Being a missionary teacher we are in some regards, one step removed from the bulk of the coal face, but we do get powdered in soot from time to time. Missionaries are not "in your face" type people raving about what their latest programs are. (Nor thankfully do I find missionaries slanderous or gossipers, you don't hear "well no wonder they are with that mission organization!") Basically I have found it best to sit down with a missionary purposefully and ask them about their work. At other times I have opportunities for coal face outreach through school or church and I so relish these opportunities.
Oh if only I truly had the Lords heart of compassion to see the pain right before me. I do know He is increasingly giving me his heart for hurting people. But there is so much hurt and so much pain and so much injustice and so much corruption and so much death and...
- The baby who has swollen feet, living in a remote village, the village doctor decided it is best to cut the babies feet off!
- The 11 year old girl raped by a person she knew, now a mother at 12.
- The child sold as a slave to a family, only to be abused and then rescued and now fostered in a Cambodian family.
- The boy rescued as an infant from selling products on the streets and at traffic lights so that his brothers' glue sniffing addiction could be supported.
- The boy who comes to my door for recycling so his family can buy rice to eat. I had the blessing of visiting his house - a small slanted rough timber shack with a single raised timber platform so that in the wet season they stay dry sleeping side by side on this multipurpose hard space. No bathroom, a gas stove and small drink esky the makings of their kitchen space.
- The Khmer girl whose father was euthanaised by family members who could not afford to keep contributing to his hospital bill.
- The man who broke his finger and the doctors gave him panadol and said come back in three days if it turns black and we will have to amputate it.
The Victorian Government has ordered an investigation after it was revealed a 12-year-old girl became pregnant, reportedly while in state care.
Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge says the girl is now 13 and the baby was born a couple of weeks ago.
The case is again fuelling concern about child protection systems in Australia, with one child welfare advocate saying it highlights concerns about a lack of funding for child protection.
Ms Wooldridge says she is reviewing the girl's contact with the Government and the community services sector.
"I think it's very unusual for a young mum at 13 to be having a child. It is very disturbing and very concerning," she said.
Oh why is abuse, sex crimes, injustice, poverty, corruption and pain so "usual" in Cambodia.I know I only see the tiniest tip of the iceberg lurking in the dark recesses of this country. I know so many missionaries serving here so faithfully "snatching people from the flames of the evil one".
There is this quiet acceptance that you can only do what you can do and pray for more harvesters in the harvest field and pray for God's spirit to sweep this nation.
I cannot run out like some superhero and fix all the problems, noone can. It is such a lesson in not working in your own strength!
But I increasingly appreciate that I have a vital part in the body of Christ here. I teach the children of the men and women who have devoted their lives to serving the people of Cambodia, to the family of the baby with swollen feet, the 12 year old with a baby, the child rescued from slavery, the recycling family. And while I teach the missionary children the parents are freed to serve in the manner they have been called.
Yes, it is hot and dusty and noisy and smelly and busy and materially simple and even at times lonely. I miss my mum and dad and family and friends and tall trees and mountains and beaches and camping and Australian food. Yet the incredible peace and growth found being in the centre of God's Will is surreal, it's not natural it is beyond natural and could certainly never be called "hum drum"!
I don't truly know what the next 6 months let alone 6 years hold for our family. God may take us back to Australia for a season and a reason, He may take us back to a mission field, He may move us in the longer term vision He gave us over 20 years ago to actively support those in ministry and mission through our home, He may take us home to be with Him in heaven. Whatever He chooses, He will give us the strength and provision to undertake His work.
I hope this article has not been in vain, that even through these contemplative thoughts God would pour into your heart and mine more of His love and compassion, and a greater sense of peace in His purpose. Should we return to Australia long term I pray that my love for the Lord does not grow cold through distraction and I ask you to gently rebuke me if you see me/us becoming sidetracked.
Blessings,
Fiona
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