In-house Examination of our University Students Sponsorship

August is a special month in Cambodia because over ten thousand grade 12 students attend the public examination which lays the path to study in university.  Three years ago, we decided to conduct an in-house examination to scan the candidates who apply for our sponsorship program.  This was because we found out that many of the students could buy the examination paper for the public examination.  On the other hand, some students did not study hard because they did not develop good study habits.  As long as I have served in the university students' ministry, I have had some unhappy experiences of ‘kicking out' those students who make trouble because of their poor study habits.  This year we have 14 candidates   from different churches who took the exam.  Actually, this in-house examination is quite a unique one because of the following reasons:

Honesty is the top requirement

Brother Daniel is the chairman of the Higher Education Committee, and he is committed to help the young people to have an opportunity for further study.  He held the beginning session and stressed the importance of honesty. which is quite a contrast to the public examination mentality here in Cambodia.  He also reminded them it is the time to let them know clearly their abilities, instead of getting a good result by cheating.  He also shared his experience that he failed the public examination because he did not cheat like others did.  We may have to pay for being honest, but God's rewards are bigger than anything we might lose.

The environment is cheating-proof

We set the tables in a way that the candidates cannot do anything to cheat or discuss with others.  In their normal practice, they get used to seeing or letting others see the answers (what they call ‘helping each other').   I ‘accompanied' them throughout the whole period to let them know that we are serious in this examination.  However, I felt a bit embarrassed because some candidates raised some questions that I could not answer clearly (all in Khmer).  Anyway, this picture reminds me of Hong Kong public examinations - strict and quiet.

Punctuality

The difference in mindset about punctuality is also a big issue here in Cambodia.  Even with worship services, people get used to being late or just coming in at anytime they want.  Nevertheless, during the day of our examination, all the candidates came punctually, even those from far villages.  It shows their zeal to get this opportunity for future study.  

May God use this ministry to bless the young people in Cambodia.  Last but not least, may God also move your hearts to participate in this life-building project.

Prayer points

1. Pray for the provision of sponsors for our candidates, and especially for brother Lim who is applying for a scholarship to study at the Bible School.

2. Pray for our development projects that can help the churches and childcare centres.

3. Pray for the Wilkins' home assignment in late August for 4 months. May God's grace be with them, especially for their kids during lots of traveling.

4. Pray for the local pastors and leaders that they can follow up the ministries in the absence of the Field Supervisor.

5. Pray for my physical and spiritual health to serve.

Psalm 71:5

Davis Lam

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