There are 10 of them now and we expect 20 or so to be there by the fall. Most of them are fresh out of college and have committed to minister in Cambodia for at least two years. Yes, it’s tested them, but overall, they’re having a blast.
While their friends got entry-level jobs back home, they took off for a country most had never been to.
Having established themselves in Phnom Penh, they are staying busy:
- reaching out to girls trapped in the sex trade
- learning Khmer, a new language
- learning a new culture
- living in community
A few months ago, we had a crisis. Our two leaders had to be away for a couple of months. In their absence, everyone stepped up.
- Mere began to pastor the team.
- Laura became the point person for half the team.
- Elise handled finances.
- Amarja filled gaps.
We had a lot of reasons to not start when we did. Our training wasn’t up to speed. We hadn’t done a team like this before and had only short-term experience in Cambodia. We were still developing our sending systems.But I’ve found that there’s nothing like experience to help you learn. And we’re committed to learn.
Meanwhile, every day that we’re there is another day where those caught in the sex trade are being set free from their hellish lives. I like the fruit.
Comments (6)
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Seth Barnes
I'm motivated to join God in his global reclamation project. He's on the move, setting his sons and daughters free from their places of captivity. And he's partnering with those of us who have been freed to go and free others.
So proud of these girls…praying for them and the people they are called to.
The team members will most likely say I’ve been some sort of encouragement to them, via email, Facebook, and visits with them during my trips there. But the truth is I’ve been the one honored to get to know them as my younger sisters in Christ and watch them grow as they learn my second language and fall in love with my adopted people. Seth, thanks for sharing this – and them! – with me.
I, too, am so proud of you girls. You have risen from adversity and dealt with a bunch of curve balls thrown at you. Most of all, you have kept your faith in the Son of Righteousness. He’s Faithful & True!
Thanks Seth. It gives me so much encouragement to know God sees everything including our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9) and not all accounts are settled on this earth. I’m banking these days on heaven. I’m sure you must be too….I love you friend.
I can’t wait to be there.
Hi, I’m an airline pilot involved in ministry in india now and soon i’ll be going back to china…I am planning a cambodian trip with some chinese from shenzhen. would like to meet your group and encourage, support etc…maybe planning to come in april. just need a contact email.
mine is [email protected]
thanks dave