This month our team was sent out on a special task, something we call “Unsung Heroes”. We were given the freedom to travel across Cambodia to find ministries who could use extra support from World Race mission teams. We seek to partner with these groups in the future in hopes of giving them the attention and promotion that these heroes of the faith deserve. Our first few days on this task were spent in a lot of prayer and worship as we discerned where in Cambodia the Lord was leading us – the first place being the city of Kampong Thom. Before we departed, our team thought we had some fairly solid leads to meet in Kampong Thom, but we quickly realized these leads were going cold as our calls and emails were not being returned. So, there we were in unknown city with nothing to go on. So we did the one thing we could do – we prayer walked.
My teammate, Naomi, and I set off to see who or what God may be leading us to. After we walked a good distance without any substantial contacts, we began to make our way back to our hotel. Out of the blue we see a World Vision sign – alas, our Christian brethren are here! The World Vision staff took kindly to us and embraced our purpose in Kampong Thom. As both groups knew that a World Race partnership with World Vision would not benefit both parties, the staff excitedly set about connecting us with the lesser known ministries established in the area, one of which was Clever Child International School (CCIS).
(photo cred: Jackelyn Mead) Students of Clever Child International School
CCIS is a school in Kampong Thom that offers education to nearly 200 local village children ranging from preschool – high school. The most impressive aspect of their education is that EVERYTHING is done in English. After a few months of teaching English in various countries, CCIS is by far the most advanced English program we have encountered. The founders of this program are aware of the importance of solid English for the advancement of these students. Therefore, they are very adamant that teachers are completely fluent, and that lessons and answers are given in English. This was like music to our ears! These students were so far along that at one point I found myself teaching them the words ‘metamorphosis’ and ‘camouflage’ during a impromptu butterfly life cycle lesson.
(photo cred: Jackelyn Mead)
On top of all of this, these students are being taught by Christian teachers with biblical teachings incorporated into their curriculum. During our visit, we found students singing worship songs and praying with classmates. It was incredibly beautiful to see these students being raised up in a strong, Jesus-filled learning environment. After careful consideration, our team has made plans to submit Clever Child International School as a future partner for the World Race, with the hope that native English speakers and Spirit-filled missionaries will be able to further pour into the CCIS teachers and students.
(photo cred: Jackelyn Mead)
