It was our last ministry day in Cambodia, and we were going to meet up with the squad in the afternoon.
Our pastor told us he wanted to take us to one more church before we left, but it would “take a little time” to get there.
So off we went.
We weaved through the dusty streets of Phnom Pehn, and drove onto the ferry. The breeze helped cool us as we rode across the river. Then it was back into the car, and we were off down more dusty roads.
The island was much different than Phnom Phen. Little village houses, people riding bikes carrying children or food, tall trees lining the road, and children playing in the dirt with sticks and homemade toys. It was nice to see green and breathe fresh air instead of the dust and sweat of the city.
After driving for a bit, we parked the car and pastor led us on foot down a little pathway, past women weaving rugs in the shade under their houses on stilts.
We walked through a small field, and beyond was a large tree, casting shade from the heat of the morning. As we got closer, we saw children, waiting eagerly to meet us, and welcome us with big smiles and hugs.
It felt so surreal.
Me and my teammate joined the adults in a small, open hut beside the tree, while the rest of my team entertained the kids.
Worship was in Khmer, but we tried our best to sing along. 🙂
After church, the worship sisters walked us through their town, to their home, where we were thankful for some shade and water.
We didn’t know why we were there…
…until she showed up.
The little girl was tiny and shy. As the son of this village family gently led her closer, I could see bruises and cuts covering both of her legs. I wondered if some of them were infected.
“Her parents don’t really look out for her. She wanders around by herself a lot,” our pastor explained. “We’ve tried to explain how to take care of her, but their hearts…”
Someone brought warm water and a natural remedy to put on her legs in hopes that it would help heal the wounds. The little girl started to cry, so pastor gently picked her up and held her as he washed her legs and feet.
Since there was nothing else to use, he gently put a layer of toothpaste over her legs. I sat beside her and my heart hurt when she looked up at me.
Her eyes were so sad.
Pastor told the young man to take her home and he made him promise to find her every day and clean the wounds on her legs like the pastor had done.
He turned to us and said,
“If I come back and she is not better, I will take her to live with us.”
I watched her ride away, and I understood why we were there.
Our pastor came there for her.
He sent someone to find her.
And we weren’t leaving until he knew she was ok.
He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she was safe.
loved.
valued.
protected.
I saw the kingdom of heaven here on earth that day.
And I pray my heart never forgets.
