Honors and Struggles

Every year, we organize a Parent's Day for the university students, especially for those who are new to staying in the city of Phnom Penh.  Their parents are usually excited to come and visit their son or daughter.  Moreover, it is also their honor and pride to have their children studying in university.   On the other hand, the students prepared the whole program in order to let their parents feel happy and have the opportunity to hear the gospel, because many of them are not Christians.  The students worked very hard to clean the dorm (you can imagine how clean the boys dorm usually is), decorate the chapel, make video clips (a high tech production), prepare the lunch, and the like.  Over these recent years, I have had the privilege of participating in this event as a dorm parent.  I have a feeling that what we have done for the young people is really worthwhile and meaningful.  In general, due to poverty and corruption, the young people in the village don't have much opportunity to receive higher education and a proper career path.  In addition, offering the chance for higher education is one of the best ways to build up the country and church leadership. 

Behind the bright side of the picture, I also see there are lots of struggles for both the parents and students.  We are usually tempted by the outside world with its philosophies and trends. 

Parents' expectations

The parents look forward to seeing their children have a good future after their studies in order to help with the family's needs.  Actually they aren't concerned much with the process of studying - whether the young people are honest or diligent.   R & D (reproducing and duplicating) is the normal atmosphere in Cambodian schools because the government does not provide enough resources to ensure the quality of education.  I also had a bad experience when a student cheated us and used his tuition money for himself and also for his family's needs.  When we found out his mishaps, his family blamed us for kicking him out of the sponsorship program.  I could understand his parents felt shamed, but on the other hand, they may have been blinded by the temporary benefits, instead of long term goals of integrity and honesty.

Students' mentality

When students move into our dormitory, we require them to attend the Wednesday evening prayer meetings at the church and the Bible study on Thursday evenings.  Even though they are all ‘Christians,' they sometimes are influenced by their classmates or society.   They almost all come from ordinary and even poor families, and they are eager to get trendy stuff like cell phones, fashionable clothes, etc.  During one meeting we discussed,  "How do you handle your problems besides praying?"  Some shared that they would go out with friends somewhere for fun (maybe having beer?); some shared they would find some quiet place to keep away from family and friends; some shared they would do something to make them feel better like eating, listening to music (usually not hymns) or even chatting with someone about trivial matters.  Of course, it is not a matter of right and wrong to comfort ourselves through different means unless it brings hurt to others or self.  However, they focus more on their FEELINGS without proactive measures to build up a more positive attitude towards difficulties. 

May God continue to guide us on how to build up the young people's lives and their parents through the dormitory ministry.  I really hope that they can become pillars of the church and society instead of merely having good jobs and lives like the world has.  The purpose of life is to fulfill the calling of God that can really bring us abundant life in this world and even for eternity.

Prayer points

1. Pray for the new candidates for our university scholarship program. We will have the in-house examination in late July. May God provide sponsors who have the same vision.
2. Pray for the graduates that they can find jobs and experience God's grace
3. Pray for the construction work on the school which is in the final stages. The rainy season may hinder the progress unduly.
4. Pray for the new Filipino missionary family, the Engallas - Jonathan, MaryJane and their two kids, who are adjusting to the new environment.
5. Pray for the new development projects in agriculture at other villages. Thank God for the success of the saving plans and mother pig raising projects.
6. Pray for the field supervisor, Chris Wilkins and his family, that he will have the strength to work with local churches and committees. Also pray for the wisdom to lead the missionary team (a total of 10 missionaries)

Titus 2:6-8

Davis Lam  

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