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Blog from a Cambodia Mission Team:
http://www.stmcambodia.blogspot.com/
"Mission trip was meaningful when a weary soul gets refreshed and a placid heart gets motivated once more. It was truly a retreat for the mind and the soul. It was my second time joining the mission team to Cambodia Crossroads. Perhaps I should say it was my second time to be served by the brothers and sisters at Crossroads. I saw the humble hearts when Crossroads students brought us breakfast every morning. I saw submission and sincere faith when Crossroad students shared their testimonies in front of the unfamiliar faces in Mekong University. I learned from a missionary to dream big for God in His divine ministry. I also learned from a missionary¡¦s wife that putting God at the top of the priority list in the context of marriage and family, as well as over her own convenience and pleasure. Our team built up a very close connection among ourselves before and during the mission trip. Our motto was "expect the unexpected". We held on to the belief that we were all made for relationships by conducting bible study on 40 days of love. In the outreach program in Mekong University, we practiced our knowledge on relationship. We developed friendship and trust with students in Mekong University, unexpectedly. In God's grace, I stepped out of my comfort zone, unexpectedly, through instinctive sharing and relationship building with Khmer students and friends. I pray that God will use each of us abundantly to accomplish His divine work. Make a step forward for Jesus and He will make a difference in your life."
- Leanne Chan | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"Once I got to Crossroads I met some very nice Cambodians. They treated me like they knew me. So when I went to this place called Night Market a girl from crossroad held my hand so I won¡¦t be lost. Almost every night we would worship the Lord and play games for them to enjoy. I love how they laugh and play. We had a theme every night for some people who had a time to share their story to everyone. Some Cambodians even translated the story for others to hear. Everyday we had three meals, all the meal taste so good even soup comes with it. I feel so happy when I see people smiling and laughing. They make a mission trip feel like a vacation. They make me think that these people who suffer from a poor country are always happy. But Pastor David told me that they were not usually that happy. It made me think that we made them smile and laugh. This is the story of my time in Cambodia."
- Christy Yu | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"My experience in Cambodia drastically changed my perspectives on many things in my life. Initially, my mindset was to go there to help others, and see how Jesus could use me to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate and I, but being the amazing Father that he is, and a humorous one as well, I ended up receiving much more than I was ever capable to give.
I remember vividly as I picked up the form, in the fellowship center, ready to embark on a new journey to a foreign country I¡¦d never been before. I didn¡¦t know exactly why I wanted to go, but I knew as long as I had a heart to serve the Lord, he would use me in whatever way. However, during the planning stages before our missions trip, the enemy was constantly trying to make me fall, trying to distract me with doubts and difficulties to prevent me from really having a heart of a servant. One of the major difficulties I struggled with during planning process was that my parents decided to go on the mission trip as well. For me, I saw Cambodia mission trip as a new way for me to claim independence, to have my parents trust me as a newly turned 17 year old to be responsible and reliable, however only later did I realize why God put us all together in one place. As I prepared to go to Cambodia, I was still very uneasy about being viewed as a ¡§child¡¨ now that my parents, and other families and their kids were going. However, I prayed to God constantly to humble my heart, to stop being so self-centered, and to let His glory just shower over me so that in my life, ¡§He must become greater; I must become less¡¨- John 3:30.
As I reflect on what actually occurred while I was in Cambodia, a million thoughts come to my mind. If I were to truly explicate all that I experienced and what it meant to me, it would definitely take ages to tell. However, perhaps the two most important things I learnt in this trip were humility and love. First, God humbled me by showing how prideful I was in my own capabilities and talents. Often, I pride myself in having talent in music and being a leader in many Christian ministries back home, yet God showed me that it is only by His grace and mercy that I am blessed to serve Him with my music and ministries, and that He is really the source of my strength in all that I do. I think for Christians especially, it¡¦s very easy to get caught up on what YOU can do, and forget that it is really GOD that is working through you, but He showed me through the Crossroad brothers and sisters, and also Pastor David, that ¡§God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble¡¨- James 4:6. Secondly, God taught me true love. The brothers and sisters in Cambodia really showed me what sacrificial love was, and in my opinion they truly embodied the concept of ¡§living by the Word¡¨. Even though they were consumed with college, work, and planning for a mission trips themselves, whenever we needed help or aid, they would willingly serve us, without complaint or frustration but purely out of love. This love that I saw in the brothers and sisters, influenced me greatly, and while we visited the Cambodian Mekong University, God miraculously used me in the same way. I had always been a person who didn¡¦t feel that comfortable with establishing relationships with strangers I¡¦ve just met, but by God¡¦s strength I was able to reach out to a complete stranger, and eventually invite her to Crossroads. If I could sum up why I think the Crossroads brothers and sisters can love so freely, and why I was able to step out of my own comfort to love a complete stranger, it would be said in this verse, ¡§We love because he first loved us¡¨ -1 John 4:19.
