Every day is a BONUS

Thank God that I had a wonderful vacation in December 2010, going back to Hong Kong to visit my church.  This was especially so because one of my best friends is suffering from cancer.  Actually, a few months before, my heart was heavy as there was much ‘bad news' that happened in Cambodia (death of some missionaries, the stampede and the like).  Hence, I made up my mind to make a visit back to Hong Kong after the overseas teams left, as I really needed a break.  During the stay, I experienced God's provision and kindness along the way.    

Love in the midst of tribulations

My friend had been diagnosed with cancer just a few months after I left for Cambodia in February 2010.  I regularly received updates on his condition via other best friends in my home church.   Actually, my friend had not attended my home church for years already, and only a couple of ‘old members' know him (even my new pastor did not know him).  However, my friend was aware of the concern and love of the church, and he started attending worship services again, even though it was not convenient to walk after his operation.   Another friend took him to stay with his family during a ‘holiday' while he was in the hospital.  Actually, it is not easy to accommodate a guest because the apartments in Hong Kong are generally quite small.  Love always shows itself through sacrifice and generosity.

Sufferings bring people closer

Since my friend's illness started, I saw that his family members have come back from other countries, especially his sister took almost 6 months' leave to take care of him.  Unfortunately his mother was also injured in an accident.  I can understand how difficult the situation is, but on the other hand, I admire my friend whose family members are willing to face the difficulties together, even though they had migrated to other countries years ago.  Furthermore, because of this incident, many Christians informally created a network to pray for my friend via messages, Internet or Facebook. This becomes the goal to bring us together to see how God works His Will.  We are all encouraged because we are close to pray together and ‘fight the battle' together.  I feel this kind of passion is similar to our praying for lost souls in the world that not one will be lost for the flock of our Great Shepherd.  We really become brothers and sisters in God's kingdom.  Not only do festive times bring people together, but a stronger bonding comes in the time of troubles.

Every day is a bonus

Every time when I visit the elderly members of my church, I always have a feeling that it may be the last time to see them.   Please don't get me wrong - I do not think they will die soon, but on the contrary, because of living in Cambodia I am a lot more aware of the risk of losing life through things like car accidents, robberies, aircraft crashes, sickness and the like.  May God grant me the wisdom to know how to count my days on earth, especially in this age that is filled with darkness and dangers.  When I see my friend's faith and hope in God even in midst of sadness and pain, my heart is comforted. 

During the New Year time, it may not be a good timing to share this with you but may God teach us how to treasure the relationships in our daily lives as a bonus.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Prayer points

• 1. Pray for my friend's treatment to fight against the cancer, and may God uphold his faith in Him.
• 2. Pray for the preparation for a short term mission team from Taiwan.
• 3. Pray for the preparations for the annual meeting in late February: lots of reports and translation work to handle.
• 4. Pray for our mission team that God grants us the spirit to serve and for health in body and mind.
• 5. Pray that I will have time to work and time to play.

In Christ,

Davis Lam

January 2011

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