Would you eat Durian fruit? 🏆🎁

Known as the "King of fruits," durian is definitely living on its core as the finest fruit in Southeast Asia, and of course durian fruit is also especially valued in Cambodia. For a willing traveler seeking an unusual experience, this fruit is worth trying due to its distinctive qualities and overwhelming aroma. 

I believe that the sole guilty pleasure we enjoy as a family is eating durian during its peak season from April to May once a year. We also solely purchase durian from local growers in the provinces of Kampot or Kampong Cham. We love sharing/eating this fruit to our congregation and Vandy has even used the fruit as a prize and an illustration in one of his sermons from the previous summer. 

Pastors here in Cambodia share similar delight on eating durian fruit. In fact, one of them even planted these trees at his back yard years ago and now has started to harvest the fruit of his labor. We are one of the blessed recipients of pastor Sopheak's 1st durian harvest 👉 A pleasant Pastor's gift

Granted, not everybody like durian. Our missionary friend even believes durian smells like feet! haha 😅😝

The durian's transformation from a smelly, prickly fruit to a highly valued agricultural product is evidence of the perseverance and commitment of farmers. Harvesting is a labor-intensive operation that starts with each fruit being picked at its ripest. 

The fruit of the gospel that each of us carries is either good or terrible, and it comes from a good or bad tree. Because of all those warnings you see in Asian countries prohibiting it from being consumed in indoor areas or enclosed spaces like elevators. 

Remarkably, much like the Gospel's transformational power, perhaps durians are a good fruit after all?

Paul speaks of the gospel's fragrance, saying that it precedes us and resembles to our reputation since it contains the knowledge of Christ. Opportunities to interact with those who smell the gospel can come from the way we live.  

Sharing the good news of Jesus' resurrection and offering salvation to non-believers through Christ-like behavior demonstrates the importance of Christian living and speaks loudly to non-believers. 

In addition, Jesus taught that honesty and constancy are qualities that are best demonstrated by His saying, "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no." Similar teachings provide Christians with a chance to model what it means to live a Christlike life. Saying one thing while acting differently serves to highlight our need for greater accountability to Christ and may even force us to stop and think about the fruit we are really bearing.

Matthew 7:18-20 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

From our recent travel to Kampot, behind us is a "durian farm" yep on that mountain view. That's mostly one of the reasons why durian fruit is expensive - labor intensive and rigorous work for farmers and it can only grow in season.

yeah it has that pungent smell but totally buttery and bittery taste..
perfect aroma for durian lovers - yummers!!

You would know you are in Kampot province if you this landmark "Durian" in the town's roundabout. Kampot is famous of durian farms.
These fruits are even being exported to China despite banning in the airports.

grateful for Durian 😁😅