As I settle back to the lifestyle in America, I constantly pray that I will continue to grow in Christ, and aspire to love others just as Jesus did. Through this experience, God has shown my parents how much I¡¦ve grown through my actions and interaction with others, and I¡¦ve also gain a better understanding of who they are as Christians. God not only showed me to love others that I barely know, but He constantly reminded me to love those close to me, my family and my friends. I still have much to learn and much to grow in my walk with Christ, but I truly thank God for all that he has allowed me to experience, and if God wills for me to do so, I hope I will be able to serve in Cambodia for a few months in the near future."
- Natalie Yu | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"At Cambodia I learned that in mission trips children could make a difference too. On the second day at Crossroads so many people wanted to make friends with us. Not only did they show kindness and love, but they treated us like we knew them before. Also I learned that the people at Crossroads love kids. One night they let us watch a movie with them. Everyday at night all the people would gather in a room to sing praises to God and it was very loud. When it was time to sleep it was a little bit hard for me because of the heat. My favorite part of the trip was when Sam, Christy, Keenan, and I played games with all of them."
- Kurtis Ip | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"During my short term mission trip in Cambodia, I learned a lot of things. I learned that it is very hot in Cambodia. I learned that the crossroad students there are very friendly, they like to talk to you and know more about you, and we talk a lot during lunch and dinner time at the dining table. Also, when we lead them in games they would like to participate and we have lots of fun. Lastly, the crossroad brothers and sisters sang very loud to worship God. They sang so loud that you can hear them from across the street. It is very hot at night that we needed to turn on a small electric fan which was placed at the end of our bunk bed when we go to sleep at night. I did not eat much everyday but I did not feel hungry. I would like to thank God for this mission trip."
- Keenan Ip | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"Thank God that I can have the opportunity to go to Cambodia short term mission with my family this past summer. I never think about this before. Remember when Ivan talked to me about the idea of joining the Cambodia short term mission, my first response was that it would be just two of us. But thank God that Keenan and Kurtis were willing to go with us. Our whole family was able to experience God's grace together through this STM trip.
During the STM trip, I really thank God to protect me from any illness even though I could not sleep well and get enough rest. Thank God that I can have a chance to go to the Mekong University and talk to those students and understand more about their culture and needs. I also want to thank God for the Crossroad ministry in Cambodia. This ministry really impact many lives. May God continue to bless the Crossroad ministry with His abundant grace."
- Ada Ip | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"Going to a short term mission trip was always my wish, being able to personally visit and live among the missionary in the field, meet with different ethic group of people on the other side of the world, learn other countries¡¦ history, etc. It has been my dream, interest, & passion to experience different culture around the world. This year, God fulfilled my dream; not only that, I could also experience this together with my family.
I had a little worry about my family members being stay in a new environment. To my surprise, my two sons, Keenan and Kurtis didn¡¦t complain about staying in boys' dorm by themselves with the students, the bunk bed without mattress, hot weather at night with no air-conditioning, hanging out with the adult team without their electronic games on hand, and survive with the simple food we had in the student dorm. Our room was hot at night, but we could bear the testing with an electric fan. Although Ada couldn¡¦t sleep too well under the heat wave at night, she managed to maintain a healthy spirit and body. Insect bite attack wasn¡¦t a big trouble at all. We thank God for all his protection.
The opportunity to ¡§teach¡¨ and meet with students in Cambodia Mekong University was great. We saw the door God has opened up for Crossroad; and we were the tool fitted in God¡¦s game plan. Students were friendly to us. We really enjoyed & treasured the time we¡¦ve spent with them for the short 6 days workshop at the University.
I also enjoyed the time we communicated & lived with the crossroad students and Pastor David¡¦s family. I¡¦ve learned more about Cambodia culture, history, and need. I understand and know more of their ministry when I pray for them now. I¡¦ve also developed some friendship there. I can call them my friend, and even some of the students¡¦ names, picture their faces, and recall some moment we spent with each other when I pray for them.
I thank God for this wonderful experience He gave my family together with our team to reach out His people on the far side of the earth. It was indeed a very special and memorable experience which has already engraved in my life."
