It was definitely a dramatic switch, but understanding how volatile the situation in Ukraine is becoming, it was definitely the Lord that led us to finding another location. Meditating in Isaiah this week, I am reminded that the understanding of the Lord is without measure (Isaiah 40:27-31). I can look back and see how our team, trusting in the Lord, had overwhelming peace about being redirected to Cambodia.
Over the week we have become acquainted with the base here in Battambang. We've also met quite a few Khmer people and received a very warm welcome from the missionaries here. I can see why most people who have visited Cambodia speak so highly of the culture!
Our team will get to teach in a few different settings. This week, I am co-teaching the book of 1st Corinthians with my teammate Jon in a Bible School, which is like a Cambodian Seminary, and we will continue to teach books as they are assigned to us from our contact. We will also be sharing about leadership with Pastors who run an orphanage, and then bringing a weekly encouragement to an Assemblies of God board of church planters. There is so much opportunity, and our team is learning to rise to the occasion as we are presented with the need.
Please be praying for our team!
We are up for the challenge of teaching, and we are trying our best to get acclimated to the weather. Apparently we have come at the hottest time of the year, with temperatures upwards of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. What a change from preparing for the icy cold weather of Ukraine. God has so much grace for us, and the drastic change has brought about a lot of laughter among our team.
It feels like this has happened quite a bit in my life over the past few years - Making plans and then having plans change, but somehow I am never disappointed with the results. God's wisdom and grace are a wonderful blend to lean into, and I have never felt more secure.
May the Lord give you grace for the season ahead. If you have just begun a new season, are well into a longstanding season, or are looking for what is next, one thing I can confidently say is that God's grace is always available.
Blessings.
