builds maturity in endurance

This is the LAST prayer letter before my 2^nd home assignment.  Actually a lot of things have been happening in August and September.  On the whole, most of them are related to driving issues.  I think I already have shared some of these involving punctured tires, local drivers who do not observe traffic rules, the corruption of the traffic police, and the like.  The driving issues in Cambodia are one of the most frustrating and stressful things that foreigners have to deal with.   However, I can see that God also uses these situations to let me learn more about endurance.

Transportation Infrastructure

The quality of the roads in Cambodia is not good, especially to the remote villages of the other provinces.   Even though the highways to the other provinces have been paved with asphalt, the paving does not last long and soon develops big potholes and bumpy areas. I've had a couple of experiences of falling into the muddy ‘trap' and the rice fields, which requires more than 6-10 strong men to rescue my truck out of the ‘trouble.' I also experienced the friendly help from the villagers or church members in such times of great need.  In the rainy season, I become more stressed because I never know if there will be someone to help when needed.

The Traffic System

There is a general understanding that whenever traffic accidents occur, the one who has the bigger vehicle is responsible, even though he may be the victim.  I've had a few experiences when a motorcycle or car crashed into my truck. And of course, I called the insurance company staff to come and settle the case for me.  In general, the underwriter often suggests that I pay some money to end the case without the complications of taking the vehicle to the police station or claiming the insurance to send the injured careless driver to the hospital for treatment. In August, I had two traffic accidents in 10 days!  The first event was a problem with my brakes, which meant I hit the car in front of mine.  The second one was a motorcycle which crashed into the side of my truck and the driver got hurt. In both cases I needed to be responsible.  This increases the tension because it seems there is no right or wrong, but everything depends on what resources or authority we have to settle the aftermath.

Security 

On September 10, I went to the Phnom Penh church to have a meeting with the local pastor. I parked my truck in front of the church at around 2:30 p.m.  When I was ready to leave and tried to start the engine, it would not work.  I could not believe my eyes that the battery was stolen!  The pastor told me a similar thing had happened a few times already, and now the thieves are more skillful and sophisticated in stealing things off cars (before they just stole the light bulbs, mirrors, etc).  I think they must have had some tools, because it is not easy to use bare hands to unscrew the bolts on the battery.  The amazing thing is that they were able to open the truck hood without a lot of effort.  It probably only took around 5 minutes to finish the whole process.  I can't imagine how the thief could do it in the middle of the day and on the big street in front of the church.  Thank the Lord that He prepared an angel- a HK missionary who lives near the church who helped me to start the truck, buy a new battery, and take the truck to get the battery mount fixed cheaply.  Anyway, I now feel more nervous about parking the truck on the street because there is no security.

I never know if the best way to get around is driving a car; even taking the motorcycle taxis is risky in terms of safety and security.  Nevertheless, from my experiences, I can see God's grace and provision over the past 6 years.  The tension still exists, but I have become more ‘skillful' in handling policemen, accidents and unexpected inconveniences.  May God reign over those dark powers in Cambodia.

Prayer points

1. Pray for packing and moving out of my apartment

2. Pray for the handover of my responsibilities to other colleagues

3. Pray for the development projects and that brother Philemon will be able to handle them well in my absence

4. Pray for safe traveling back to HK and the preparation for sharing in churches (I have not yet started to prepare)

5. Pray for work that I should finish before my home assignment, including the confirmation of new university students, the Kampot loan scheme, and the like

II Peter 1:5-8

Davis Lam

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

Road to the remote villages

Road in the city

My truck