- Elder Ivan Ip | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"This was the second time I visited Cambodia, and I was once again renewed and drawn close to God. Although most of the places and the people were familiar, the spiritual experience was far from being just a repeat of the last short-term mission trip. The biggest impact this year for me was to experience God in serving Him together with my wife and my son, plus two other families in the team. I knew from the previous mission trip that it was never an individual experience, but the entire team serving and touching the heart of God as one unit. However, with the addition of the families, it was undeniable that the God¡¦s plan is for all of us as one family, and He is pleased to see each of us fitting into His master plan with our uniquely created individualities that are very different from each other and yet fitting together perfectly. The unspeakable joy of sharing the same excitement and spiritual impact with my wife, my son, and all the rest of the team far outweighed any inconvenience and difficulties we had encountered. How the students at the Cambodian Mekong University latched on to the seminar materials and our sharing, how they eagerly participated in small group discussions regardless of the language barrier, how they showed genuine appreciation and new-found friendship with us, how the Crossroads brothers and sisters partnered to make the seminar possible, how they poured their hearts out in worshipping our Lord together, how we shared many moments of funs and happiness, are the testimonies that God has placed in our hearts and minds that His love will never, ever, be separated from all of us."
- Elder Bill Tang | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"I am very glad that God once again brought me to Cambodia this year. It was a very precious experience. Before the trip, I was expecting God would give us many dynamic changes again this year to experience His guidance and strength. However, from this trip, I learned that God will not give us the experience that we expected. Instead of showing His guidance through various challenges, He showed His love by providing all the needs, safety, and unity we needed in the trip. First, it¡¦s very amazing to see how 15 of us with different backgrounds, character and age attending a mission trip together could carry out the program (both day and night) so smoothly. Second, it is how God opens up the heart of the university students in coming to our workshop and build relationship with us. And most importantly, it is how God shows His presences w/ us in the trip by His protection. In addition, I really learned a lot from the Crossroad students, and once again found inspiration from their testimony in living for God. From their pure heart to really seek God¡¦s kingdom first in every decision in their lives, I feel very touched by their courageous and faithful heart for God. One thing that hit me deeply is that, after our visit, they will have to go for a mission trip in the village; however, there isn¡¦t a place for them to sstay, but they still remain faithful and trusting that God will provide anything. This really moves me in thinking our lives as Christians is really simply just TRUST in God. When the trust is there, we will naturally live out the gospel for God. I really thank God for giving me a chance to know these brothers and sisters, so that we could encourage one another. We can walk the cross road together. =)"
- Amanda Chan | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2009
"After serving in the Cambodia Mission Trip this summer, God has changed my heart, renewed my mind, and enriched my faith. Through my own limitations and imperfections, I have learned to let go, let God take control, and experience Him by faith. God has revealed my weaknesses and encouraged me to face them. Because brothers and sisters were bold to proclaim God's name boldly in the mission trip, I have also learned to proclaim God's name with more courage and boldness in my daily life after the mission trip."
- Christina Cheng | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
"How could anyone forget zipping through the chaotic traffic on the back of a motorbike, having a black spider for afternoon snack, worshiping at a farm, witnessing a baptism in the wild, dancing the Khmer hip-pop until drop dead, and sharing the gospel without mentioning the name of Christ?
The 10 days in Cambodia sounds really cool and adventure, but how about 8 years in Cambodia? When I feel exciting and hyper again about the 10-day mission trip to Crossroad Cambodia, I ask myself that if I were to stay there for 8 years like Pastor David and his family did, would I still be that hyper ?
... ...
Dead silence. I dare not to answer that question for myself. Indeed, Pastor David and his family¡¦s faithful service and vision of rebuilding Cambodia have become an inspiration to me and my family. This 10-day trip has once again opened my eyes to the works of God around the world. I have witnessed how God blesses Crossroad to become a light tower in the middle of Phnom Penh city. Praise the Lord!"
