A letter of complaint

According to Cambodia culture, confrontation is usually a taboo, especially for those of higher position or older in age.  Hence, we hear gossip a lot, but people seldom settle their grievances or dissatisfactions face to face.  Recently, I received an email - I would call it a ‘complaint letter’ - from one of our graduates.  The issue was related to the management of our dormitory ministry and some problems of our existing students.  In the beginning, I didn't feel easy because it was quite judgmental, discouraging the morale of the committee members and, of course, myself.  Anyway, I replied to him and thanked him for his comments, but I also encourage him to pray for us that we could face the problems in a constructive way.    That was not the end of the story, as the chairman of the committee replied to the email as well, and I sensed that it was not a ‘friendly’ reaction either.  What I worry most about is that this issue will bring about disputes and anger between them.  Actually, I have seen this kind of thing often happens in churches when Satan wants to destroy the unity of Christians.   Consequently, I wrote to them to explain some of the details and again encouraged them to pray.   A few days later, I again received an email from the graduate, but this time I thank God that He protected His children from evil.  The graduate was considering if he and his fiancée could help the dormitory as volunteers.  His attitude is positive and he is willing to help not only verbally but also by action.   It is always easy to judge but not easy to actually commit to help.   Of course, the issue is a complex one, but we have faith that God is leading us to a way of success.   In addition, I also learned something throughout the process.

Chhun Sonita	Keo Sivpav	Lem Dany

The illusion of complacency

Most of the time, when I share with overseas teams, I more or less have a feeling of pride about what we do for the students.  Sometimes, I treat the problems of the dormitory as ‘no big deal’ because I may be happy to ‘maintain’ instead of to ‘grow’ actively of the ministry.  However, this complaint letter aroused my alertness to our existing situation and the goals of our ministry.  The quality of the students both in spiritual and intellectual realms are always the prime concern in order to build up their lives during the time they stay at the dormitory.

Nak Rotha	Nao Unheng	Phat Ravuth

The courage to give voice to the problem

Even though these e-mails brought some tension between us, I appreciate his persistence in facing the problem, even though it may provoke or upset the other’s feelings.  Effective and honest communication always carries the risk of triggering each other’s nerves, especially in some sensitive issues like position, status, dignity and seniority.  Speaking the truth in love may not necessarily be something we want to hear.  I thank God for raising up the young people of Cambodia to have this quality for the future leadership, either in the church or community.

I long to see how God is building up the local young people to minister through challenges and prayers.

Sam Soy	Sar Sopheak	Thy Daly

Prayer points

1. Praise the Lord that all the new students have sponsors.  Thanks to the brothers and sisters who earnestly and generously support our dormitory ministry
2. Pray for  adjustment of the new students; and that the dorm supervisor and parents have the strength and wisdom to serve them
3. Pray for final stage of preparation of the medical team and school dedication ceremony
4. Pray for the Wilkins family - both Caleb and Corey have been sick
5. Pray for the high unemployment rate in Phnom Penh, in addition to high inflation

Proverbs 22:17

In Christ,

Davis Lam

November 2010

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