Living in Peace

A Chinese proverb states "Meeting together is wonderful, but living together is not that easy."  Even if they are family members, it is not easy to have good relationships with each other because of different expectations, personalities and habits.  I have been living in Cambodia for more than 6 years on my own; now it is a good opportunity to experience something different - having a companion under the same roof.  Actually, I have known the principal of the school project, Brother Stanley, for more than 20 years, but I never expected that we would meet and even live together in Cambodia.  God is awesome!

Psalm 133 depicts the beautiful picture of how brothers in the Lord can live in harmony.  It is not a fantasy, but with effort it can happen through the grace of God  Through similarities and differences, our lives become richer and more colorful.

 SAME mission but DIFFERENT roles in ministry

The great commission of Christ Jesus is to go and make disciples.  It is our core motive to carry out different ministries in order to achieve the calling of God in our lives.  Stanley is a pastor and also an educator; his mission is to serve the students and their parents via the school environment.   On the other hand, my focus is to serve Cambodians and fellow missionaries in the aspects of administration, holistic development projects and training.  Sometimes, I find out our differences can complement each other's mindset of service and experience.  Of course, I never expect we can fully understand the other's rationale but it broadens my worldview through another's lens.

SAME attitude in brotherhood but DIFFERENT living styles

We both value the opportunity to support each other in daily living.  Again, we don't care much about  ‘who should be responsible' or  ‘rights,' instead we try to help each other whatever problems come up either in emergencies or unexpectedly.  "Respect and pay attention" to each other's strength and weaknesses is our mentality to build up the friendship.  For instance, I like cooking but hate washing dishes.  On the other hand, Stanley would prefer washing dishes to cooking.  It's a perfect match in partnership, but of course, some misunderstandings may also happen due to our level of expectation. 

SAME home but DIFFERENT worlds

Stanley stays at the 1/F and I on the mezzanine.  Strictly speaking, we have our own ‘territory' for privacy and living chambers.  However, we treat it as a ‘home' in that wherever it is needed, we will open our territory for the other's convenience.  Sometimes, he may need to use my computer for internet and I may need to go upstairs to do something.  We are free to use the space but at the same time we won't abuse the freedom.

Living is an art to understand and build up others.  However, sincerity and open communication are a must to maintain a good relationship.  There is also a mutual dynamic of change from situation to situation.  Nevertheless, God reigns!

Prayer points

1. Thank the Lord that we (my staff also) are settled down in the new office, even though we encounter power failures every day.

2. Thank the Lord that the principal of our school project and I can adjust well in the new home. We share the housework like  cooking, cleaning, washing and the like.

3. Pray for the school permit application and promotion for the school in the community.

4. Please pray for my sister, as she will receive chemotherapy in June; may God grant her the patience to bear the pain.

5. Pray for the health of our students and church members, as many of them are sick due to the hot weather. Some students are having exams too.

And let the peace of Christ be ruling in your hearts, as it was the purpose of God for you to be one body; and give praise to God at all times. Colossians 3:15

Davis Lam

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