Well, we've been back for 4 days now and finally starting to get over the jet lag. I've had some time to process the trip and I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.
Overall, I can't begin to express my love for the Cambodian people. Everyone we met was so kind and generous, even though they had little. Throughout the week, as we introduced to a new village, we told them how wonderful it was to see their smiles, and it is so true! They just smile more than Americans do. There's a song that the orphans sing (you might know it) which goes, "I've got a joy joy joy joy down in my heart..." and it applies to all of the new believers we met. I felt it too; while there I experienced a joy unlike any I had ever had before. Doing God's work is satisfying to the soul.
The unbelievers did not smile in the same way. You could tell how much pain they were dealing with. The scars from the genocide are still deeply embedded in the culture. The Buddhism and ancestral worship that they practice brings no hope for a better future, and consequently no joy. They're just hoping that their sacrifices to their ancestors will bring them good luck. It's quite sad. Cambodia desperately needs Jesus.
As far as the Christians in Cambodia, they are really living out the book of Acts. They are living like the earliest Christians did. They pray together, they share their possessions, they share their struggles (they were always prepared to tell their personal story about how Jesus has changed their life), they face opposition from peers and their own families, they even love their enemies in a way unimaginable here in the states. A group of thugs from a neighboring village came and stole a motorbike at gunpoint, but the victims decided to go share the Gospel with them! Wow! That really moved me (and the rest of the team too). I hadn't thought that the stories in Acts are still happening today until I met these people. I can't wait to be a part of it again!
Let me say something about Henry and Neri too. Henry and Neri lead the orphanage. They have the most amazing faith that I have ever seen. In order to start the orphanage, Henry cashed out his entire 401k from his job as a mechanic for American Airlines and put all the money into Cambodia. They trusted in God to do big things and He has delivered! But they are still trusting in Him to do more! While we were there, they were constructing another building at Home of Grace to serve as a covered meeting place for big events. Neri told us she expected it to cost $50,000. She does not have enough money to finish the building, but started it anyway, trusting God to provide the funds by the time she needs them. This is how the entire complex was built. Neri has big dreams for the orphanage as well. The children need a dining room. Right now they eat all of their meals on the floor of the kitchen. Neri also wants to build another dormitory to increase capacity to 200 children. I have no doubt that all of these dreams will come true in the not-too-distant future.
Finally, I can't make a final post without talking about the kids! I've already told you how amazing they are and how they've touched my heart (see here). Now let me tell you a little bit about their future. The orphans are not up for adoption. Any child who gets taken in to Home of Grace will remain there until they are 18. They will receive a top-notch education, good housing, meals, medical care, and many more benefits in a loving, Christian setting. Once they become adults, they will be encouraged to become leaders and go back into their community to make a real difference in Cambodia. The hope is that some may become politicians, making an impact on the whole country; that some may become ministers or preachers, making a spiritual impact in the local community; and that the rest may make an impact in other ways. If you would like to be a part of this amazing mission, you can sponsor one or more children (there are currently about 17 unsponsored children). Please contact one of us if you would like more details.
Once again, thank you to everyone for all of your support. Without family and friends like you supporting us and praying for us, we never would have been able to take this trip and make such a profound impact. We love you with all of our hearts.
God Bless,
Dan
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