- Steven Teoh | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
"Returning to Cambodia this year is like a joyful home coming, with a strong sense of familiarity - the place, the people, and the culture. God is just amazing! The STM trip was a spiritual revival for me. God spoke to me first before we actually presented the workshop material to Crossroads. I experienced, first-hand, of God¡¦s healing to my own hurts. When I interacted with the students, they poured their hearts out and shared about their hurt experiences, which were amazingly similar to mine: (1) deep hurts always start within the family, from someone close to us, and (2) only God can heal. This experience reinforced and reaffirmed my goal of pursuing the training in marital and family therapy. All the more now I am convinced that I want to devote myself to help people hurting in broken families. The extra 9 days of staying in Cambodia allowed me to experience even more. I had a fever and severe flu right after the team left Crossroads. Coming from very different cultures and background, I will never forget the time that CR girls served me in great care when I was weak physically. They cooked porridge and egg for me at the girls¡¦ dorm and they also massaged me in order to alleviate my body ache resulted from fever. One of the girls even wiped my body with warm water when my body temperature was getting high. I was touched to tears when they held my hands next to my bed, having worries in their eyes. The beauty of their genuine care to me reflected what it truly means by Jesus¡¦ sacrificial love. Through CR sisters, I experienced deeply that God loves me unconditionally just for who I am, but not what I do. Such love humbles me, for I never deserved it. I praise the Lord for giving me these special sisters to be the beautiful samples I learned from. These memorable, life-time experiences and precious lessons from this STM trip have molded me to love others without asking for return ¡V we love because He first loved us."
- Effie Kwok | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
"Everyday is new and exciting in Cambodia. I spent a few weekends in LA prepared the workshop but was requested to change the content a day before the presentation. I was frustrated and depressed. However, after prayers and devotions, God changed my heart and open my eyes to see what He sees ¡V to speak in LOVE wisely. With the helps from the team members and the ¡§dial-up¡¨ internet, I re-wrote the script in few hours.
The next day, there are over 100 students attending the workshop and they keep coming in. Thanks God for giving me the words to answer the student¡¦s questions with biblical principals but not mentioning God (we can¡¦t mention God in the classroom). I believe God has created the wave of spiritual receptivity. Sharing gospel is like surfing. God creates the wave, and we ride with it and have fun. However, we never know what kind of wave is coming to us. Only God can create the wave, but not us.
For the rest of the week, we reviewed the outcome of each workshop and tailored the next workshop format and content to help us to ride the wave better. I was uplifted as I see God led us through each workshop and new words were given by God everyday. Going to share in the university was like surfing at beach, awesome!"
- May Low | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
"If I were to use one word in describing this trip, it'll be the word 'Love'. I thank God that in this trip, not only that I learnt how to love others in God's way, but also, God totally showed everyone of us in the team how much He loves each and every one of us who are His sons and daughters. For myself, I can say that my cup got filled by His love in the trip. In these 10 days, it was very precious that we could live a simple life in focusing God, and worshipping Him with all our hearts. That joy within myself and others, is just indescribable by words.
Next, it was the TRUST workshop we did in University, God opened up our eyes to see how powerful His work is, and how amazing is His guidance in each of our preparations. We all experienced and realized how it's God that put all these words to our mouths to present the whole workshop to spread His gospel.
In addition, interacting with Crossroad students inspired my heart as well. From listening to each of their experiences, I see how our God is not only amazing in changing ones heart, but He's also so faithful in protecting and guiding every of His sons and daughters. All these experiences I had in Cambodia showed how powerful and unfailing God's love is. Even though we are so insignificant, but His love is so amazing that He guided each of our paths differently in order to mold our character.
Throughout the trip, God had been searching my heart. I am thankful that He revealed many of my weaknesses in my life. And after He used His love to fill my soul up, I am not afraid to tackle and to overcome these weaknesses anymore, for I know once we opened up our hearts, nothing is impossible in Him. We were originally made for Him, I prayed that God continue to cleanse the debris within myself, and use me to praise Him, worship Him, and love Him and others with a purify heart all the way."
- Amanda Chan | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
"Cambodia is a place where I have never been before. Spiritually, I was also
in a brand new place during the short-term mission trip. A place where I
experienced God through witnessing the hardship, pain, suffering,
destruction, fear, mistrust, death, and then rebound, innocence, renewed
hope, and great potential of a land ravaged by godlessness. I witnessed how
God is extending His mighty hand to heal a country in which the population
was reduced by 20% by a genocidal regime three decades ago. During the trip,
we were to deliver workshops and messages to contribute to the college
students. In reality, I benefited from the experience far beyond what I
could imagine. I was greatly humbled to be in the same room with the
Cambodian college students, who practically represent the future and hope of
Cambodia and to whom God, in His infinite wisdom, considered us worthy to be
a vessel to bring healing. I broke down and cried in awe of Him when I was
face-to-face with these young lives. He brought healing to me while I
witnessed how He heals this land. Whenever I meditate on this experience, I
want to touch His heart - to feel His pain when His children are gripped and
destroyed by sins, to feel His joy when they turn away from their wicked
ways and seek His face. I am a different person now having experienced the
renewal and revival from my amazingly gracious God."
- William Tang | Chinese Bible Missions Church (California, USA) 2008
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