Looking back at my month in Cambodia in June, I see how God challenged me to step out of my realm of comfort, into a new level of obedience to love not just my team, but the ministry that month. My team and I had just come from the high of having such a great month in Thailand. The heat followed us into Kampong Thom, and may have turned up by a few degrees. It was a reality check back into the World Race, although conditions were still very nice compared to a lot of places in Asia. I could not have comprehended the number of bugs there would be there.
We spent the entire month at the Shelter of Love, a children’s home for orphaned and children of single parents or relatives unable to provide necessary care for them. The ages ranged from 2-20. There were several different ministries that we were able to be a part of during the month. One, was right up my alley, which was painting a mural along a stretch of wall about 50-60 yards. It was out by their soccer field. We painted a sports theme, with scriptures that fit in with the scene that was being shown. Supplies were limited, as well as color options, so that project came with it’s own set of challenges. However, in the end, it worked out really well!
Another ministry was to teach the children English in the evenings, and to help with a Bible Study time they had each evening before going to bed. This was one area I can see how God really helped me grow. At the beginning of the month I was so anxious about teaching English, because I had never done it; and by the end of the month, I was pretty comfortable teaching the whole class by myself. I won’t deny, there were days that I got pretty discouraged, however, I saw them grow in their knowledge so much; which will help them greatly later on in their life.
The children and young adults have such a passion for Jesus that is truly inspiring. One of our last days at the home, we went out to do some ministry in the nearby village. There was one of the teenage boys who came with us, along with many of the kids from the home. He took over for a great part of the session, due to the fact that we didn’t know how to speak Khmer. We were so impressed and proud to see him open up and take charge of sharing about Jesus. It was in that moment I realized the true value and goal of what the Shelter of Love was all about. They are raising up leaders, who are grounded in the word, to go out and reach their own people for Christ.
During our time there we helped with manual labor, and construction of their second greenhouse, where they grow hydroponic vegetables. It is their goal to one day be self sustaining. We would also help out in the kitchen, to prepare meals for the children and staff.
On one of our last days at the Center, we planned a day of fun games and activities for the kids, which was a huge success, and ended in a massive water fight, where everyone got soaked to the bone! It was well worth it though! That whole month was one of the few, where we were able to develop deep relationships with the kids. It wasn’t always easy, but truly loving like Jesus is seldom, if ever easy. It was so worth it though, and I wouldn’t trade that month for anything! Goodbyes to everyone there were the hardest I had yet had on the race. I hope and pray we impacted their lives- I know they did mine.
