Go Beyond

   Today is Sunday and I had the privilege of preaching at a church adjacent to an orphanage outside of Phnom Penh. There were about 250 Christ-followers present, including almost 100 orphans. Our hosts asked me to bring a word of encouragement to these believers. However, after spending the morning with them, they are the ones who encouraged me. The praise and worship team members were all young people from the orphanage – all self-taught on their respective instruments and very talented. Although I could not understand the words of the songs they sang in their native tongue, I did understand the joyful expressions on their faces. They warmed my heart and inspired me to give glory to God for His good work in their lives.

   In the mid-1990’s, a single woman named Sakada started the orphanage called UNACAS, which stands for Unaccompanied Association. Sakada lost her family members in the killing fields and survived alone. She never married and never had children. When she encountered some orphaned kids, she was moved to do something to help them and others in need of a home. So, she started the orphanage and began to rescue kids. She was not a Christian at the time. Later, she heard the gospel and became a Christ-follower

   When Sakada was making plans for the first Christmas celebration at her orphanage, she invited my friend Barnabas to share the Christmas story with the kids. Barnabas accepted her invitation and that Christmas 63 of the kids professed faith in Christ. Today, the orphanage is operated by a Christian staff and all of the children attend church every week. Sakada passed away in her sleep on a Sunday evening in December 2007, but her legacy continues as her staff rescues vulnerable kids in Cambodia.

   After worship this morning, one of the young men, a member of the praise team, gave us a tour of the orphanage. He is 21 years-old and has lived at the orphanage since he was 7 years-old. He spoke excellent English and is completing his second year of college. He also teaches English classes to the younger kids at the orphanage. I was impressed by his maturity, his polite disposition, and his determination to pursue his education and to honor God with his life. I shudder to think of what might have happened to him if Sakada had not chosen to rescue kids in crisis.

   So many children beg or hawk tourist stuff on the streets of Phnom Penh. This evening, Malcolm and I were approached by at least a half-dozen kids selling stuff, some as young as five years-old. One little girl told me that she must work from early morning until dark selling books and post cards. Like so many of Cambodia’s poor and orphaned kids, she will never get an education and will likely suffer abuse on the streets or at the hands of those who exploit children for profit. Every one of us can do something to help these kids, even from afar. Consider giving on a regular basis to support ministries and organizations that care for and rescue children, especially organizations like International Justice Mission. The folks at IJM work to rescue those who are abused, exploited, and trapped in the dark world of sex trafficking. Please join me in doing something to help. Every one of us can make a difference in the lives of kids at risk.