Privilege to Pray

Today was one of those days which I will remember as a day that was such an honor and privilege. Our RAP Operations Manager Channary invited me to attend her church's anniversary celebrations. Her father, a pastor, had founded and established New Born Church some 12 years ago and I was invited to pray a blessing over the church. Its such a blessing to be able to pray for Khmer churches and to top it off, an hour before I was going to the event, Channary texted me to tell me that I had 15 minutes to share----I was in a bit of a panic mode as I thought I was just going to pray and now I was being asked to share a word from God.

Youth group performing a song

However, one thing the Lord continues to teach me here in Cambodia is that when He opens a door, I need to step into it despite my own fears. After all, its not about me,  its not about my performance. Its about Him because its all for Him.  I just need to say ''yes'' and be willing to do whatever He asks me. Often I think the Lord is crazy that He is willing to risk His reputation on me, but thankfully, I am learning, that when we say ''yes'' He truly gives us all we need. It forces us to depend  more on Him and to be led by the Spirit instead of leaning on our own understanding so despite the last minute addition to the prayer time, I decided that I would go with the flow and just follow the Spirit's promptings. 

The older generation sing a worship song

Yesterday the Lord had given me a verse from 1 Chronicles 4:10 ---it was the prayer of Jabez ---¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. I was using this verse to pray for our RAP staff and for Ratanak's work here in Cambodia and it was this same verse, I felt the Lord saying---share this with New Born Church. Little did I know that the words the Lord had given me would be words that He too had spoken to Channary's dad about.  It was not something we had planned together, but it seemed the Holy Spirit had directed us both to share something similar. I always love it when the Lord orchestrates events in such ways for in the end He gets the glory!

Channary our Operations Manager and Chana ---sister in law to Channary and  a teacher at Newsong center

Eating time!

After the service we all gathered outside for some great food. Channary told me that they had prepared some of my favorite food ---fried chicken and spring rolls! She was right. It was so good.

I am thankful to the Lord for these opportunities He gives me. It is such moments that remind me afresh what a privilege it is to be in this country at this time. It is a privilege to pray for God's people, for churches like this who have endured much and who continue to stand firm despite the challenges. It is a privilege to be planting seeds in God's vineyards here in Cambodia. It is a privilege to spend time with Khmer Christians here who are seeking to serve the Lord and share His love with their own people!