There is something very special about Cambodia.
photo by my teammate Genae Lanier
The People.
Before my team even arrived at our ministry site for the month, I noticed how open and welcoming the locals were to us. We had a lengthy conversation (in English!) about Cambodian history and culture with several tuk tuk drivers while waiting at the bus station. We joked and laughed with one another and they sent us off with waves and “bye-bye’s” as we drove away soon after. The last two weeks have been filled with friendly and encouraging encounters like that first day and it has really made all the difference in my stay here so far.
My love and appreciation for the people of Cambodia, and especially Phnom Penh, multiplied a hundred-fold after visiting the Killing Fields and Genocide museum last weekend. My eyes were opened to some of the most violent and atrocious acts committed against innocent humans in recent history. Injustice has, and is, plaguing this nation, but I have high hopes for Cambodia’s future.
I sense a hunger in these people, a desire to move forward and accomplish great things. I see light in every pair of eyes I look into, regardless of the person’s age. The children always smile and say “hello” no matter how many times you cross paths in one day. The elderly are just thankful to be alive after the horrific genocide.
The time to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to Cambodia is now, not in a decade, not next year, or even next month. I must share God’s plan of redemption today.
So, that’s what I’m going to do.
In just a couple of hours I will be standing in front of two hundred young people sharing my testimony and offering them God’s gift of salvation. My words are written down, but I am opening my heart to whatever the Holy Spirit desires to say through me. I’m counting on God to show up tonight like never before. I can’t say what the outcome will be, and I’m ok with that. My faith is in the God of the universe and I pray His will be done.
