I’m gonna give you the bad news first and then share the not good, but the amazing news about Cambodia.
If you know anything about Cambodia, you might have heard about something called the Khmer Rouge. There was a genocide in this country in the 70s where 1.5 million people (half the country’s entire population) were viciously killed. Due to this, 50% of the population in under 20 years old, 80% is under 30, and only 3% is over 65 years old. This genocide has left Cambodia with a very deep wound and many still deal daily with the after effects of such a brutal crime. There is a lot of mistrust, corruption, poverty, anger, lust, and apathy.
The amazing news is that God is here and through Him we are making a difference. I am overjoyed to know that the YWAM organization we are working with, a Youth Development Center (YDC), is making daily strides in restoring communities and meeting needs. We are busy this month in Kampong Cham doing many various ministries. We are working in two different slums where we provide the many children with a hot meal, help clean them up, sing and share skits, encourage the local believers, prayer walk, share the gospel, and give testimonies. We also teach English classes to around 50 students daily. I have the privilege of teaching a guitar class this month which I absolutely love! Starting next week we are adding to our schedule prison ministry as well.
I am so grateful to be a part of the ministries here. The children have completely stolen my heart. They are absolutely beautiful and are so cherished by us and by Jesus. When we walk into the slums, the children literally run down the street to greet us. They climb all over us desperate to be held, and we are so happy to hold them. It is so sad when it is time for us to go. The other day, the children held on to our tuktuks (Asian method of transportation) and refused to let go! They chased us all the way down the street! My heart broke but was immediately reminded that not only do we get to see them every other day for the whole month, but the YDC continues the visits after we leave.
I am pumped to be here this month and also so glad to have your support. To those who have donated and have supported me or any other racer, my sincerest and deepest “Thank you!” You have made all of this possible. The way you are blessing me, blesses others. You are wonderful.
Thank you for reading!
