Tuesday, March 8, 2011

I have two daughters

Senghong is my youngest daughter's name. She lives in Battambang, Cambodia. I wish I could take her home with me. We have had the privilege of providing financially for her for the past 2 years. She calls us mommy and daddy when she sees us or emails us. If God allows we would love to provide for her for as long she needs us - even through the University.

I have also fallen deeply in love with her baby sister and brother. Actually even if I could take them home with me I wouldn't, I would be doing Cambodia a huge disservice. They need them here, they can change this place, I cannot.

Knowing we would come today, a tiny open air church sent their people out to invite 70 men, women and children from 'the village' to come to the church to hear God's Word for the first time. The Gospel was proclaimed and the faithful church members gathered information in order to visit and follow up with the families that began their walk with the Lord today. Senghong was one of the actors in the powerful musical skit we used at Easter a couple of years ago at Crossroads. Amazing how drama and music crosses all language barriers, especially when children perform it. And amazing that God has chosen to use orphans to lead the lost to Himself.

And then it was time to leave these precious believers as they stood with the coconuts in hand that they had chopped open for us to drink. Coconuts were all they had to offer us, and they couldn't have given us anything more generous.

Back in the vans my daughter fell asleep on my shoulder as we rode on to a lake. Leaning against my shoulder I steadied her head with my hand so it would not dip forward. I watched her as she slept and I knew she truly was my daughter just as Jocelyn is my daughter. Jocelyn and Eric both used to sleep as Senghong did today - comforted in the fact that while they slept I stayed awake caring for them.

The ride today was a step back in time. A time when our children required our constant personal care and carefree days in the water. Each important.

And today the graciousness of the Lord allowed us to play a small part in the eternity of people we will never see again...and that in itself could be my life purpose fulfilled.

3 comments:

Steve Browning said...

I sometimes question the validity of my work here when I read about the impact you are having across the world! I realize my work is important but I am moved by what I see you doing in the lives of these kids and their neighbors. I'm looking forward to hearing more!

Lori Biddle said...

God is a God that is fully capable of placing you exactly where He needs you Steve!

I can only dream about the lives that God has used you to touch and will use you to touch through the faithful ongoing work in His ministry!!!

PS - Israel project has the potential just as one example to be VERY far reaching in impact and I feel the same way you do about our work in Cambodia - wish I could be part of that!!

Lori Biddle said...

God is a God that is fully capable of placing you exactly where He needs you Steve!

I can only dream about the lives that God has used you to touch and will use you to touch through the faithful ongoing work in His ministry!!!

PS - Israel project has the potential just as one example to be VERY far reaching in impact and I feel the same way you do about our work in Cambodia - wish I could be part of that!!