Today started off an innocently as any other.
A teammate and I woke up around 6 am to get in a run before our 7 o’clock breakfast. At 8:30 we left for one of our children ministry outreaches and shared a skit about the story of David and Goliath. Many songs, crafts, games, and snacks later we left to return home for lunch and rest before our busy afternoon. It’s gorgeous here and I decided to spend some quiet time with the Lord outside during our down time.
Soon our contact walked over to the table I was sitting at with 2 women and a young girl I recognized from our English class. Our contact, Seth, explained that one of the woman was suffering from headaches and stomach aches. Additionally, spirits and ghosts were visiting her at night and she was afraid and having trouble sleeping. She had a dream that these spirits were attacking her again and her mom told her that Jesus would protect her, so she put her arms up in a cross formation and called out to Jesus and He protected her from the spirits. Door to door evangelism is illegal in Cambodia, so the fact that this woman knew to come to us to ask for prayer was amazing as is. Seth asked if I would get my other teammates and we could all pray for healing and protection for her. So I ran and grabbed any available teammates and we hustled back to the table to pray for this woman.
After praying for her, she said she felt some relief and peace and asked to receive Jesus. Just like that. No grand ceremony or speech was needed for this woman to know that Jesus heals, protects, and saves. So right there I had the privilege to lead her through a “sinner’s prayer” and she gave her life over to Christ. We were able to encourage her in finding a church close to where she lives and getting involved in a small group to learn more about Christ. Also, she will be returning next week so that we can bless her with a bible! Totally unexpected and totally cool. We soon left for a drug rehabilitation center to do an outreach there. We literally knew nothing of what to expect except Seth said some may be in shackles because they are very crazy, and all we knew to prepare is a few hours prior Seth asked if one of us would share a testimony. So off we went to this center that ended up looking more like a small prison than anything. Really cool though, some of the “residents” led worship and many were eager to read their bibles. When we arrived Seth asked if one of us would mind also giving a word, totally last minute, but instead of panicking or being frustrated we graciously accepted. After worship, my teammate Cheyenne gave part of her testimony and I followed her and shared truth from Ephesians 1. Truth that says in Christ, you are holy, blameless, redeemed, chosen, forgiven, and a son/daughter. I shared that it doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done- there is redemption and forgiveness in Christ, which went right along with what Cheyenne shared as well! After more worship we left to return to teach English until dinner. About 30-40 kids show up to our English class every day. Luckily we have some teachers in our group and this has gone smoothly.
What a full day! Almost nothing went as expected and we rarely even knew what to expect. But at the end of the day, we could tangibly see God working through us to transform this little village for His glory.
After months of feeling a bit too pampered on this world race, we’re talking hot showers and wifi all the time for 2 months now, we are so excited to be working in a rural area. We are fed incredible genuine cuisine and are not unsafe or uncomfortable, but it is so refreshing to get away from the big cities and all the luxuries that come along with that. The Lord has lots planned for us this month, we’re only 3 days in and we can already see it!
