At the International Fellowship in Cambodia, we had a showing of the Passion of the Christ on Good Friday. Like many, I saw it when it first came out and I think this is the third time I've seen it. I know that for some it is too distressing and graphic, which it certainly is, but then again I realised how important it was for me to be reminded of the horror of the crucifixion. Jesus's suffering is unimaginable and what He endured was the most selfless act in history; but what I kept being reminded of was that this was all for you and me, taking the punishment for our wrongdoing - I was just staggered as to how much this realisation hit home to me again. Maybe it's just me that needed to be reminded but how thankful I am that God chose Jesus to take my place.
Now, I like devotionals; in fact, a few years ago God used UCB's Word for Today to bring two precious people in my life unto Him. Of course, they're not intended replace the actual reading of the Bible but for me, they always give me something to ponder. These days, there are an array of different devotionals and podcasts available and I was listening to one the other day which centred around Jesus's prayer in John 17, just before he is about to be nailed to a cross. Who does He pray for? Us. He prays for us. If I were in His situation, I know who I'd have been praying for but His love for us is something for which words are merely insufficient.
We also had an Easter service at the Vietnamese school and there was a short farewell from everyone for me which was truly touching. The words in the card will remain with me forever as will the smiles on the faces of the kids who resoundingly stated that they want me to come back. I returned the motorbike and cycle back to Pastor Timothy at the village church and bumped into a couple of students from my Khmer class who asked me to teach them again. Praise and affirmation have been received from areas of ministry that I sense is God's confirmation of my being in His will.
I'm humbled. Humbled that God has used me in Cambodia and I'm thankful for all the other areas in which it has been possible to serve: from compiling a training manual to sorting medical supplies and digging a drainage ditch at the guesthouse. Spending time with other travellers, sharing faith with them and allowing them to talk through their frustrations and joys.
Last week, I even successfully endured the Khmer dentist: it was a but agricultural but I came out alive.
So now I have made it back here to Thailand where I'm reflecting over the last six months, about raising awareness back home and thinking about how God may unfold His plan. Even with its ups and downs, it has been the most incredible experience. Southeast Asia is familiar to me but my life has been changed and I'm sure going back to England will take a bit of getting used to.
Thank you for praying for me and for keeping me in your thoughts.
