Since I serve as the ‘Dorm Uncle' at our boys' dorm, I understand more about the students' history and struggles.  Before, we always commented on their lack of discipline, laziness and immaturity. This is true to a certain extent, but now we can also view the other side of the situation:

When they shared with me about how they believed in Jesus, they also talked about their history.  Some were victims of family violence or abuse; some were helpless because of poverty; some were suffering from sickness and accidents; some were desperate because they were orphans.....Thus, pessimistic thoughts, distrust and anger are unconsciously implanted in their hearts.  I wonder how they could pass through those hardships when they were just children.  However, it also stirs many of them to push hard in order to survive and make a change in their ‘destiny.'  That's why I always hear about their taking a lot of courses like English, Korean, computer, etc., after school to gain more knowledge.  Moreover, they desperately look for voluntary jobs in order to gain working experience for their future job application competition.  Adversities can make people give up hope, but can also become a means to experience God's grace through faith.  Therefore, over 95% of the students build up their faith in Christ by flesh and blood experience in tribulations.

When they moved to Phnom Penh city from the village, they need to take care of themselves in areas like cooking, washing clothes, cleaning their rooms and the like.  As a ‘BOY' in the village, they normally do not need to do those things because they have parents or sisters to help; some are so poor that they don't bother to take care of anything at all.  It is a drastic change in environment when they live in the capital where temptations, materialism and complex relationship issues bring about their anxieties, frustrations and financial tensions (especially as everything is expensive now).  When I organized a Bible class which is conducted by a Bible School teacher, they only needed to pay half (US$1.25) of the tuition fee, but some could not easily afford it. Some are always worried about the expenses of food, transportation, books and clothes, especially those who are orphans without any family support.  Therefore, it may bring about problems in observing the house rules of the dorm like the cleaning schedule, restrictions on working full time (a part time job is hard to find), ministry at their village church on Sundays (transportation expense), etc.  One the other hand, it is also very difficult for them to work as a team because of their different backgrounds and character.  Nevertheless, some students are doing well when they cherish the opportunity to study in the university and they become more mature to deal with problems too.  They may ride a bicycle instead of taking a motorbike; they will cook for other students in return for free meals or they learn to help each other in case of emergency.  Hardship can be a tough time but also a means to build up a strong character.  Again, in the time of hardship, they will experience God's provision through faith.

The job opportunities in Phnom Penh are not good, and many graduates find it difficult to find a decent job.  One of our graduates who studied IT now works in a department store as a salesperson.  Another took more than a year to find a job for which he needed to move to another province.  Mostly, their salary is very low and just enough to survive on their own, so they are unable to help their families in the village.  Of course, corruption, preference, background, or even difference in faith may cause them to face more difficult situations.  We can also understand how desperate they might get when they've tried hard but failed many times. Furthermore, they may also fall into temptation to give up and become addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling, which leads to more serious problems.  Sometimes I also feel helpless when they are in the tough situations.  However, seeking God's guidance is the only way to overcome the negative thoughts and attitudes in life, because God is our fortress and salvation to deliver us from snares and traps.

1.  That the young people of our churches can grow and be mature in spiritual life

2.  That our university students are serious in studies and church ministries

3.  For the future construction work at our land (Phnom Penh Thmei)

4.  Continue to pray about the high inflation and the coming election for Prime Minister in July

5.  For our pastors who face difficulties in ministries and livelihood

Proverbs 3:6

Davis Lam