This month one of my ministries is leading Bible studies for Cambodian College students. Emilie and I are co-teaching on leadership. The students are amazing, they have a deep desire to learn and grow. One of my favorite students is named Verito, when he first introduced himself I though his name was Burrito so I got really excited, and then realized, as usual, I was just having a hard time understanding. They didn’t know why I found the name Burrito funny, which made me laugh even more. He’s the cool guy in the class, a little bit of attitude, but also a deep thirst to learn. Before class we were chatting and Verito asked what I had done during the day.
I explained, speaking as slowly as my newly acquired California accent would permit, that I had spent part of the day helping with a children’s ministry in a slum called Building outside the city. Verito turned towards me with a surprised expression, “Why would you want to go there, it’s not a nice place.”
(How we get around, it’s called a Tuk Tuk)
I told him that I understood why he would ask. Building is definitely not a nice place. I had spent the afternoon wading through calf deep, garbage filled water, gathering kids from their makeshift shacks. I walked past group after group of men and women gambling, and watched 6 year olds take care of 2 year olds because their parents were too immersed in the games to care. During the hour long ministry I sweat more then I ever have in my life, not only was it 100 degrees and 100% humidity, but I also had about 5 child shaped heaters on my lap. Even though it wasn’t “nice” it was wonderful to have the opportunity to show affection and attention to kids so thirsty for love.
After I told him about the children’s ministry Verito looked at me, puzzled, “Why would you want to come to Cambodia, it’s not beautiful, it’s very poor, people are starving and living on the streets? Why would you come here when you could go anywhere?” I looked at him, sad that he would even ask.
(The street traffic here is crazy)
After thinking for a few seconds I responded, “The city is not beautiful, but the people are. I love spending time with the people here and getting to know them. All through the Bible God talks about loving and helping people and this is just one place I can live out my faith.” I went on to explain that I can also do that in the United States, but this is where God has me at the moment.
Adjusting to life in Phnom Penh has been difficult. It’s a crazy city, with traffic swarming every which way, constant horns blowing, and garbage in every corner. My small struggles have been put into perspective by what this nation has survived in recent history.
(Pictures from the Genocide Museum)
Just over 30 years ago 30% of Cambodians were killed by the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia is still rebuilding after millions were horrendously massacred. We spent one of our first days here touring the killing fields, a huge plot of land where thousands of people were executed, then buried in mass graves. This country is in a season of rebuilding. Despite the chaotic driving, loud noises and strong smells, the people here are gentle, resilient and strong, capable of bringing beauty and restoration, even in a place that’s been deeply scared.
(From the killing fields)
