I met her at the New Life in Christ Church after helping teach a class we were called to work for in the city of Phnom-Phen. This was the 2nd class I was helping in & even though it was my 1st time in this particular class, I was asked to explain The Easter Story–Yes, the Easter story. This is when Naomi came into the classroom late. She smiled & told Luke, the teacher, why she was late. “I just came from a job interview.” she said out of breath, but with a large smile on her face. I assumed she got the job.
We talked after class & immediately I knew I had a new friend! Naomi shared with me she had become a Christian 2 years prior & she wanted to learn more about the bible. She especially wanted to study it in English since she had already read thru the entire bible in Khmer. Naomi was a hard worker & could speak English fluently. Her weak area however, was in grammar. Naomi could not read or understand English as well as she could speak it. Our 1st day together was Mon., Oct. 13. Naomi & her sister Roni planned to take us across the river to an authentic Cambodian restaurant out on the dock! These 45 minutes on the back of a Moto was well worth the trip to this place! Krystle, my fellow squad-mate, & I spent the day with them & it was wonderful! Naomi shared her heart & past as she cried. This took us both by surprise, since we knew many Asians do not usually show a lot of emotion, especially when you are just starting to get to know them! Roni also shared a little bit, but was much quieter than Naomi. She could read & write English well, but was not so confident in conversing in English. Naomi & Roni were complete opposites! We asked Roni some questions & by the time our food arrived, we learned she was not a Christian. She said she was open to God, but she just was not sure yet. Immediately, we told her we were so glad we met her & her sister. We also told her we loved her & just wanted to spend as much time as we could with the both of them.
Meeting these 2 special ladies was a huge answer to prayer! You see, before I met Naomi I had talked with my team (& the other team w/us for the month) about how I felt God wanted me to pour into young adults while here in Cambodia. This I knew would pull me away from the orphanage, but God wanted me to serve the church in this way, so I was glad it worked out that I could. I knew even if I just found 1 girl to befriend & share life with, this World Race trip was well worth it. Within a day, God had sent just the right girl to me named, Naomi! 
Not only that, but Krystle had shared with me that same desire that I had for ministry! The gifts & passions I have for discipleship & teaching were answered! I would get to grow in those passions & giftings & I was stoked! It gets better-b/c of Naomi & Roni’s schedule, both were free to meet with us every day! I met with Naomi while Krystle met with Roni. We studied some lessons, but mainly studied the book of John. Every time we met, we would read a chapter together & then talk about what God was teaching us. We would pray, talk about life & culture for hours! I would also get to see them again later that evening for class (Naomi was in my class).
Not only that, but Krystle had shared with me that same desire that I had for ministry! The gifts & passions I have for discipleship & teaching were answered! I would get to grow in those passions & giftings & I was stoked! It gets better-b/c of Naomi & Roni’s schedule, both were free to meet with us every day! I met with Naomi while Krystle met with Roni. We studied some lessons, but mainly studied the book of John. Every time we met, we would read a chapter together & then talk about what God was teaching us. We would pray, talk about life & culture for hours! I would also get to see them again later that evening for class (Naomi was in my class).
The church we were staying at also had a school. During the evenings, I was asked to teach English. This was lots of fun! I had a class of about 15 students & they were patient with me as I tried my best to teach them how to speak, write, & comprehend English. I learned many skills & now am very grateful for that experience.
Roni’s Story: Krystle had talked with her about what she believed & what her thoughts were about what would happen to her after she died. I know Roni had questions about Christianity & Krystle did as best she could to answer them. It’s a long story (you can see Krystle’s blog The God of Pursuit http://krystlelongmire.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-god-of-pursuit ), 
but the short version is Roni made the decision just after a few days! The night the church had a youth service, she & her sister came along. After Krystle & I shared our testimonies, our team put on a Drime (drama to music without words). Something happened that night & after the event, Roni decided she wanted to become a Christian! She was ready to believe, trust, & live for Christ! This was a HUGE answer to prayer! Praise God!
but the short version is Roni made the decision just after a few days! The night the church had a youth service, she & her sister came along. After Krystle & I shared our testimonies, our team put on a Drime (drama to music without words). Something happened that night & after the event, Roni decided she wanted to become a Christian! She was ready to believe, trust, & live for Christ! This was a HUGE answer to prayer! Praise God! 
