Love and Discipline 

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. – Proverbs 10:1 

In the beginning of 2008, there are lots of things that have happened which bring the challenge of the New Year, especially for our university students.  God is gracious to entrust us as stewards to serve the Cambodians, even though it is not always an easy road.  However, I can learn a lot through the changes and crises. 

The new role as the Student Body adviser

I was quite shocked that I was elected to be the student body adviser without any advance consultation. The body is a committee which consists of 7 university students (both boys and girls) who manage the operations of our dormitories.  Even though they are elected by the students, sometimes they are criticized because of their role conflict with the other students.  My role is to give advice and to handle the disciplinary issues.  Recently, we had incidents of stealing money and other things, fighting among the students, skipping school, and leaving the dorm for a long time without notice. A more serious one was that the chairman of the body received a threatening letter from a student.  Actually, I was very disappointed that educated Christian students could do such things.  It makes me ask about the value of what we have taught and how we have trained them.  Nevertheless, God is kind to remind me that I am also a sinner no better than they are, and that the stronghold of Satan still hinders their spiritual growth and causes them to feel insufficient, compare themselves with others, and to envy others.  Throughout the process of problem solving, I can experience God’s guidance to decide and act for the benefit of the students instead of judging them for their mischief.  May God teach me how to humble myself to listen and care for them. 

The new duty as the Dorm Parent for 4 months

Owing to the fact that Pastor Joel and Grace will leave soon for the Philippines for home assignment, I was appointed to take up the duties as a Dorm Parent in their absence.  It means no matter what happens in the boys’ dorm, it is my responsibility to tackle.  I can imagine the conflicts that will arise due to our cultural differences, such as the standards of tidiness, expectations and priorities.  Some students are really difficult to handle because of their character, family background and spiritual condition, but most of them are cooperative, helpful and honest.  Fairness and open communication are what I am most concerned about, because they have gotten used to challenging us with ‘Why can he/she do it, but I can’t?’  May God grant me wisdom and patience without bias. 

The new approach to contact with people

For the last four years, I worked with local people in quite a distant way - having meetings with villagers, working with just a few staff in the office, and training/preaching to a group of people instead of getting deeply into their struggles and needs.  Whether I like it or not, the role of dorm parent or adviser will force me to attend to the needs and wants of the students.  It also will help me to know more about myself and how God works in their lives through their tribulations.  May God grant me compassion for them instead of treating them as ‘clients’.  

Prayer points 

1. Thank the Lord that I can have this new challenge to work with our university students. 

2. Pray for strength and wisdom to understand and help in their spiritual, emotional and physical needs

3. Pray for my adjustments to fulfilling different roles on the mission field (administrator, adviser, project manager, preacher, overseas team coordinator…..) 

 4.  Pray for my vacation in Hong Kong to visit my family and church members in late January 

5.   Pray for the preparation work for the Mission District Annual Meeting in March 

6.  Pray about funding and new plans for development projects in different villages 

Proverbs 16:9 

Davis Lam( )

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