As you may know, my team is working with New Hope School here in Battambang. I have to be honest with you, I was not excited to hear that I was going to be teaching English for my first and second month in Cambodia. I struggled the first week because I couldn’t see how God could work through my team with teaching English. I felt as though I wasn’t doing enough, but I quickly realized I was wrong. Our squad got back from our first debrief a week ago and let me tell ya’ I needed it! We had plenty of time to rest and relax, explore Angkor Wat, and most importantly to sit down with God and work through things we are struggling with to grow in Him.
My specific prayer for this month was to see God’s work in this little school and in the children we’ve been teaching. To change my mindset that it was about me and how “radical” my ministry looked to physical eyes. As I prayed for this during debrief, someone was praying for me. They got a word from God that was special to me and at the very end of this message it said “God wants to give you His eyes for people. Ask for them.” I didn’t understand what God was telling me at first, even though it was literally right in front of my face. Our first week back at New Hope I was filled with so much joy! All the kids running up to give us hugs because they missed us (I now understand how my parents felt after a long day at work and coming home to some well needed hugs). I immediately began to see how God is working through us and how incredibly important it is that we are here right now. I’m so glad that I am here in the present with these people. God answered my prayer and gave me “His eyes” for people to really see what He is already doing.
This woman’s name is Chanthy, she works as a full time teacher here at New Hope School. As I prayed about who I should draw this week, she immediately came to mind. So I have a message for you Chanthy:
Thank you for saying “yes” to God and following His will for your life. You are so amazing and sweet to us, always caring about our needs before your own, and putting in all your effort for the children. When I look at you, I see God’s eyes in your own. I see the perseverance and love you carry for His people. It is not easy working here with the resources you have, but you know and believe that the Lord will always provide for your needs at the school. Thank you for showing me how He works through us by teaching English. Thank you for showing me to always be thankful for His endless grace and love towards us. And thank you for that warm smile that says hope when the world says there is none..jpg&maxwidth=640)
