Astounding title, I know. The question has come up from time to time & I realized I never wrote about my answer. I will write about my answer & add something from our ministry time here in Cambodia.
So, why did I want to go on the World Race?
I wanted to LIVE. Plan & simple–LIVE. Before the Race, the immaterial aspects of my life were drawing me to the Cross whereas the material things in my life were keeping from it.
I am on month 4 of the Race & things are looking great. I am LIVING. To say rather bluntly, I think God is using me in His ways to make a difference in this sad, money-hungry, proud, idolatrous world. You are now probably thinking to yourself, “Harsh words, Kira. You should not be so judging.” But you should know, my heart can be filled with all that ugly stuff too. I have hated this world, & have even gone as far as hating people. I admit my heart has enjoyed boasting in myself. I have placed money & things before God & people–even my own family & friends. But, I do not want to live that way anymore. That is why I am here.
Going on the World Race is not a remedy in itself to teach you how to live the “Good Christian Life”. It is what God asked me to do, to show me more of Himself; More of myself; To show me what I have been missing. & I was missing The Joyful Life. God has been doing some amazing things in my 4 months abroad. Seeing people come to know God, helping children have a safe place to learn, commissioning off nationals to share the Good News in other countries are just a few of the amazing things I have been able to see & be apart of. 7 more months to go!
The month of October has been mad busy. Since leaving Vietnam, having debrief, briefing of our new country, & settling into our new place of ministry, has taken up most of our time. A huge part of ministry for the month is going to an HIV/AIDS Children’s Hospital/Orphanage called, Happy Tree.
On our 1st day, we taught them songs & games–the teacher you see below helped with translating. He told us he comes everyday to teach them & make them happy. The little ones sometimes even call him Dad!
He also shared how many of the kids do not know they have a sickness which has no cure. The older kids know what they have, what the hospital is there for…& what will happen to them. He said, “They have no hope.”
A lot of the kids have been dropped off, sometimes left on the steps, by there own parents who do not want a HIV infected child. They were infected & then passed it on to there kids.
Much of our time here will be teaching the kids that they can have hope. We are starting a VBS program for them next week & the week after. Including loving on them & teaching them, we also want to provide fun craft activities to go along with the teaching & a healthy snack to boast there immune systems. They certainly do not all get the best medicine or enough nutrients.
Pray for them & us as we pour into these precious little children who have no family! Thanks so much. =)
