In October started reading Daniel and learning about living a resolute life. There is so much in that small book about 4 Jewish men who stood up under intense persecution and refused to be cowed by power. Their testimonies changed the heart of a king and a nation.
This moth I heard a testimony that changed my heart. Before I get ahead of myself let me explain how I came to hear this story. This month my team has been working at International Bible College and Seminary in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. All of the students must participate in village ministry every week. They will lead children’s activities, minister to believers, build a relationship with the community, and share the gospel. My team was divided amongst four of the village teams.
My teammate Heather and I were paired with 3 students who work in this village. They run a small but successful children’s ministry twice a week here. We usually had 15 kids from 3-13. We spent time singing songs (Well, we did the motions since all the songs were in Khmer.), telling Bible stories, handing out snacks, playing games, celebrating birthdays, reciting Bible verses, and laughing a lot.
That was a fun but simple part of my day. The crazy thing happens after the children all leave. We sit down to encourage the believer in the village.
You read that correctly: THE believer. Ther is only ONE believer in the whole village.
Her name is Heak. She provides a place for the children to gather. She lights up with joy every time the van pulls up, encourages her grandchildren to participate in the program, and soaks up every minute of church after the kids leave.
This is us gathered around the table for church. I took this photo without asking because I didn’t want to disturb church so there are no faces. I also wanted to show you what building together living stones can look like. From the left is my teammate, Heak, and one of the ITCS students.
I heard her story in parts over the three weeks we visited. Heak is a widow. Her family lost their farming plot in the past so they must buy all their food. Her son and daughter and their growing families all live with her. Her son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and son-in-law all work factory jobs to help support the family. Her daughter and daughter-in-law are both mothers of newborns so they cannot work currently. She has 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. Many days they struggle to have enough.
5 years ago she heard the story of Jesus. She heard of His love, compassion, grace, and peace. She wanted all of those things so she chose to follow Him. No one else made that choice with her.
For 5 years she has been the only believer in her village. Sometimes she is ridiculed by her family, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes the village chief makes things hard for her. Sometimes she suffers health problems she can’t afford to address. Every day she holds to the hope she has in Christ.
She prays earnestly for the salvation of her family and village. She listens intently when the students share the Word with her. She worships with a pure heart. She walks in such joy and service. She is resolute in her faith.
This month the book of Daniel came to life for me. Getting to know Heak showed me how to live a resolute life. She was an example of sold-out faith and hope. I don’t know how else to say this: I want to be her when I grow up.
As my team leaves in a few days join me in praying for Heak and the others like her who are solitary resolute witnesses for the gospel.
Love you! See you soon!
