One of our ministries is receiving ministry teams or volunteers from overseas. Every year, we may have 3 to 5 teams from different countries to serve or visit our ministries. They may be short term medical mission teams, vocational school volunteers, minor construction project builders or just visitors. We need to do lots of preparation so that each team can easily adjust to the environment and serve effectively. This includes such things as lodging, transportation, orientation, sightseeing, translation, etc. Some team members have asked if they really help the ministry or just make more trouble for us. Sometimes, we get really tired of the preparation and follow-up for the teams, especially the arrangement of the itinerary, coordination with the local church leaders and translators, purchase of materials, handling of materials left behind, and continuous contact with newcomers. Nevertheless, those teams really do make a difference in our ministries and have a positive impact on us too.

Sharing the mission

The Lord Jesus gave us the great Commission to proclaim the Good News to all nations and it becomes the mission of Christians on earth. Not only do we have the opportunity to share the gospel to non-Christians, we also need to convey the spiritual needs of the world beyond our own borders to others, just like the Apostle Paul encouraged the Gentile churches to be concerned for the brothers and sisters of the Jerusalem church. It is a great privilege to share with the overseas members how God works in Cambodia.

Encouraging local church members

Every time when a team comes to serve, the local church members are very excited. Not only because of the services provided, but also because the teams create opportunities for the churches to proclaim the gospel through programs for the community and neighborhood. In addition, the church members can also learn from the overseas brothers and sisters through their love and concern for Cambodians. The young people also practice their English as they help in translation during the various ministries. Most of the time, the young people build up a very good relationship with the overseas members too.

Cultivating potential missionaries

Some overseas members have a fervent heart in mission and seek the will of God about whether they should serve somewhere as a missionary. The short term mission team or visit can help them to explore and understand more about the life of a missionary through sharing with the missionaries and observation during the ministries. Cross cultural missions is not a fancy life style, but challenging flesh and blood living. It then is a good chance for them to count the cost as well.

Nourishing our team spirit

Individual missionaries have respective duties and we are quite independent to serve and relate to different parties. However, through the substantial cooperation to prepare and arrange the details of the mission teams, we can mutually build up our team spirit to help and support each other even though we often have different opinions or mindsets. Surely, unity and love is the key to success.

Building prayer and support networks

Prayers are the most important criterion in ministries because we are not doing the world's business but building the kingdom of God for eternity. When we face difficulties or confusion, we need prayer to let the Holy Spirit work in us. It is "not by power, not by might, but by the Spirit of the Lord," and the supplication of brothers and sisters is essential, no matter what the limitations of physical distance between us.

Refreshing my calling

When I share my testimony, especially about the calling to serve here, it reminds me again of my mission. Brothers and sisters also laid their hands on to pray for me and that encourages me to serve. It' s a grace from God to grant me the privilege to serve Him in Cambodia that I may experience His guidance and provision. On the other hand, brothers and sisters are also excited to see how God works differently in His servants respectively.

Prayer points

• A pig of the piglet raising scheme in the village was sick and finally sold; may God strengthen the participants and comfort their hearts
• I will mentor a fresh university graduate to handle development projects; may God grant me wisdom to work with him and for us to learn from each other
• Pray for my tutor who is busy with examinations; I may resume the tutorials in April
• Opportunities to share the gospel to the young people who attend our church prayer meeting
• Since Joel and Grace Margin will have their home assignment starting in March, I will help to drive more often for ministry. Please pray for safety in the chaotic traffic