April 17th is a very historic day in Cambodia because 4/17/1976 is the day the Khmer Rouge took over.
Thearath, yes in Khmer culture your last name goes first so the whole facebook thing, has been a bit challenging, because some of my Cambodian friends have done it the traditional way and others the Western way, it is a bit confusing. Another confusing thing is that when you marry here, women do not take their husband’s last name, so it is difficult to identify married couples and family members entirely from their names. I was pondering what to write about, and since today April 17th, 1983 was the day a very good friend of my was born, I thought I would write about her. I realized just today that I was a senior in High School when she was born. Since the victory over the Khmer Rouge happened on January 7th, 1979 she did not live during that time period, but instead began her life during the Vietnamese occupation, which puts her in the category with 70% of the 14.1 million people in the country who were not alive during Pol Pot’s reign of terror. She is at the forefront of what I call the new Cambodia. They are not as bogged down with the consequences of Cambodia’s history but instead have the ability to dream, and see the possibility of positive change and hope for the future.
Most of you will recognize the face and the name. Thearath is one of the gals that I am working with on the Emmanuel Friends Church plant. It has been my privilege to know her for the past nine plus years. Of that she has been a member of the National Youth Council for the past 5 of those years. Over the past year we have been involved in a mentoring relationship and I have seen her grow in her faith, leadership, and desire to hear God’s call on her life. She has the greatest smile and encourages me consistently with it, and her quickness to laugh and just plain enjoy almost any situation. She is a positive person, who is a delight to be around. Sunday morning at church I witnessed and event that was probably
not even possible just a few short years ago. In the middle of church Vysal said they were going to play a game, a game I thought to myself during church? They brought Thearath up and tied a blindfold around her head and lead her around and during that time brought up a cake. She was totally surprised, we sang Happy Birthday – yes that is different in church, but then the Pastor when on to share how much they appreciate her and all she does in ministry at the church. Then her mom who was crying by this time had the opportunity to give her praise as well. In the past open displays of affirmation like this were unheard of. I was thrilled to watch this play out, because I saw how touched she was personally, but more than that I saw how this group of individuals is pulling together to truly be a family of believers. Often times we look at youth, and they look at themselves and say I am too young to affect those around me. This is an example of how untrue that thinking is. It reminds me of Jeremiah, when God tells him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you;.. “do not say, ‘I am a youth,” Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:5, 7-8 NASB. Thearath listening to God and following him, has assisted in pulling this church together. She is but one example of the many young people I have the opportunity to coach, mentor, be a friend to, and be stunned by their lives, as well as walk through challenges and disappointments with them.
Praises:
· For Ny and Thearath’s commitment to Emmanuel Friends church plant
· My time in Thailand and new expectancy for the future
· My health check-ups in Thailand all is looking good
Prayer Requests:
§ I will be the speaker at the International Youth Group April 30th
§ For youth event in Battambang May 1-3
§ My continued walk with the Lord – reliance on Him alone – He is my provider, leader and Lord
