Justice
We are finally allowed to share with you details of an RCMP investigation that Ratanak has been working on for years – an investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Christopher Neil, one of Canada’s most notorious sexual predators for his crimes committed against young Cambodian boys. You may recognize him from the infamous “swirl face” photographs in the news a decade ago, released after Interpol began a massive international manhunt for Neil. Brian is in court today at the sentencing hearing, sharing about the cruelty of the crimes in a Cambodian context and the vulnerability of Cambodian victims. This is in addition to his previous testimony that helped lead to a successful prosecution & conviction (a rare occurrence in Canada due the challenges of obtaining the necessary evidence).
God can use our skills in amazing ways when we serve Him, and Brian’s background as a RCMP Forensics Specialist equipped him to play a key role in this investigation – finding the building where the assaults occurred, forensically processing the crime scene and liaising with the Cambodian police. Additionally, Ratanak staff located a key witness/victim and coordinated RCMP activity in Cambodia.
In 2012 we purchased a building – the very same crime scene building used by Christopher Neil to shatter lives. Owning the building allowed us to freely collect forensic evidence and redeem, even this building, for the blessing of the community. For several years now this building has been used as a home for Cambodian youth at risk and in need of safe accommodation under the care of Christian dorm parents.
After morning devotions. What was once a scene of destruction is now a home for Christian dorm parents.
Now that the trial is winding up we can finally refurbish the crime scene into a building more suited to ministry. It will continue to be a life-giving place of compassion and safety, and a place where God can write new stories.
For the Christian, working to protect the poor and vulnerable in developing countries from relatively rich and powerful western predators is not a choice – it’s an imperative. Seeking justice and restoring both freedom and dignity is not a suggestion, but a command. For we serve a God of “sorrows and acquainted with grief” who demands we love those suffering around us.