We continue to lead groups at nighttime at HEC. Due to some people missing, there wasn’t enough people to have multiple groups. On Thursday and Friday, I joined the discipleship and got to listen and learn from Spano. He is an amazing teacher! We had a day off on Saturday. Each Sunday, some of the students go to surrounding provinces where they teach English, lead children’s programs, and speak at cell groups. Today, we went with Dada and Sam to the Tacao province.
Rice fields. This is a real picture! (Annie took it)
We left this morning at 7am, which is early for us. Sleeping in is one of the great benefits of having a nighttime ministry! It was nice to be awake before most of the heat, sun, and to see the city bustling in the morning. We arrived very punctually at 7:30am at HEC. We went straight from the tuk tuk to a van. The six of us, five Cambodians, and the driver were off. We were told it was going to be about a 45 km drive. We were soon fast asleep, well, until we hit the infamous bumpy roads found in ALL third world countries. I was quickly awake, but enjoyed listening to my ipod and watching the rice fields pass by and the close calls with other vehicles and motos. We arrived at our destination, were welcomed again by the intense Cambodian heat and humidity and were led to the pastor’s house. It was funny because we have done a lot of rural ministry in Mexico, Mozambique, and Swaziland yet this felt so foreign. I felt like I had to remind myself how to relate to people. We greeted the family on arrival, were offered seats, and watched as the awkward stares, miscommunication, and nervous giggles began.
We visited the only Christian family in the village. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be this family. They live in a very predominantly Buddhist culture, are made fun of by their neighbors for their faith, and yet they still seek the Lord faithfully. They are hungry for the Word, for community, and for encouragement. They thanked us many times and told us it meant a lot that we came. It was soon time for cell group. One of our translators, Sam, asked us to introduce ourselves one-by-one. So, the six of introduced ourselves then they wanted to hear a short testimony from each of us. We went down the line again, sharing a little about what God is doing in our lives. Then, they (10 people) gave their testimonies as well. They asked for a word of encouragement from us. We looked around wondering who was going to speak. Annie quickly stepped up and offered some encouragement from Philippians 2. Then, Dada went down the line and asked us all for words of encouragement. I shared from Psalms 37, one of my new favorite sections that has been very encouraging on the race.
The Gang
After cell group, we took a short walking tour around the village. We prayed for a woman who was having stomach problems. Speaking of stomach problems, it was then time for lunch. Earlier, Annie and I watched a woman crush up crabs, shell and all, and a man slicing fish. I have come a long way in my seafood eating, but quickly remembered the feeling of not really knowing what you were eating. Much to my surprise, the food was wonderful! The crab was one of my most favorite things. Don’t judge a book by its cover, right?
Lunch time
After lunch, we drove down the road where a group of children gather each Sunday. Spano, Annie, and I went with the little children, about 30 in total. We helped the children reenact the story of David and Goliath while encouraging them that God has a big plan for them. We pulled out the good ‘ol songs that we did daily in Swaziland such as “atootytat,” “I wanna be a monkey,” and “head and shoulders.” I was happy to see that my disgust for those songs just two months ago has been redeemed. I had fun trying to sing them with the children. We handed out notebooks and pens and even received brightly colored, handmade, friendship bracelets in return.
I was very thankful for today. Although it felt somewhat weird to re-enter rural life, it was a blessing! It was a nice peaceful break from the chaotic, busyness of Phnom Penh. It was neat to share with other believers and see how God was working in their lives. I felt challenged and encouraged by the faith of this family! Please pray for the pastor and his family as they are alone and desparately want to see their friends, family, and neighbors come to know the Lord.
Aren’t they precious?
