Siem Reap, Cambodia
Overflow is a guest house run by long term missionaries that AIM planted about two years ago, employing Cambodian’s who aren’t believers. Last year, the first expedition squad went to help clean (spiritually and literally), paint, and renovate the house. After much prayer and planning, AIM carried out a long-time dream of hosting an Awakening at Overflow. With such a large event, assistance is always needed. They sent out an email, asking our squad to send a few racers to come help for 10 days with the Awakening. After praying about it and talking with a few leaders, I felt the Lord saying “Yes!”
During our first 7 days, we painted walls, cleaned pools, and Stephanie and I actually got to renovate and run the smoothie bar! Side story, Steph had been craving smoothies pretty much since we left the states, so it was a blessing for sure! Along with all the long term missionaries and the racers attending the Awakening, we got to know the Cambodian staff (despite the language barrier). One in particular touched my heart named B.
To give you an idea of her personality, B was SASSSSSSSY! She was the first local that treated me like a real person and wasn’t just taken back by the fact that I was an Amercian. She would always look at me and say, “You crazy sister!” She joked around and anything that she didn’t like, she would for sure tell you.
From the beginning of our brief stay, I felt the Lord calling me to intercede and pursue B. There isn’t a lot that embarrasses me, so whatever the Lord wanted with B, I was ready follow Him. Not because it’s the “missionary” thing to do, but because I really did love her. She was fun to hang out with and more sarcastic than Ben and Sam combined (two of my teammates that can make the Queen’s Guards laugh).
Midway through our stay, one of the long term missionaries came to me and Steph and confirmed the Lord’s heart for B, “No joke, usually B takes a while to warm up to people, but she loves y’all! Seriously whatever you are doing, keep doing it cause she talks about you both so much and really has a lot of fun!” My heart leapt with joy because I knew God was softening her heart to feel His love.
Later I asked our host Emily about B’s story; her husband is an alcoholic (common in Cambodia), cheats on her, and abuses her. Overflow offered a room if she ever needs protection. Hearing about her story made my heart ache even more for her to know the Lord.
Before B got off work, I asked her to come to the evening session of the Awakening.
“Maybe sister,” she replied.
“Please come B!” I begged.
She didn’t end up coming and so the next day, I asked her where she was. Apparently she had to cook dinner for her husband. I asked her again, hoping in some way shape or form that I would annoy her into coming. She didn’t end up coming that night either. I was rather doubtful at that point that she would come to the last session, but God always comes through and so that last day in Cambodia, I gave it one more try. The thought of leaving B seriously broke my heart, and as I said goodbye, I began to tear up.
“B, PLEASE come tonight! I really want you there!”
“Maybe sister,” she replied again.
“B! 7 tonight, please please come!”
This time she pondered my proposition for a moment and replied, “We go downstairs and get M to translate.”
Of course I jumped five feet in the air! Whether she had understood me before or not, she was now interested enough to ask for a translator and that was all the confirmation I needed to keep pestering her to come! We went downstairs and had M translate so that B knew exactly where to be and what time.
“Ok sister, I will come.”
After my spastic jump of excitement, B looked at me and goes, “You are crazy sister.” In my head I was like, “Yeah! I am crazy for begging you to come like a puppy dog. But I don’t care how I look cause you are about to hear the best news of your life!”
AIM had invited other squads as well as local ministries in Cambodia, so they provided translators for all the sessions; again the Lord already knowing that B would be there and providing a way for her to hear the gospel. Not only was B gonna get to come EXPERIENCE Jesus, she was going to be able to UNDERSTAND it. I began praying, asking God that B would follow through and come that night.
As we began to worship, I scanned the crowd and saw B! After finding some of the team, she began looking around at the people singing and raising their hands with an expression of curiosity. She just wanted to be a part of what was going on; so with no fear, she joined in. She didn’t need rules, a book, or a class on what it was like to be a Christian. She just saw people that she loved and loved her and that was convincing enough for her to join. Midway through one of the songs, she caught my eye and waved at me on stage. I motioned for her to come up. I leaned over and asked her what she thought about it all.
“It’s good sister.”
“Do you understand the song?” I asked. She shook her head.
“Do you know what love means?” She nodded yes.
“Do you know who Jesus is?”
“Yes, yes I know sister.”
I think she understood, but I didn’t want to miss this opportunity! I searched the crowd to find a translator and before I even made eye contact, one of the long term missionary’s was already on his way to meet me. I asked him to explain forgiveness and the love of Jesus. He brought over another translator to help and though I don’t understand Cambodian, I know Jesus was mentioned! After that short encounter, the message was given and B stayed for the whole two hours. Another thing about B’s personality, she is the type that if she didn’t want to be there she would have left and not cared. BUT SHE DIDN’T LEAVE! I don’t know currently if she is walking with the Lord or if anything sunk in that night. However, I know one thing is for sure and that is that B will grow to know the Father!
Honestly, leaving B and Cambodia was the hardest part of my race so far. Not because I did anything, but because I wanted to see the Lord complete the good work He started in B! I ask you to join in praying for Cambodia and the ministry that Overflow is doing, specifically for B. That sassy Cambodian who is getting to know Jesus!
