It has been a little over a week since I have arrived in Battambang, Cambodia. This culture in itself is beyond captivating but sometimes to the point where it can be difficult to stay present. Spiritual warfare has been attacking this country and overall my squad. The people here in Cambodia are mostly buddhist believers. Just as we celebrate holidays back in the states the people here do as well. During this particular week the people are celebrating a week long holiday called Pchum Ben. In their language, Khmer, Pchum Ben means “a meeting or gathering”. During this time the locals travel back to their hometowns to present offerings such as food to their ancestors who have passed onto the next life. If they do not go back to where they are from then they will be cursed by their deceased family. When I had heard about this special week, my heart went out to the people of Cambodia. All throughout the city of Battambang shops and schools are closed.
Throughout this week half of my team went to a school called Paññasastra International. Prior to the holiday taking place we encountered some of the kids. We had the opportunity to paint the kids play area. Which seems so simple but these kids face darkness daily. Having this time to be able to brighten the atmosphere for the children of Cambodia is something God calls us to daily. As believers we are the light in the darkness. John 8:12 states, “ When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are called to be the light of the world whether that is through colorful murals or spreading smiles.
Before we painted the murals the kids had this image of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. In the far right corner was rabbit saying, “I’m not fine.” I point this out because daily the kids would see these unsettling imagines of sadness and distances between friendships. 
Before painting we wiped off the walls. Most of the walls had chipped paint and gunk on them.
My team and I were able to get creative. We had about 4 colors of paint, a few rolls of tape and a limited amount of brushes to paint with. This lead us to use our fingers to paint the walls. Mixing colors we simply brought light to the darkness. Although it may not seem life changing we were able to feel the atmosphere change in the room. All of the spiritual warfare my team was feeling in the beginning slowly started to dissolve through the colors bringing in light. In the end these kids deserve the world and if a simple painting on a wall can put a smile on their faces then we have shared just a glimpse of the joy of the Lord. Please pray for the country of Cambodia and the generations to come. Be a light unto the world.
