So I know it has been forever and a day since I blogged, and I apologize for that. So in the spirit of getting back into blogging here goes nothing.
In Cambodia our days looked pretty much the same. We woke up and had bread and butter for breakfast. We spent some time in prayer and in the word. Then we headed out into the village we were staying in. Ate lunch, and then we would do something in the afternoon, normally teach English to the local kids.
It wasn’t my favorite month of ministry, but there were some highlights to it. One of those being a man named Yon. The first time we visited his house, we met his wife, son, and granddaughter. They explained to us that they were about to leave to visit their dad/husband in the hospital. The pastor explained to us that this man had to have surgery on his stomach, and it was the third surgery in six months and the problem was still there.
We prayed with the family and then went on to the next house. The next week when we went back Yon was home from the hospital and lying in bed. As soon as I laid eyes on him, I knew that he was going to be my person that month.
Even though he was lying flat on his back in his bed, when I looked at his eyes they were so filled with hope, peace, and joy. We spent a little bit talking with him and asking how he was feeling. He said it still hurt some, and told us he wasn’t allowed to sit up or walk much. We gathered around and prayed with thanksgiving for Yon, and prayed for healing over him.
I wish I could say that he jumped up and started dancing right there, but that’s not how our month worked.
We went back to his house a few times that week, and continued to pray for him, and encourage his family. Each time we went he was a little better. He would be sitting up, or out for a walk, so we continued to pray for total healing over his body.
When Sunday came we were getting ready for the service, when Yon walked in the back door. It was such a sweet moment. This man who had been hospitalized a week ago was standing there ready to worship our God who is so good. I got to sit next to him for the service and the joy that rolled off of him as he sang and danced for the Lord was so cool.
We didn’t get to see him be totally healed in an instant. We didn’t watch a lame man walk. We didn’t see a bling man receive his sight.
We did see how GOOD and FAITHFUL our Lord is. I believe with my whole heart Yon was healed during our time in Cambodia. I believe with my whole heart these issues will no longer be ones he has to struggle with. I believe that our Father will continue to take care of him.
Through all this I learned so much more about how good God’s plans are compared to mine. If God would have healed Yon instantly that would have been so cool, but I would have missed an important lesson. I learned that even when I don’t see the results of my prayers, God is still at work. It may be gradual, it may be a different outcome, but God will always answer our prayers in a way that is best for us.
I learned so much more about faith and how to pray for people. I learned how to praise God for the things I see in others even if my prayers aren’t being answered how I want. I learned how to love people well. I learned how to wait on God. I learned so much from this one man, and I can’t wait to see what else God wants me to learn.
Love you all!
Audrey
