My team and I arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia about a week ago. We got settled into a hostel and rested for a few days. The day we were ready to head out to our ministry in Phnom Pehn we got an email informing us that the ministry we were scheduled to serve with fell through.
Well shoot. Plan B?
This doesn’t happen often on the race but it does happen. The World Race office back in The States did their best to find us another ministry to work with but things just didn’t come together. This led us to what World Race culture refers to “Ask The Lord” ministry.
What is “Ask The Lord” ministry exactly? Glad you asked.
We wake up each and every morning and ask the Lord what it is He would have us do today. Where do we go? Who do we talk to? What do we say? We ask for guidance from the Spirit and follow His lead.
To be honest, this isn’t my ideal form of ministry. I like structure, I like organization, I like knowing what my day will look like before walking into it. (Control much? Ya, I know… I’ve still got ish to work through)
I knew “Ask The Lord” was a possibility coming on the race but I figured with 2 months left to the race ending that I was in the clear!
Well I was wrong.
Plan B? To me maybe… but not to God. He wasn’t surprised. I think He knew this month was exactly what my team and I needed.
Tonight we went out to the street market to see how God would move when we were simply listening to His voice and following His prompting.
The street market is a big tourist area. There are a bunch of bars, restaurants and little shops with a plethora of unnecessary Cambodia memorabilia. The streets of this area are filled with prostitutes and many foreign men perusing through them looking for a good time. Kids are running around offering hour massages for $2.
“LADY! LADY! You want massage?!” “Good deal for you, $2”
“uh, no thanks kid.”
… and then he’s off to ask the next potential customer.
We walked through the streets for about two hours. We had good conversations with a few locals, bought some bread for a hungry teen and smiled at just about anyone who would look our way. Nothing too crazy to report. No supernatural healings, no one coming to Jesus. However, walking back into our hostel for the night I felt such a peace in my spirit that we spoke with exactly who we were supposed to. We walked through crowds of people tonight and we kept our focus on the few that God placed on our hearts to reach out to.
That simple touch. That sincere smile. That encouraging word.
That’s life. Well, that’s life for those who follow Jesus.
Why was I such a hater on “Ask The Lord?” Isn’t that what my day to day is to look like? On and especially OFF the race?
I think I’m definitely going to be stretched even more out of my comfort zone this month, but I’m all in. If I can leave Cambodia with a peace knowing I did exactly what the Lord told me to do than what else can I ask for?
Hearing the voice of God and following His lead is a discipline I want to grow in and keep with me always, so go ahead Lord, lead away… I’m listening.
Jolene
