Children are being raped in Cambodia, I imagine, every day. This article states that 43% of all reported rape cases involve children under the age of 18. The number is imagined to be much higher as this number only represents those cases that are reported.
I see this, and I read this, and it is easy to get discouraged. I see the statics . . . only they are not numbers- they are faces filled with emotions. They are hearts with dreams on the verge of being snuffed out. They are souls. They have names. They are the children of Cambodia.
But each morning I wake up. I put my feet on the tile floor. I rub my eyes and after I have gathered myself I walk up the stairs and I see this.
One of God’s precious ones; one of his kids. Eyes closed, head bowed, listening to Papa’s voice. Eyes a glow, excited to tell what mysteries He has imparted to her heart. Quick to release His praise from her lips. Diligent to listen and learn from His word. Desperate to know Him. Hungry to draw near to Him because He is the one who gives her a resounding YES in response to all of her questions: Am I beautiful? Am I worth something? Do you love even me?
I see the ashes, but praise the Lord I get to see the beauty too. I see mourning, but praise the Lord I witness him trading it for the oil of gladness. I see those who once had a languid spirit, but praise the Lord, I have the privilege of watching him adorn his children with the garment of praise.
I see the pain; I read the statistics and the newspaper, and it is easy to get discouraged, but we must not fall into despair for we are not without Hope. I praise the Lord that he has positioned me to witness the restoration power of our Lord Jesus Christ in the lives of children every single day.
Pray for the children of Cambodia; pray for wholeness and healing for those who have experienced rape. Pray that the Spirit of the Lord would draw near to the children of Cambodia. I believe the Kingdom of Heaven is going to be brought down into Cambodia through the children. They are going to be the ones to usher in His Kingdom here. Pray for a great awakening and spiritual understanding in the hearts of the children.
