 |
| With some of the boys at the orphanage |
I'll be sharing my testimony about Cambodia today at my church. I also want to share it on my blog - I hope that you'll get a glimpse of God's work in Cambodia!
This summer, I had the great privilege of participating in God’s mission to Cambodia for two weeks in August. It was my first time going to Cambodia, as my only mission trip experience was in Mexico.
Although there was excitement and joy to go on this mission trip, in the back of my mind, I thought that nothing could beat my love for Mexico. What God showed me in my first mission trip was so great, I didn’t think I could see much more than what He showed me in my two trips to Mexico. Because of this mindset, it was hard for me to initially open up to the children in Cambodia. We started the trip with VBS for 2 nights and 3 days at a retreat centre away from the orphanage. For the duration of VBS, I kept comparing them with the children in Mexico. I felt a bit disconnected and I unknowingly put a barrier between the children and myself. My heart wasn’t fully open to Cambodia and I wasn’t sure what to do about it, so I prayed to God and told Him that I want to give the children my very best.
It was only at the end of the first week that our team went to the orphanage. As soon as I arrived at the orphanage, God answered my prayer and opened up my heart. I really can’t understand what it could’ve been, other than the work of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, there was so much joy and peace in my heart that I had not experienced at the retreat centre. From that moment on, I completely surrendered to God and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me. God also empowered me physically, so that I could spend as much time as possible with the children and He restored my strength them. In Toronto, I easily get tired from just being with ten kids for less than an hour during Sunday school. So the energy I experienced in Cambodia was definitely given by God.
Despite the horrific history of Khmer Rouge, it was evident that God is present and there is hope for Cambodia, which God loves so much. As I spent my time with the children at the orphanage, talked to local Christians, and met with different missionaries, God showed me more and more of His love for Cambodia. Many of the children at the orphanage are Christians and I was able to see the depth of their faith. For example, there was a boy whose mother had passed away, but she didn’t know Jesus. Even at the young age of 10, he was gripped with great sadness because he believed his mother had passed away without knowing Christ. I believe this is an indication of the great faith that many of these young children have.
 |
| One of my favourite moments - watching the children having fun with arts and crafts |
I think I always go on missions wanting to bless the people I meet. Amazingly, I always come back receiving more blessing than what I could give. I’m really thankful that God called me to partake in His mission. Through Cambodia, I was once again reminded that God is in total control of not only my life, but also the future of Cambodia. Although I am weak and sinful, I’m thankful that God used me and “equipped me with everything good for doing His will.” I give thanks to God for opening up my eyes and heart to see beyond Mexico and giving me a bigger heart for the children in poverty. I don’t want God’s work to be finished now that the mission trip is over. Instead, I want to continue to pursue His heart for the poor, here at home in Toronto.
I want to share a passage that personifies my experience in Cambodia.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations,
for
ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
No comments:
Post a Comment