Heading
Another Justice Journey to Cambodia has begun!
The Tenth Church team arrived safely in Phnom Penh on Saturday. They were warmly welcomed at the airport by Kevin Knight, a Tenth Church member who moved to Cambodia to found of Manna4Life, and Makara Un, Tenth Church’s Cambodia Liaison.
The first day was low key, with the team enjoying an amazing lunch, settling into their hotel, and meeting up with the with the Hungry For Life team (who flew in a few hours later despite leaving a few hours earlier from Vancouver). In the late afternoon, discussions began on final details for the Shalom Valley retreat – leadership and kids’ programs. Everyone managed to stay up through the day - with the help of a swim and some iced coffee - and went to bed after an (equally) amazing dinner. Amazing food and equally amazing conversations might be a theme of this trip. Appropriate considering the value for friendship and hospitality in Khmer culture.
It was a small miracle to have everyone get up on Sunday feeling rested and . . . RELAXED! The Tenth team gathered for a time of connection and devotions, followed by lunch and a trip to the Choeung Ek Genocide Center. One of the difficult realities faced by Tenth’s partners is the impact of recent Cambodian history – the genocide of the Khmer Rouge era. The legacy of the Killing Fields has been to pass on generational trauma, shaping the people of Cambodia. In the late afternoon, we spent time together debriefing the visit to Choeung Ek. The debrief included deep wrestling with the emotions of coming face-to-face with the evil of the Pol Pot years.
Tenth gets to come alongside Christian Cambodian leaders who have a vision to transform their society, continuing to shape the people of Cambodia anew through wholistic healing and faith in Christ.
As I sit on the hotel rooftop at the end of the day, a gentle rain begins to fall. The evening in Phnom Penh is quieter though the city is still awake. People come and go below – walking, driving motorbikes, catching tuk tuks. Our team will come and go, too, but the gentle rain of the Holy Spirit is falling on us, speaking to us.
Temple spires, streetlights, and motorbike headlamps glow in the city below, but we have been considering the Light of the World. Can Christ animate us with His light? As He does this, can we become a people who bring the light of Christ to others, a town on a hill that cannot be hidden?
Many evils remain in this world, and many are found here in the injustices faced by Khmer people – extreme poverty, oppressive government corruption, and human trafficking. Yet, we are experiencing moments of peace and creativity and beauty. We are looking forward to more of that, as we enjoy the coming days with many leaders and their families at Shalom Valley.
Please pray for safe travels for our team and the participants, and pray for a great start to the retreat and camp activities - a week of growing deeper with God and having fun together!
