This is a story, but so much more then just a story, about love and hope. Love and hope is all over Cambodia. Despite the country having gone through one of the greatest tragedies of this century.
A massive, untalked about genocide killed approximately 2.2 million people of the 7 million in the population. The Khmer Rouge regime killed their own people and wanted to start a new way of thinking in the country. They thought the best way to do that would be to kill off the educated. Basically now 80% of this population is under the age of 30 because of this horrific tragedy. But through it all Cambodia and it’s people have hope.
skulls from the killing field
Redemption and restoration are occurring rapidly through the hope and love of these people. Cambodia has been in the process of rebuilding itself the past 10 years. Visible evidence of restoration has been seen by past world racers who came through here last year and are here again now. A drive that used to take 5-6 hours on a dirt road now only takes 2 on a paved road. Construction is constantly going on and the economy is balancing out. It is amazing!
Kids from Cambodian Hope Orphanage
The demeanor of these people is that of love and hope. They run up to you on the street just to say hello. The children exude joy like I have never experienced before. “For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11 So Cambodia I declare that over you. Hold fast to your hope and love.
Update on what us World Racers are partnering with here in Cambodia… We are working at Cambodia Hope Orphanage this month. There are around 70 children living here. Most are here because of child trafficking, parents dying of AIDS, orphaned because of the genocide, or just found in the villages. While here we are loving on them and sharing Christ’s hope for their future and their new life. Rithey who runs the orphanage was an orphan himself. He does not see these children as orphans but rather sons and daughters and loves them as his own just as Christ would. During the afternoons we have the priviledge of playing with these kids who love on me like crazy, teach them english, sings songs, teach bible class, and make them dinner. This orphanage also has to completely depend on God to provide for food, medicine, and supplies for they have literally zero funding.It is such a privilege to be at this orphanage! For I thought I was going to be the one loving on these kids but they are truly the ones loving on me and helping me in the process of allowing my heart to break and build more and more in Christ’s love
