“Su-da-dee” from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. My team and I have been in Kampong Cham for over a week now and we have already fallen in love with the ministry here.
Each morning my team and I go to a village to love on the children and their parents. We play with the children, wash them, sing songs about Jesus, and feed them. The children run around screaming “barang”, which means white person. When we arrive each morning we get the warmest welcome as the children run and jump into our arms. Not only are we pouring out Gods love to them, but we’re receiving it as well. There is something special about working with children that brings joy to the soul.
My team also teaches several different English classes in the evening. Children come to the Youth Development Center where we’re staying to learn English. I have been paired up with my Southern teammate Addison, to teach the beginners English class. Our kids range from the ages of 6 to 20 and we have 16 students. I find it funny that Addison and I are paired up together, because with both of our Southern accents the children can’t help but say a few words they are learning with a Southern accent. 🙂
One thing I have learned since being here so far is how much I need God’s strength. The hours of this ministry takes a toll on my emotions and physical strength some days. I could feel my weak spirit one morning when we visited a village. I held the children in my arms as long as I could, but I got to a point where I was exhausted and had to set them down. At one point I had three to four children of different sizes screaming “barang” all with their arms held up to my sides. All they wanted was to be held and I couldn’t pick them up. Leaving that day my emotions were uneasy. I was telling myself in my head that the love and attention you are showing these children may some days be the only love they receive that day. I was weak and tearing myself down with ridicule, but then God laid a verse on my heart. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30–31).
He reminded me that eternal energy comes from Him, and that if I ask I shall receive. So now each morning before my team start ministry we begin the day praying and asking God to renew our strength. Though some days we may be exhausted, God overflows us with His strength and I can feel the difference physically. It’s a beautiful feeling to know that God’s work is being accomplished through you with His strength. Everlasting God thank you for your renewing strength!
