We set out on our first major mission in Cambodia...to find a good cup of coffee!  Our mission was quickly accomplished, as we stumbled upon B and C Cafe, which served up a  respectable Americana and Mocha.  Sitting outside in the early morning, watching Cambodia drive, cycle, moto, and walk past us, I reflected on the "waiting time". For 16 years I (Joyce) had yearned to return to Cambodia, a land and people I first fell in love with in 1990.  Several planned trips had been cancelled.  It seemed I would never get back here.  But here I am...with my husband Alger...who also has a love and vision for Cambodia.  God is faithful to complete what he has started!  My joy at being in this country again was (and still is) indescribable.  It's like coming home again, and a sense of "rightness".  


With our initial mission completed, we ventured out into the streets of Phnom Penh.  Busy, hectic, confusing, and chaotic are all adjectives that fit this place.  We walked down the street for a block or two, and noticed the Olympic Stadium to our right. As we wandered though the gate, the  nearby guard seemed unconcerned with our presence.  I could just imagine the stadium packed with thousands of young people...all worshipping God with great joy. Alger and I stopped and prayed for this vision in my mind to become reality.

I then suggested that we walk around the top of the stadium and pray over the city.  As we reached the top, two young Cambodian teens boldly approached us. 


"Where are you from?" they asked
"America," we replied.  
"We are Christian,"they added.  "Are you?" 
"Yes," we replied excitedly. 


 I coudn't believe it!  In our first venture into the city, Cambodians were reaching out to us.  We talked for some time with Richard and Tiri.  Richard, who is now 17 and speaks terrific English, shared his story.  He had begun attending Free English Classes five years earlier, sponsored by New Life Fellowship in Phnom Penh.  After a year in English Bible Classes, he began teaching younger children in an orphange.  He rides his bike everyday to work with these needy children.  "I knew a little about God then, so I taught what I knew.  Now, I know more, and I teach more, " he explained. 

Alger and I were so blessed to hear his story.   


These are the type of young people that we feel called to train, mentor, and encourage in their Christian walk.  The 18-30 year olds that want to grow in their faith and reach out to their fellow Cambodians.  The church is very young in Cambodia, and in need for teaching and  discipleship. We were very encouraged with this encounter on our first morning in Cambodia, and saw it as a confirmation that we are on the right track. 


God is on the move in Cambodia.  Please join with us in praying for the future leaders of the church...like Richard.