A few days ago I went to prison! I went on a specific mission and was given full access to the prison from the government and the warden. I was going to bust out some captives, and everyone knew it! Don’t worry; I am not a fugitive now! Nor did I set any convicted fugitives free!
I went to rescue little kids who had nowhere else to go. They had no choice but to be incarcerated with their mothers in prison. Some of the little babies were born in prison too. Two were likely born out of a prison rape and are infants, born right in the prison cell. Other mothers had no place to leave their kids when they were sent to prison, and so brought their children with them. Nearly all of them have husbands who have abandoned them. Being prisoners they are perceived to have disgraced their families, and they feel like they have no place to send their children.
There cannot be a more hopeless place to live on earth than in a prison in Cambodia, especially if you are a child who is not even supposed to be there! All men, women and children are held in the general population. In the prison no education is available. The prospect of sexual abuse, even for infants, is quite possible. Most are malnourished (see the light hair) because they do not have prison food rations; so, their mothers share their meager rations with them. Fortunately, Jesus can take the hopeless and turn them into jewels!
Isaiah says, “I, the Lord, have called you. . . to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42: 6-7).
Captive kids soon to be free!
We have offered to raise the kids until the mothers get out of prison, or even up to graduation from High School if the families so desire. Kids who have no chance at a bright future because of their mother’s incarceration are now able to get the best education and care available in the province. God can indeed turn any bad thing to good! (Genesis 50:20)
We will be needing sponsorship for about six kids immediately, and potentially many more. For sponsorship details, contact [email protected] and check out the website at: www.impartingsmiles.com
may I request to be on your mailing list? (e-mail, that is….)
Sure, send me an e-mail at [email protected] with the e-mail address you would like me to use. Thanks, Steve
Today I received a message from a father:
“Tonight as I was putting my daughter to bed (6 years old) I was telling her about the kids in Cambodia who live with their mothers in jail because they have no place to go. She became very concerned for them and the fact that they may not have any toys.
I told her I knew a man in Cambodia that could give the kids whatever we sent them and she decided that she would like to send some of her toys for the kids you guys work with. I couldn’t say no. So please send me an address where we can send a few things.
Also, my wife and I are considering not if we will sponsor a child but how many. We are so blessed by what you do and you have inspired us to reach out in our sphere of influence and walk by faith. ”
I was very blessed to get this note. God can do great things through the heart of a little child with compassion for others.
Note: Our mailing address is:
Imparting Smiles
P.O. Box 2581
Phnom Penh, 3
Cambodia
Steve…. Our discipleship group would like to help. What is involved — how much per month? how do we pay?
I sent an email to Dan yesterday.
You can email me back at: [email protected]
Jack Reed
Hey Jack,
I appreciate your help. It is $35 a month to support the kids and we have offered their families to keep them until they graduate from high school, or they may get them back at any time once they are released. (Some have very long terms, some mother are also are HIV positive).
Dan will send more details. God bless and thank you so much, Steve