or-kun crossroads!

It means thank you in Khmer, the language spoken by Cambodians.

So many heartfelt lessons learnt in a mere span of 9 days. All so overwhelming and humbling, and not quite what I expected before setting off for Cambodia. It’s funny because we left thinking that we would be offering some kind of service to Pastor David’s ministry, but instead of assuming ourselves as “better equipped” or “superior” to help non-believers and fellow believers, we were all humbled when we slowly discovered that we were receiving more than giving.

Among the numerous lessons that have touched me deeply, one that impressed upon me the most is the deep faith, accompanied with action the Cambodian students have. From the conversations we have, I often feel ashamed of my lack of faith and obedience in God.

A guy named Samol said to me when I asked if he had any fears of leaving the house church to set up a new one as requested by Pastor David. “Why do we look down on ourselves? Most of the time we feel not ready, too young, but look at Petros, (Apostle Peter) he was just a fisherman, but I’m a college student, I can do much better than him. We’re like small trees under a big tree. If we always depend on the Pastor David, we’ll never grow. Only when the big tree is not there then the small trees will receive light and grow.”

Despite being only 2 years older and a Christian for 4 years like me, Samol’s courage and faith far surpasses that of mine and most 21 year old Christians I know. If one day I were told to leave Oikos to set up another one, I wouldn’t dare to contemplate that matter. From his teary eyes, I could see the fear he has, if he is going to teach the bible correctly, weariness whether he will be able to juggle between his university studies and taking care of a church, doubts if he is able to let the church grow in quantity and quality, lack of confidence that he has no one to fall back on, and has close friends and a comfortable circle which he has gotten used to over the years, and is afraid and cannot bear to step out from. Yet I’m utterly amazed, and embarrassed at myself, that in the face of these overarching uncertainties, he confidently said “But I will follow Jesus.”

I’m heartened to know that in another country like Cambodia, there are faithful servants of God who are ever steadfast in expanding God’s Kingdom.

Looking at the moon from my house last night, I remembered how the few of us were admiring it from the balcony of the boy’s dormitory back in Cambodia. Though we’re a hundred kilometers away, we see the same thing, and I wondered if they were looking at it that same moment. But I’m certain, that despite coming from different countries, culture and language, we’re all children of God.

James and I agreed that we’d definitely go back again if possible. New relationships were forged and others within the team were strengthened. It feels weird last night not to say goodnight to the other guys before going to bed, or head to the rooftop first thing in the morning for our bible study, eating together with many other students, or singing hymns every night. Some fond memories that I think I will always remember is the hand washing of clothes at the rooftop, the simple yet genuine worship, a few tears shed as we shared our thoughts during bible study, sitting on a motorcycle in a crazy traffic, and the warm smiles and friendliness that greeted us everyday.

After returning to Singapore, I feel so fortunate and thankful for the many things around me that I've taken for granted. It's easy for me to come to faith compared to the Cambodians who face harsher persecution. Hopefully we will be able to apply in Oikos what we’ve learnt. I'll upload the photos and videos once I get back the camera and video camera from Joshua laoshi on sun :) It'll be a good laugh, haha.