No matter how many times Tim travels to Cambodia, it's always these images that break me as a human, a mother and someone with a huge heart. This girl speaks so many things even though not a word was spoken. Her eyes tell stories; her location gives way to her reality. She doesn't know any different; may never get the chance to see past her village walls.
And yet, what you do see is joy; contentment; family.
It is in almost everyone you meet that shares this hospitality and love.
The purpose of this trip was to support New Life Church in hosting another marriage conference with speakers, Hans & Star Molegraaf, from Marriage Revolution. Last fall Hans flew with Tim and I, fell in love with the people and was quick to say yes to another conference. Before this conference, there was a little bit of getting a lay of the land as both Star and Erik Vanderpol, employee and friend of Tim's, had never been to this side of God's creation.
{ LIGHT Church & Cambodian Care schools. }
Part of the chatter and laughter you hear in the villages (villages are a better term used for slums or the homeless areas of the land) of Cambodia come from the schools Pastor Koy Chhim has planted in the heart of despair. Pastor Koy, an LGN supported and trained pastor, went to the most broken places in Phnom Penh and began LIGHT Church Cambodia which essentially are schools by day and church on the weekend. These children would otherwise be free during the day to wonder so there is much need being met through this ministry. It is truly amazing what this husband and wife team are doing on the ground and in the most forgotten about places.
It's hard to keep things in perspective with the reality based around the world. As Tim was visiting these slums, I was home complaining about a wash machine that doesn't clean my clothes, leaves soap clusters behind and usually have to cycle through two loads to appear clean. I felt guilty later in the day when I opened the file to view these images. Yes, I've been here. I've seen this lifestyle firsthand; shared suckers and smiles with the little kids excited to see a white person. I still complain; I'm working on my perspective and heart of gratitude. Aren't we all?
There is no organized garbage system in the country. It's a simple yet complicated problem of picking up trash. Most people reuse everything; what's not used becomes a thick, rotting, smelly carpet of trash that covers any ground exposed.
Anything that can be used as shelter is occupied to shield from the hot sun and seasonal downpours. If there is road space, it's being driven on by anything that moves without any sense of direction.
In such chaos, it's truly a miracle that you find such peace.
I'm once again reminded of the process we have established stateside. I find myself humbled by the systems we have to make life easier and panicked if they were to come to a screeching halt. I dare say we all would share the same panic?
{ Pastor Koy touring Hans & Star around the villages. }
Here is a little from Tim's journal in regards to the heart of the purpose for this trip:
Yesterday started with a session solely for the pastors from the KLGN network in Cambodia. We had about 70 present and it was a great time of training, followed with some sharing and discussion amongst the pastors of areas they need support in. Hans and Star trained on how to develop a marriage ministry in their churches, and spent a lot of time talking about how changing the culture of a country, starts in the home, with a solid, Godly marriage. They also spoke into how pastors fall prey to the devil and pride, and how churches then become a casualty in the pastors mess.
The pastors are so hungry to learn, so it resulted in great conversation and dialogue amongst the group in the end. It’s also very exciting to realize that these pastors will now go back to their villages and their churches, more empowered to develop marriages and marriage ministry.
Last night we had the opening evening of the marriage conference and we showed up to a full house. Not a seat open in the room! There was safely 3x the people we had last time and it was absolutely amazing! Hans and Star shared their story, and spoke to the threats in a marriage, how to maintain an open dialogue through conflict, and spent a lot of time speaking to the types of affairs that violate a marriage (pornography, work, pride, kids, etc). They then had the group make a list of areas they feel are violating their marriages and then shared with each other what those areas were. I was in the back and got the privilege of watching wives console their husbands as there was open sharing happening, which in this culture, is pretty amazing.
{ Training the pastors & wives, group picture at the conference, projects & teaching. }
The final day of the conference was again, nothing short of amazing. The turnout was again a full house, and we were able to witness husbands and wives connecting in depth, which in this culture doesn’t happen. Hans and Star focused their sessions on understanding how couples are wired differently, on understanding God’s purpose in our marriages, and then spent time focusing on Satan’s attack on the marriage, and the family. It ended with all couples writing love letters to each other. This may seem a little odd, but watching these couples write letters to each other, reflecting on what they appreciate about each other, what drew them to each other, and how they feel God has purposed them to be together, was absolutely amazing to watch. Then as it all came to an end, they read their letters to each other, face to face. Needless to say there were tears flowing. We saw several husbands and wives holding hands in prayer together at the end as well.
As the session ended, a large group of couples were talking, and Pastor Sophea asked if anyone would be willing to share their letter with the group. Surprisingly, several were willing to share with the group. Such a strong way to build up your spouse, to publicly praise them by reading the letter in front of the group. Many were touched.
Overall, a huge success here. I will say though, the highlight for me was seeing Hans and Star again be impacted by this place. The idea that a couple can come half way across the world with the sole purpose of pouring into other couples, and then themselves be impacted and humbled by the Lord as they were here, is so amazing. Their ministry in the states will undoubtedly be impacted by this trip!
{ Boys will be boys no matter where they go. }
To best see the country and to connect as men, these four took to the bikes and dirt roads. Tim, Hans, Erik and Pastor Sophea shared dusty roads and spectacular views on an afternoon adventure. They even came across a gorgeous temple and lunch which, thankfully, they passed on being their tummies are not acclimated to the nutrition road side.
Thank you to all who contributed and supported this trip in prayer. The spiritual attacks have never been so intense as they were with this travel. We are always aware this is going to happen, but when it does, it seems to catch us off guard. A non-stop barrage of attacks in Cambodia, and in our personal homes and lives. Many commented on how heavy the attacks were which ultimately is a testament to the work Jesus is doing among the people. God is clearly working in the people of Cambodia using pastors like Koy and Sophea, to build the Kingdom and share the Good News. Don't stop praying for these pastors and those alike. If you are ever interested in traveling to Cambodia, especially in utilizing your gifts and talents, please don't hesitate to ask how you can get involved.
Pretty sure there is already talk about the spring trip...
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