“How can you make an impact if you’re only at a place for a short period of time?” Is the question often heard amongst World racers and or other short-term mission volunteers. If I’m to be honest, it was a question that was on my mind and my heart at the beginning of this thing.
It is now month 8 of 11 of the world race and here I am in the middle of a small village somewhere in Cambodia. Surrounded by rice fields, coconut trees, dirt roads, cows, chickens, and a population of just around 2,000.
We are working with a ministry in this small village that teaches English ranging from kids to young adults from the ages of 6 to 18 years old. Vuthy our ministry host, has recently opened up a school in the main town that has morning and evening classes. Additionally, in the compound that Vuthy has built, which contains a church, two class rooms, and living areas, classes are also ran in the morning and evening.
Furthermore, to fund all of his teaching projects, he makes naturally-made coconut soap in this compound that employs two of his nieces (working to go to college) and sells them to vendors/distributors. Amongst other projects that not only helps children, and individuals involved in his ministry, the village mayor have recognized the work that he has been doing for the village such as rebuilding some roads and other projects.
In a nation and a village that is predominantly Buddhist and where Christianity is hated, it is amazing to see the love of Christ be the light here in this small town, where before Vuthy, no one knew of God’s unfailing love.
10 years ago, Vuthy was a tuk tuk driver in Phnom phen, a buzzling city in Cambodia. With a single encounter with short-term missionaries who invited him to church, he saw the joy of Christ.
His journey with the Lord after that first encounter changed the trajectory of his life. Quitting his job, deciding to come back to this village where he grew up, and wanting the people to know the same joy that he encountered. Even denying the opportunity to move to the U.S. a desire that many people here want (They thought he was crazy for it).
Vuthy’s life is a story that truly reflects the transformative power of our Jesus. And it was from a single encounter with short-term missionaries.
We often don’t see the fruits of our labor, and neither do other people. I’m starting to realize that It’s not our job to prove to ourselves or other people that we are doing something “good”, but to be truly so close to God that His character is reflected upon us that it over flows to others causing them to see the love of Christ that transforms them.
“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6
