I feel as though my latest blogs have maybe been tad longer and perhaps a bit on the deeper side. So, I was going to write a more upbeat and shorter blog about some of the cultural differences and the funnier experiences I have had so far, however, I have a serious prayer request to lay upon you, so please carefully read the following:
When our team first arrived at our base here in Siem Reap, there was already a YWAM (Youth With A Movement) team from Kona, Hawaii, of about 13 members doing their DTS (Discipleship Training School) outreach here and staying on the base with us. Our first night here (we accidentally broke the curfew by a hour and a half), the Kona team was out celebrating a birthday for Austin, a member on their team. Austin came home early from his own party that night sick, and remained ill in his bed for the next few days. I saw him come out of his room once to get some water, and then never saw him again.
A few days after his birthday, Austin went to a local hospital, and then from there was sent on an emergency flight to a hospital in Bangkok. He had contracted an unknown form of encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain. His body then shut down showing no responsive signs as he fell into a coma. This is where he has laid for over a week, and his fate of whether he lives or dies literally hangs in the balance. The doctors are hoping for him to respond soon and want to take him off the ventilator, because the longer he is on that then the longer it will take for him to recover and it has the risk of getting infected.
So, obviously God can absolutely use this situation to put life in perspective for us all. A young guy who is seeking God and serving Him on a mission outreach, all of a sudden gets sick and can perish just that fast. These situations make you realize just how short and precious our lives really are, and also that they are not our lives at all. We are simply empty and broken vessels put here on this earth for one purpose, which is to worship and glorify our Creator.
God has used Austin’s circumstance to open my eyes to the question of do I really believe Phil. 1:21, that to live is Christ and to die is gain? If God is willing to gain greater glory from my sufferings, pain, or hardships, do I really count these as gains? The bottom line is that we have to believe that (James 1:2-4). The disciples of the N.T. were so eager and joyful to suffer for the sake of the cross, and endured many terrible forms of persecution, but oftentimes we are greatly reluctant to humble ourselves. The road is narrow for a reason, and it is not a question of whether we will endure storms and trials, but a question of when. For if you boldly follow the Gospel and are the aroma of life, then there will eventually be a cost or attack associated with your true obedience. We have to hold on to the promise that through the fire God will refine our hearts and minds. Impossible with men, but possible with Christ. (Mark 10:27)
So, take time to pray for God to restore Austin’s health and for a quick recovery. Pray for armies of angels to surround Austin’s family and friends with comfort and peace. Pray for everyone involved to trust that God will use this to bear an even greater witness and testimony for His name’s sake. There are hundred and hundreds of prayers going up to God on Austin’s behalf, so join in and take a moment to lift him up that he may be healed (James 5:15).
(This is Austin, the guy that is, I’m sure he would love your prayers)
It has been really hot here and has not really rained here in Siem Reap, since we are in their dry season, but I was coaching futbol practice with a girl from the Kona team on Sunday. At the beginning of practice, it rained for the first time for about 20 minutes, and the girl told me that she prayed that if it rained then God will heal Austin. After it rained there was rainbow. Pretty ironic considering we were in the middle of Cambodia’s dry season, but I believe that either God was telling me that he will restore Austin’s health completely, or that He was telling me not to fear for Austin’s eternal destiny is sealed and that he will receive the crown of life one day (James 1:12).
And I promise that my next blog will be short & sweet! Thanks for the prayers & strength be with you!
