‘If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent’ Psalm 91:9-10 

In a sophisticated and modern city like Hong Kong, we may not experience the sort of thing the psalmist describes above.  Most of life is conducted under proper social procedures and systems, even though there may be accidents or crises that occur.  However, it is a totally different picture in Cambodia, because we often encounter unexpected incidents in which we don't know exactly what to do.  Fears and anxieties occur when we face the ‘shocks.’  Nevertheless, God is our strong tower and refuge who keeps His children from disasters. 

Protection from Traffic Accidents

In late August, when I drove my truck back home, I stopped in front of the gate and got out of my truck to open the gate.  Suddenly, I helplessly saw my truck was moving backwards because I had mistakenly put it in Reverse instead of in Park.  It did not start moving until I got out because the road is rough and with a bit of an incline.  It was about 5 p.m. in the evening, but strangely there were no cars or pedestrians passing by.  In addition, my truck reversed, but did not hit anything like the workshop on the other side of the street, the cars parked nearby, etc.  It could have been very dangerous because no one expected a truck moving without a driver.  I rushed to hold it back, but you know that it is impossible to hold back a truck by my strength alone.  I just shouted loudly for help.  There were some workers chatting in front of the workshop who heard me and came to help too.  However, the truck ran into the wall of the vacant house next to my apartment.  It was like a drama, but God really protected me from all the possible dangers and accidents - no one got hurt and the only damage to a building was the minor hit on the wall.   I

n addition to this dramatic case, there have been times that I almost had an accident, but God has been merciful to lift me away from danger.  One of the problems here is that when we have an accident, you had better not call the police because they always come for money instead of helping.  If someone is hurt, they will ‘blackmail’ you for a huge sum of money because they think all foreigners are rich people.  Any possibility can happen because there are no proper rules or systems to handle crises or accidents.  Thank God for His protection. 

Protection from Disease

Recently, dengue fever has killed more than 300 people in Cambodia.  Even some missionaries have become infected despite the fact that our sanitary conditions are better than the average local people.  The symptoms at first are like an ordinary fever, but later it quickly becomes worse.  Other than dengue, malaria is another common infection.  During the rainy season, it is easy for the mosquitoes to breed.  In the villages, the conditions are even worse because of poor sanitary systems and lack of proper hygiene.  It is not much better in the city either.  My apartment’s environment is not good - lots of grass, standing water, messy and muddy roads – all of which contribute to the spread of mosquitoes.   In addition, I usually need to visit villages for development projects. The dirty and smelly areas where they feed the pigs, chickens, and ducks is also a ‘hazardous’ zone for the mosquito bites.  

Over these years I have stayed in Cambodia, God has been kind and good.  Even though I have had headaches, stomach aches and other bodily pains, I haven't had a serious illness so far.  Of course, it is not taken for granted that I will be ‘fit’ all the time, but I have experienced His care and timely recovery so that I could continue to serve without much interference.  Actually, when I am sick, I can do nothing but stay in bed and  drink some herb tea.  In general, it is a struggle to go see a doctor because the facilities here are not very reliable.  Health is not taken for granted.  Thank God for His protection. 

Protection from Violence and Robberies

I always hear about robberies and violence over the radio and TV, and from coworkers and friends.  Some missionaries have been robbed even during the day time or in front of their own home.  Though the economy of Cambodia is getting better, there are still many poor people and young people with no jobs.  Some may commit crimes either for survival or to gratify their materialistic desires.  Until now, I have not encountered these kinds of things - possibly due to the fact that I usually drive instead of taking a motorcycle taxi or walking at night. Also, my landlord has 5 dogs which are very ‘helpful.’  However, I can feel insecure when I walk alone, like everyone is staring at me.  I often carry my bag around my neck and avoid passing through crowded streets, but it does not help much because the robbers usually drive by on a motorcycle and grab your stuff or hit you from behind. As foreigners, we become targets easily, but God always sends His angel to protect us from dangers.  Thank God for His protection. 

Most of the time, the feeling of insecurity is worse than the actual incidents that may happen.  Only God is the source of peace and He Himself is the salvation to deliver us from all sources of trials.  

Prayer points

1.  A healthy body and spirit to live and serve

2. The preparation of English Bible Studies with the young people at Takhmau Church (starting on September 15)

3. The strength of our mission team to take care of various overseas mission teams

4. Continued learning in how to manage my time effectively (both Khmer study and work)

5. The prospective school project at our New Phnom Penh property 

 Psalm 121:7-8 

Davis Lam( )19/09/2007

Cambodia Mail Address: P.O Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia