terrorize his school. Why not get the police to deal with the gangster? The police are scared of him because he has a gun. Guns in schools. In Phnom Penh.
No wonder Tola and Ratanna are happy to be back in COSI, where there's abundant food on the table, security and love.
These are just snap shots on life outside of COSI. Without doubt, the experience of the kids who spent some time outside made them deeply appreciative of the second chance they are receiving, by the grace of God, and with your support in efforts such as run4COSI.
These snap shots weigh heavy on my mind every time I run. I see their faces in my mind, and the grim alternative universe that awaits them should we falter in our commitment to securing their future.
From all the kids in COSI and in the PCOSIIP program, I want to convey their gratitude to you for your prayers and support. Do continue to uphold them in your prayers.
Showing posts with label Angels run4COSI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angels run4COSI. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
run4COSI@Streetwise Run July 5, 2009
Sunday 3 pm, Singapore River, Grand Copthorne hotel lobby. A group of runners from PMC met in the hotel lobby for the first Angels run4COSI event held in conjunction with the Streetwise Run.
Angels run4COSI is a run organized by the PMC running community to raise funds for the tertiary education of youths graduating from COSI Cambodia. Last month, an awards ceremony was held in COSI for seven graduates. Today, kids from COSI would be doing a synchronized run to demonstrate their appreciation for the support provided by generous donors and enthusiastic runners from PMC.
More than two dozen runners signed up for this event. Andrew, PMC missions chairman was also present with his children to lend us their support. Some PMC runners wore a tag that says "Angels run4COSI: I run for Tola" or "I run for Boran" or some other kid from COSI. This was how some chose to remember why and who they were running for.
After a short prayer, we headed for the start line at Zuok. The sky was dark and gloomy - the forecast was for rain, which would be a welcome change from hot afternoons.
Indeed, less than 1 km into the run, the sky opened with showers of blessing for the participants. It is always nice to run in the rain, but how about a heavy downpour? It's nicer!
By the time we reached the turnaround bridge, it was pouring cats and dogs. It was fun splishing and splashing. The water stations were under-utilized, and supporters had to urge runners to drink! And best of all, the supporters were braving the rain to cheer us on! Talk about the spirit of encouragement. We couldn't help but smile and cheer for the enthusiastic supporters!
Ella (9) was probably the youngest member of PMC to complete the run, chaperoned by Stephanie, Ruf and I. Her sister Alexandra (4) was the youngest to start the race, but her mum wisely brought her back when it rained. We could see that they both enjoyed the race tremendously. So did every PMC runner!
Eric, who was our oldest participant, had this to say, "Many thanks to Daniel who accompanied my 60 year old pair of legs from start to finish. Altho we did it in thirty mins I am convinced Daniel can do a much faster time but he would rather chaperone me to make sure there is no mishap. Appreciate it man." Bravo!
It was a 4 km run, and by the time we reached the finish line, we were all truly drenched. But the heavy rain did not dampen our spirit whatsoever, as you could tell from the following pictures!
Stephanie summed it up well:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS COSI! This is the 1st race, and there will be more races in the future - looking forward to running with you all again ;-)
Angels run4COSI is a run organized by the PMC running community to raise funds for the tertiary education of youths graduating from COSI Cambodia. Last month, an awards ceremony was held in COSI for seven graduates. Today, kids from COSI would be doing a synchronized run to demonstrate their appreciation for the support provided by generous donors and enthusiastic runners from PMC.
More than two dozen runners signed up for this event. Andrew, PMC missions chairman was also present with his children to lend us their support. Some PMC runners wore a tag that says "Angels run4COSI: I run for Tola" or "I run for Boran" or some other kid from COSI. This was how some chose to remember why and who they were running for.
After a short prayer, we headed for the start line at Zuok. The sky was dark and gloomy - the forecast was for rain, which would be a welcome change from hot afternoons.
Indeed, less than 1 km into the run, the sky opened with showers of blessing for the participants. It is always nice to run in the rain, but how about a heavy downpour? It's nicer!
By the time we reached the turnaround bridge, it was pouring cats and dogs. It was fun splishing and splashing. The water stations were under-utilized, and supporters had to urge runners to drink! And best of all, the supporters were braving the rain to cheer us on! Talk about the spirit of encouragement. We couldn't help but smile and cheer for the enthusiastic supporters!
Ella (9) was probably the youngest member of PMC to complete the run, chaperoned by Stephanie, Ruf and I. Her sister Alexandra (4) was the youngest to start the race, but her mum wisely brought her back when it rained. We could see that they both enjoyed the race tremendously. So did every PMC runner!
Eric, who was our oldest participant, had this to say, "Many thanks to Daniel who accompanied my 60 year old pair of legs from start to finish. Altho we did it in thirty mins I am convinced Daniel can do a much faster time but he would rather chaperone me to make sure there is no mishap. Appreciate it man." Bravo!
It was a 4 km run, and by the time we reached the finish line, we were all truly drenched. But the heavy rain did not dampen our spirit whatsoever, as you could tell from the following pictures!
Stephanie summed it up well:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS COSI! This is the 1st race, and there will be more races in the future - looking forward to running with you all again ;-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
PMC Angels run4COSI
The children of COSI have always held a special place in the hearts of many PMC youths, young adults and church members. Each COSI kid has a story to tell, and it is usually a sad and tragic story. We have seen them grown, from toddlers to teenagers. Through the years, we have journeyed with them, sharing their joys, achievements and concerns, supporting them with our prayers and showering them with our love.
For some of the older kids, the time of reckoning has come. Each child can only stay with the orphanage until the age of 18 (or grade 12). This is a growing source of anxiety for many.
The following video underscores their predicament.
PMC, together with Bedok Methodist Church and MMS, initiated the Post COSI Integration Program to prepare COSI graduates for reentry into their community of origin and society outside of COSI.
The main objective for the PCOSIIP is to empower every COSI graduate to become useful citizen in the Kingdom of God as well as in the Kingdom of Cambodia. A key element in PCOSIIP is to sponsor COSI youths through tertiary education under the PCOSIIP Education Fund. Two youths were admitted into a Phnom Penh university last year. Over the course of the next two years, an estimated 12 youths would be graduating from high school grade 12.
With the burgeoning number of COSI youths scheduled to graduate from COSI over the coming years, it is imperative that coordinated effort be directed toward raising funds for PCOSIIP Education Fund. Over the past years, the COSI Angel’s Program in PMC has raised substantial money to finance the trips undertaken by our youth teams to COSI.
This year, the COSI young adults team in conjunction with YMPACT youths and the PMC running community are launching the Angels run4COSI program. The Angels run4COSI will raise funds via outright donations and runner pledges. Every cent raised will be channeled towards the PCOSIIP Education Fund.
Yes, participants in the Angels run4COSI will be undertaking a run!
The designated event is the Streetwise Run scheduled for July 5, 2009 (Sunday). The non-competitive category open to the public is the 4 km run, with an estimated 3:30 pm flag off. Registration fee is by way of a donation (minimum of $10).
We would like you to join us in securing the future for the COSI kids by either making a donation (cheque made payable to "Pentecost Methodist Church", and noting "Angels run4COSI" at the back of the cheque) and/or participating as an Angel in the Streetwise Run. Each Angel undertakes a pledge to raise a minimum of $200 for the PCOSIIP education fund.
For more information, please contact Hongyee or Rachel.
For some of the older kids, the time of reckoning has come. Each child can only stay with the orphanage until the age of 18 (or grade 12). This is a growing source of anxiety for many.
The following video underscores their predicament.
PMC, together with Bedok Methodist Church and MMS, initiated the Post COSI Integration Program to prepare COSI graduates for reentry into their community of origin and society outside of COSI.
The main objective for the PCOSIIP is to empower every COSI graduate to become useful citizen in the Kingdom of God as well as in the Kingdom of Cambodia. A key element in PCOSIIP is to sponsor COSI youths through tertiary education under the PCOSIIP Education Fund. Two youths were admitted into a Phnom Penh university last year. Over the course of the next two years, an estimated 12 youths would be graduating from high school grade 12.
With the burgeoning number of COSI youths scheduled to graduate from COSI over the coming years, it is imperative that coordinated effort be directed toward raising funds for PCOSIIP Education Fund. Over the past years, the COSI Angel’s Program in PMC has raised substantial money to finance the trips undertaken by our youth teams to COSI.
This year, the COSI young adults team in conjunction with YMPACT youths and the PMC running community are launching the Angels run4COSI program. The Angels run4COSI will raise funds via outright donations and runner pledges. Every cent raised will be channeled towards the PCOSIIP Education Fund.
Yes, participants in the Angels run4COSI will be undertaking a run!
The designated event is the Streetwise Run scheduled for July 5, 2009 (Sunday). The non-competitive category open to the public is the 4 km run, with an estimated 3:30 pm flag off. Registration fee is by way of a donation (minimum of $10).
We would like you to join us in securing the future for the COSI kids by either making a donation (cheque made payable to "Pentecost Methodist Church", and noting "Angels run4COSI" at the back of the cheque) and/or participating as an Angel in the Streetwise Run. Each Angel undertakes a pledge to raise a minimum of $200 for the PCOSIIP education fund.
For more information, please contact Hongyee or Rachel.
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