My recent opportunity to travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia
was both a joy and a privilege. First, I
want to express thanks to my loving wife Lesley for “holding down the fort”
both at home and in our business, since she carried my responsibilities in addition
to her own. Without her, my trip would
not have been possible.
It was an honor to meet many team members who share in Ryan
and Melissa’s vision and service. The
Father has assembled a team from different races, nationalities, ages and
tongues to lift up His name in this place. Spending time with these many humble
servants, hearing their stories and their hearts was perhaps the greatest joy I
experienced. Yes, there are the exotic
stories to tell…like trying fried snake and crickets for the first time or
having schools of little fish “bite” my feet to eat away the dead skin…but these
stories pale in comparison to the heart of
what is really happening in Cambodia.
I was humbled to be received as not only a special guest,
but also as a special guest speaker in a remote village about an hour from the
city. This was the village of one of Ryan and Melissa’s friends, named Kal. Kal is both a student and an enthusiastic
believer! I was to be the speaker and he
was the translator for the fellowship meeting.
We enjoyed giving gift bags to the children, experiencing a traditional
Cambodian meal, and a delightful walk through the rice fields surrounding the
village. A special treat was witnessing
an immersion service in which two young people committed themselves to the
faith.
I also experienced how love and friendliness are the
universal language to break down barriers.
Since I only speak a few words or phrases in Khmer, often a smile or
friendly gesture was all I had to offer.
This seemed to work out fine for
the many neighbors I met.
I was very blessed to be able to observe my kids in
action. I am so proud of them and yet so
humbled. I watched them show and share
the love of the Father in many different settings. Watching Melissa share packs of fruit snacks
with poor children reminds me of the Master’s words when he said, “If anyone
gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my
disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward (Mt
10:42).” Seeing Ryan engage with
students and their subsequent inquiries and questions makes me think of the
twelve trying to figure out life through a barrage of questions to the
Master. This is why they are there. Indeed, the fields are ripe for harvest!
-David Seibert
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