05 Aug 3 Years in Cambodia
We first set foot in Cambodia on February 15th, 2017. We are now half way through 2020 and I can’t help but look back over the last three years. Our time here has been full of incredible testimonies and the most beautiful encounters with Jesus (usually found in the faces and interactions with the most poor and broken people). But our time here has also been full of incredible difficult situations, heartbreak, tears, and sometimes it seems like unbearable shaking.
We have seen the most amazing healings yet often suffer sickness in our own bodies. We have helped reunite and bring healing within families, yet suffer incredible loss within our own families. We have rescued children from the most horrific situations, yet are heartbroken when we can’t rescue others. We have helped provide food, housing, schooling, and care for some of the most needy we have ever encountered, but are pressed on all sides by incredible need and suffering due to poverty. We have seen hundred give their lives to Jesus and receive His salvation but are burdened in our souls for the millions that still don’t know Him.
Life with Jesus is not just living in extreme abundance and blessings in every moment and in every area, never suffering hardship, as some may preach. “If you just had more faith then you would walk in a life of no struggles.” But that wasn’t the like Jesus lived and it’s not the life true disciples live. Of course we don’t desire suffering and difficult circumstances. We pray and exercise faith and hope for the blessings and protection of God, but we do not despise the difficult seasons either. For this is true discipleship, that you would be transformed into the image of your savior Jesus Christ. This comes by walking through poverty and abundance, suffering and times of peace, seasons of dryness and seasons of great harvest; hand in hand with King Jesus.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
But like I said before, it is both circumstances, both seasons that transforms us into His image. It cannot just be suffering, it must also be his blessings and power. He promises to fill us with such extreme peace and joy and He does exactly that when our hearts and eyes are completely fixed on Him. In our weakness He chooses us to carry the message of salvation to the lost and broken. He chooses to bless us to the point of overflowing, so much that we are able to provide for and bless the poor and needy around us.
To prove these aren’t just empty words that sound good in theory, I want to share a couple of quick examples from our personal lives with you. In on of our communities a woman with 3 children was dying of Hepatitis. We went on a several month journey with her, supplying medication, paying for doctors appointments, providing food, covering rent and basic needs, praying continually for healing. She is now healthy, married, and about to giver birth to another child. Praise Jesus! But last year we also went on a several month journey taking care of my own mother who was very sick and who eventually passed away.
Another example: Jillian has continually struggled with her health over the last several years. And on a constant basis she pushes through her own sickness to go and minister healing power to those in need. Although we haven’t seen breakthrough in Jillian’s health, we have seen many healing in others including backs, shoulders, and legs healed, legs growing, a teenage boy walk for the first time, etc.
Yes, I believe God wants us all well. Yes, I believe he wants Jillian to be well. Yes, I believe he wanted my mother healed. My point is you will walk through suffering and difficult situations as well as his abundant blessings and power. Both situations refine and transform you.
All that to say it has been an incredible journey these last 3.5 years walking with Jesus. Through the good seasons and the difficult we would not trade them for anything. Because I know through it all He is transforming us into the image of his beautiful Son, Jesus Christ.
We are so excited for what the future holds for us here in Cambodia. We truly believe after this season of Covid we will be launched into our greatest season of harvest yet. Please be praying with us for more rescued, lives transformed, and for a massive harvest of souls.
Thank you to every single one of you! We couldn’t be here without you. If you have questions or would like to hear more about what we do, please email us at belovedministriesglobal@gmail.com
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