The month of ministry has wrapped up, and we are now debriefing in Siem Reap for about a week. This is a time to rest, be together as a squad, and get ready for the next month of ministry. I have already taken the time to sum up our ministries but not the 42-house village.
42-house village
Our last day in the village was Wednesday morning, which was full of many opportunities to love on the local people. For me personally, this meant having a chance to have my hands in many different areas. It started with our normal greetings to Som on the way in, bathing and feeding the kids, and sharing Jesus with on the older ladies. The Lord abundantly provided for a perfect last day and such a peace-leaving ministry there.
I have been asked for an update on Som, so I will start there. Everyday, when I arrived to the village, I went straight to Som’s hut, which is close to the village entrance. This day was just the same as the past, and she was waiting on us. I was greeted with a smile, handshake, and such a renewed spirit. We did not see her take up her mat and walk out of her hut, but we saw the Lord beginning to move in her heart. Through praying for healing, the Lord provided me with the realization that He exercises His power to heal only when the receiver is ready. Only through her personal belief can she be healed and walk again. It was amazing to see her heart change over our two short weeks together. The first day we were there she was a little hesitant, but the second she became very emotional. This was after we shared with her how much we love her and how much more our God loves her. Each day we went back her spirits were higher and higher, and eventually she was even laughing. We even saw a change in the villagers towards her. They began visiting her and bringing her food. I would like to thank you for your prayers and listening to her story. She will ALWAYS have a place in my heart, and I will continue praying for her healing. This healing is not only physical but also a healing of her heart and mind, to fully understand the love of Jesus.
Happy Som
My time spent with the kids on our last day was so precious and made the day that much better. It began with bathing the kids in the well, which the Lord provided. After bathing them we fed them, and I had the opportunity to serve the food this day. By serve I mean the twenty kids were up in my grill wanting to be the first one to get their food. Through this the Lord gave me such patience and kind words for the kids. Typically I would have become impatient and said words that aren’t the most helpful. Before I had the opportunity to serve everyone, bowls were being shoved in my face to give them seconds when others had yet to be fed their first serving. It was humbling to see the Lord work in me during this moment and to realize how much I have always had. Growing up, I was never hungry nor did I have to go without, and I was more than abundantly provided for. Not only did I not have to beg for food but it was always given to me at home by my parents. I thank you Lord for this chance to serve these kids and to see how much I have always had.
I took the chance to take a stroll through the village and came across a lady sitting outside, who lives across from the community leader. I went over and sat with her at the entrance of her home. She was eating and offered me her meal, which wasn’t the first time she’s done this.. After awkwardly sitting there for 10 minutes and not being able to understand each other, I called over a translator to help me. I felt the need to share Jesus and His love with her. That He was the reason we were there and through His love for us, that He sent us to the village to love on the Cambodian people. We weren’t there for our sake but to display His love for and to His children. She said she had never heard of Jesus and didn’t completely understand what I was telling her. I could see in her face that her wheels were turning, and I was the planter of this seed. In this situation, it was great to see how the Lord gave me the right and exact words to say.
As I walked out of the village at the end of the day, I had such a peace in my heart and was full of gratefulness of the time we spent there. I was able to say my goodbyes to everyone and made a point of saying goodbye to Som last. She understood this was our final day and that we would not be returning. A complete peace flooded me as I was making my way out of the village for the last time.
It was a sweet month of ministry, and the Lord abundantly provided in so many ways. My teammate, Zac, says it best: “What great things God did in months one and two?! …AND we have 9 more months of this!”
