Looking up into a clear blue sky. Took a deep breath. I am back in Perth. I can't detach myself from the impact of the short mission trip in Cambodia. Guess I have to find a time (like now) to sit down and let everything sink in.
Cambodia, a war-torn nation. Not because of invasions, but more because of civil wars. How ugly human nature is? Our nature that is tainted by sin, fueled by greed. About 1.7 million people were killed during the Khmer Rouge, and was just surprised that UN recognised them as the official government once.
Imprisoned. Firstly the urban rich and educated, then even the peasants - for no apparent logic. Looking out behind the barbed wire fence towards the hazy sky and fiery red sunset. How long till you will be free? The day of your death. Nail pulled. Drowned in filth. Whipped. Drenched in cold water. Hungry.
Now Cambodia has grown much from its war-torn past; technically the wars ended 1998. 1998, the year I was 10 years old. Not long ago at all. The people held on to traditional Buddhism, and materialism. One tries to release the pain through doing good, another tries to deal with it themselves because there is no one they can trust to help them. The poor remained poor. Like the Vietnamese refugees in Tonle Sap Lake. I still can't forget the image of them rushing and crowding around our boat to ask for rice.
In my heart, I was thinking - little sis, little bro, aunty, uncle, there is only so much rice I have. Sorry I don't have enough for everyone. Standing on the roof the boat passing the rice down, knowing the rice is running low while seeing from afar a couple of old women are still rowing their boat towards us, I couldn't help but pray for a miracle. I can't feed all. I pray that God do. I pray that they hear God's love for them - one that don't just give them rice, but one that gives them a reason to live on, a reason to have joy.
Just like this tree in the Killing Fields that grows out of a dead tree trunk, I pray one day the Khmer people of Cambodia will have life of faith that is like mustard seed, which will mature into a big tree. I see the seed forming, in the schools where life is shared and hope is preached; I see the seeds in the eyes of the teachers who know who they are and why they are alive; I see the seeds, in the heart of our translator, who God used mightily for the local ministry there.
As for me. I know my life is so blessed. My only inconvenience is a changed bus route so I have to walk slightly further. What is there not to give thanks for? Even the water I drink - clean and safe, air I breathe - dust-free, I shall give thanks. And from our translator's testimony, I am really affirmed that God takes care of everything else when we seek His kingdom and righteousness first. You have our support and prayers, continue to be strong and let God lead you.
