Team Rhema went to the village last week. This was my first time living like that in any sort of way. Needless to say, it was a bit of an adjustment. Sometimes I wonder how God took me from living in Manhattan to a village in Cambodia. It is amazing how much He can stretch you if you just let go.
It was hard at first but I fell in love with the village. I fell in love with the people there. We were exhausted by the end of the week with our packed schedule but His love makes it worth it. On our last day there, it was written on our schedule that we were supposed to speak for 2 hours on encouragement. I said I would do it and God would not stop speaking to me about the people. We get to the last day and I was totally ready to speak, but silly me, they wanted to encourage us. I’m telling you, these people are amazing. They just wanted to pour love into us……. I still have this huge word I never got to give them.
Words of life and words of death. 1 Corinthians 14:3 “On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation”. James 3:3-12 basically says to tame the tongue. Our words agree with God or with Satan. Always encourage one another. I believe that when we speak words of death over one another, they hang out over our heads and stay with us until we ask God to take them away. Our words are powerful. We can bring so much life by speaking truth over one another. Let this be an encouragement to you, look at what God has done with this church. Look at what God has done with all of you. This church started with about 6 people. 6 people who got mocked and had their lives threatened for being Christian. God gave the mockers new life. He stole their hearts just like He did with you.
Keep visiting families in near villages. Pray for them without ceasing. Matthew 9:38 “therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. READ IT!!! I believe God is raising up a new generation in Cambodia. YOU are that generation. I look at these children playing everyday and all I can hear God saying is this is it. This is the movement in Cambodia. You have been called to greatness.
Keep seeking out wisdom. James 1:5 “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him”
Your prayers are so powerful. Being a Christian is a minority in this country. You are some of the bravest people I have ever met. You are some of the most passionate people I have ever met. You guys seek after the Lord with everything you have in you. With all your heart, mind and soul. THAT’S BIBLICAL!!!
Listen. Take time to listen to Him and find a quiet place where you can just hang out with Him. He loves you. He is desperate to just sit and be with you. He has so much He wants to say to you. We just need ears to hear. This takes practice. Practice the prophetic. If God tells you about someone, tell them. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5″Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit…….” SEEK THESE OUT!!! Spiritual gifts are blessings. They are gifts. They are free.
God would not have given you the blessing of this church, taken you this far if He didn’t want you to do great things. I believe what you have accomplished is just the tip of the iceburg.
Romans 8:1-2, 5-10″there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus………For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds to the things of the spirit……”
Finally, love each other. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Jesus knew what it was like to be mocked and spit on. He endured because He loves us. I know that you have endured a lot. Our treasures are not on this earth. Your treasure is waiting for you in heaven (Matthew 6). Romans 8:18 “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”
I pray with confidence that God will speak these things straight to their hearts. I miss them already.