The 4 of us spent the next 2 weeks together! One day, Krystle could not make it & so I was blessed with the chance to meet with both Roni & Naomi for discipleship time. During our time of prayer, I asked, “What do you need prayer for?” Roni said, “I pray the whole world would know about Jesus & follow Him!” While crying, I agreed!
1st Times: I was also able to celebrate my 24th Birthday with them! They each gave me a little gift bag full of goodies! 
I received earrings, 2 bottles of nail polish (one I am wearing now, its electric blue), & key chains. On our last full day together, they joined us to go be a part of a Revival going on in the Slums. (See this blog for more) I underestimated the huge ways God would use them during this out-reach! I thought they would be shy & uncomfortable, at least in the beginning, but I was wrong! They jumped right in when we arrived & started talking to anyone & everyone! Naomi was able to share her testimony for the 1st time in her life! I was able to see Roni worship the Lord in music for the 1st time EVER! Both girls were needed to help translate Khmer into English & for the 1st time, I saw Roni share the gospel! Roni shared to w/a young girl about what Christ did & asked her if she wanted to believe. She was not ready. Roni so loved to her & just prayed for her.
I received earrings, 2 bottles of nail polish (one I am wearing now, its electric blue), & key chains. On our last full day together, they joined us to go be a part of a Revival going on in the Slums. (See this blog for more) I underestimated the huge ways God would use them during this out-reach! I thought they would be shy & uncomfortable, at least in the beginning, but I was wrong! They jumped right in when we arrived & started talking to anyone & everyone! Naomi was able to share her testimony for the 1st time in her life! I was able to see Roni worship the Lord in music for the 1st time EVER! Both girls were needed to help translate Khmer into English & for the 1st time, I saw Roni share the gospel! Roni shared to w/a young girl about what Christ did & asked her if she wanted to believe. She was not ready. Roni so loved to her & just prayed for her. 
As for Naomi, she had been thru a lot & her story is still being worked out. Even though she looks like she is in her early 20’s, she is actually 37 years old! Asians are blessed with youthfulness & magnificent beauty I have come to realize! So, Naomi has a husband & son who no longer live in Cambodia. She has not seen her son in 2 years & he is now about 5 years old. Her story is filled with brokenness, more than I can write…not because I am not at liberty, (she gave me permission to write about her & what happened) but I just do not want to tell more than what is truly necessary. I will say, God’s redemptive hand is still needed! I remember 1 thing Naomi clearly said to me, she said “I’m tired of fighting with God. I just want to do what He asks me & follow Jesus.” She does not know what to do anymore & her heart is so broken. She cries every day. Early on she & I talked about this & how to sift thru this. I felt the Lord wanted me to share the truth about how her heart was not alone, but was in Gods heart. If anyone was ever to try to get to it, they would have to seek Gods heart first. So, on my birthday I found the perfect gift to give her! It was the keychain you see below! I also bought one for myself which is hanging off my book bag. Every time I look at it, I am reminded to pray for her & thank God for how He crossed our paths in Cambodia.
It was hard to leave when the day came. 
We left early in the morning on the Fri. the 24. Both Naomi & Roni made sure to meet us & say goodbye! We hugged, welled up with tears, & exchanged many hugs & gifts. I want you to know how thankful I am for this story. God is still doing a mighty thing in both of them as they are continuing to be disciple by a longer term missionary couple at the Church. Thank you also for financially & prayerfully helping people to know & experience the LOVE of CHRIST abroad.
We left early in the morning on the Fri. the 24. Both Naomi & Roni made sure to meet us & say goodbye! We hugged, welled up with tears, & exchanged many hugs & gifts. I want you to know how thankful I am for this story. God is still doing a mighty thing in both of them as they are continuing to be disciple by a longer term missionary couple at the Church. Thank you also for financially & prayerfully helping people to know & experience the LOVE of CHRIST abroad.
THE END.
