Halfway Point in Cambodia

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Well, it is officially our halfway point in Cambodia with ministry. On Monday, it will be already 1 month on the field. Some days it feels I have been gone for a long time, but some days feels like we just got here.

I continue to see God’s faithfulness and love in these villages in Cambodia. I have been reading in Ruth, these past two weeks. I am learning and relating to the story. At first, Naomi was bitter and angry at God. She thought God was against her. In a way, I have felt similarly here. I have been struggling adapting to the environment here (the heat especially). Also, being a part of a new team, a new family God has formed. I was bitter against God, not wanting to open up and enjoy here. Further into the book, God brings Naomi back home and provided for her with bringing Ruth. God also promised The Messiah, Jesus, who comes through her family line. The Lord is bringing me another family here and not leaving or forsaking me, just because it might be hard and uncomfortable. I pray for continual growth and trust in the Lord as His ways are higher and are for us!

This morning, I was reading Proverbs 3:3-4, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” Lord, may my heart love, obey, and trust You. I am so excited to keep seeing where, what, and how the Lord grows me in this season.

This week, my heart was heavy, but also grateful for how captivating, loving, and powerful our God is. This week I was approached and saw people in captivity, spiritually. It breaks my heart because there is so much freedom in our Savior. I just pray for freedom in the hearts of all the people we encounter. Even though there was this heaviness, I know the Lord is working here in Cambodia. Our team was teaching and acting out Bible stories; Noah and the Ark, Departing the Red Sea, and Adam and Eve in the Garden. I was filled with joy as these kids in the villages knew the stories, more than I ever knew at their age. Also, how much they loved learning more and more about Jesus. This upcoming week, we are teaching David and Goliath. I also will get the opportunity to do more teaching English!

I pray for continuous growth in these villages and desire for the Lord and relationship with our King. I also pray for my own heart to continue to be more and more sanctified. I pray for protection and safety over myself, the team, and the people here in Cambodia.

“Father I am loved, loved by you.”

In Christ,
Olivia