Beautiful
The ministry in Cambodia seemed to satisfy my love of two worlds. Children; just loving and teaching them and the other disciplining women.
For the past 6 years I have been in ministry with woman of all ages; leading, teaching, disciplining them in small groups and being a mentor to the leaders. I always felt called to do this but in the back of my mind really wondered if it was something I was still called in and really had the passion to do. Over the past months I was away from any leading and disciplining. At the end of my beginning months I am and have been feeling purposeless. The countries and people have been amazing but I haven’t been utilizing the gifts I know that I flourish in. So this has been pretty difficult for me to adjust to.
The church we were working along side of had a big group of youth that participated in English classes or the Youth group. Before we even started, the previous team told us of the opportunity to mentor some of the girls before the English class at night. This began to stir in me a renewed vision that seemed to be lost.
As the weeks wore on, I had been able to talk and hang with a group of amazing young ladies. Through the English classes, youth group and church, beautiful friendships had begun to form.
I found myself disciplining two young gals before English time. Their English being quite proficient we went through the scriptures reading aloud, explaining and answering any questions they may have had. It was so refreshing and such a great reminder of the passion of their newer faith. I loved explaining about why Christ’s death was for our salvation and the symbolism of His blood, and whether Angels are still used to appear before us with words from the Lord, as in the Old Testament. So many questions and digging in the Gospels preceded our hour of time together. This was where I belonged.
Laughter, giggling, hugging and goofing around soon became a regular routine with us and the girls. I found myself wanting to hang with them after English time and Youth group. We talked about life, the day, and how we were all doing. They commented on my appearance and I on theirs. Petra had such cute clothes which led to having a great shopping day with her and Ronny. We all bought sunglasses, and bartered for a great deal together. These moments were highlights of my day.
Even more than all of the surfacy stuff, I really began to know the lives behind these beautiful faces. This was such a privilege for me. These girls whom young lives seemed so innocent and protected have amazing stories behind them.
It was not at all uncommon for many of the girls to come from homes where there families don’t even know that they are Christians. The English classes are a huge ministry opportunity and many of these gals found the truth of Christ just talking with the teachers and Sally, the pastor’s wife.
The thing that blows my mind is the danger and persecution that they are facing, even at such a young age. Many of these sweet faces have been beaten when found out about turning away from Buddhism, or they are forced to keep their relationship with God a secret or they will be kicked out. So the precious time they have with other believers at “English” class is cherished. I counted it a privilege when I was able to talk with them and lead them through scripture. This was a time that could be jeopardizing for them, but the love, passion, and hunger in knowing Christ surpassed all of that.
What was even more amazing was the joy, contentment and peace that radiated them. Here are these young lives that are having to battle and figure out how at the age of 16 they are going to be able to get a good education, and then get a good job so that they can be financially free from their families. Financial freedom meaning independence that leads to living a life of their choice. Their choice is to live a life that is worshipping the true God. Where are the worries, the fear, and battle scars of living a bound life? Even among the chaos they have chosen to live a fulfilled life by adhering to His truth of “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.” They have truly found life and that is what radiates in them and makes them beautiful.
” If you want to be my Follower you must love me more
than your own father and mother
wife and children ,brothers and sisters-
yes,more than your own life. 
Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” Luke14:26
