This month we have been teaching English and trying to pour out the love of Jesus into some adorable little Cambodian children. While I could think of nothing greater than having their little arms wrapped around my neck, sometimes doubt creeps in and I begin to wonder if what I’m doing will actually make a difference. We can teach all these sweet babies bible verses in English, we can sing songs, and have birthday parties, but can we really leave a lasting impact?
Let me introduce you to our host family this month. We are staying with Umong, Nary, and their beautiful new baby. They have devoted their lives to ministry through teaching English through the week, doing bible studies on the weekend, and opening their home to teams that will help them and hopefully desire to come back with a heart for Cambodia. But out of all the different types of ministry, why choose teaching English? First, everyone in Cambodia wants to learn English. So it’s a great way to bring people in. Second, 80% of the population of Cambodia are under the age of 30. So reaching the children for Jesus is changing the country. And last, Umong came to know Christ through a similar program that taught his older brother English.
Umong’s older brother heard about Jesus through and English teaching program just like the one we are doing this month. He came home and taught his brothers (four brothers all together) and they all accepted Jesus as well. Then his parents saw the change in their kids and also accepted Christ! Now, the same brother that brought Jesus home from and English class has started a church and is pastoring it. All of that happened through an English class.
In Cambodia a lot of people have been taught that Christians are really bad, so it’s not easy to just evangelize. In fact, door to door evangelism was banned because the people were getting bombarded with various religious evangelists. They have been taught that Christians hate their parents because of the verse in Matthew 10:37. They believe they actually eat people’s flesh and drink blood because of communion. So, if you go up to someone and say, “Let me tell you about Jesus,” they’re going to politely say, “Oh! I have to go!” But if you can show them love through your time and actions. Then they can see the difference in you and want that same joy.
So whenever I doubt what were doing, I just remember that their whole family was changed through an English class. A child’s whole life can be changed just because that one person came to their village and played a game with them. And they can make a huge difference in their community. One child. I’m praying for just one this month. One that will grow into a great leader and will take Cambodia by storm for Jesus.
