Fishers of Men

Today was our last day to be with the children at the orphanage so waking this morning was a bit surreal. This was the inevitable day that we all knew was coming. We met early for breakfast, Jon and I had the great privilege of meeting with a few of the new Christians that committed their lives to Christ at the meeting held on Tuesday night. It was such a blessing to sit with these new "children" of Christ. We sat with them and answered some questions that they had as new believers. Jon and I had both (unknowingly) felt some concern that we would not have much in common with these men and women, however, God had it all planned out. One of the men in front of us was a principal (my 7 years of teaching came right out!) and the other worked in construction material sales (Jon, of course, has plenty of knowledge on this one!). To my right, was the girl that I'd met from Tuesday and to Jon's far right was the guy that he'd recently been in contact with during the week. Amazing how God can line things up like that.

We were off to the orphanage soon after the breakfast and rolled into the orphanage so see all those precious faces. Hugs and "I Love Yous" could be seen and heard immediately. We all went into their school room and began the dancing. Boy can these kids break it down...and I have to say that we have quite a few team members who can break it down as well.

Next we sat the kids down to talk about our theme for the week, fishers of men, and how we can be fishermen. Among the many things we can do to show our love for Christ and others is to give and share. So we brought out the HUGE bag of rice and began to fill small burlap sacks with rice and a verse from John 3:16. The children lined up from smallest to largest (as they always do) but we noticed something different. No longer did we have our usual orphanage children and a few stray village children, but today we had close to 50 children from the village to join us!!!! They were all lined up, ready for their bag of rice and scripture too. Some had brought their mothers and fathers, even a few babies heard the message today. God works in some really big ways when we wants to.

Once we'd filled the bags, the village children were told that they could keep theirs and then we took, or I should say, followed the orphan children out onto the gravel road to deliver the bags of rice. It was such a JOY to watch the children going out into their community and share their love and faith with others. They were truly fishers of men today!

Finally, it was time for goodbyes. The children took turns standing and telling us what they enjoyed about the week and telling us thank you. It was tearful and heartfelt by each one. They had written letters and made bracelets for us. Many had written letters to all the team members and made bracelets as well. They have such a giving heart. They also wanted to sing for us. As if these acts of thanksgiving were not enough, they recited Psalm 91. Word for word. By memory. It was amazing. These children really know how to say thank you!

I will spare you the details of what it felt like to get on that van and pull away from those tiny tear stained faces. Many of you who've been on this trip or one like it can relate to the sadness that comes with leaving these little ones behind. I can rest in knowing that God is watching over them and holding each one close to Him.

I'm so grateful to this team for their hard work. It has been 100 miles an hour since we landed. There has not been a moments rest. I'm also grateful for the support we've had along the way from friends and family. This truly would not be possible without each on of you. It's been busy and constant energy but I would do it all over again for the fullness that I have in my heart right now.

With that, I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is another day of travel for us as we leave Battambang and drive to Siem Reap.