Davis Lam
Serve with Love and Unity Print E-mail

0601davis3.jpgWhen we bought the current Phnom Penh FM Church building, it was a very old building. However, God's provision is abundant and wonderful so that the renovation work on the church reminds us of the brotherhood of Christ.

The main problem the church faced was severe flooding during the rainy season and foul water coming up from the drainage of the toilet and kitchen. Sometimes we even had to have worship services in the parking area outside. There were also hygiene concerns that mosquitoes, flies or rats could also threaten the health of the University students living in the dormitory upstairs at the church.

Praise the Lord that He prepared an Australian team of 10 people (7 boys and 3 girls) who came to help our Phnom Penh FMC in renovating the premises for 2 weeks. They also contacted plumbers in Australia so that they could also come to help to solve the drainage and sewage problems. The team arrived on January 2, and they worked very hard with the help of those university students who were available. It was a very tough job because we needed to fill up the floor level of the chapel about 2 feet in order to avoid future flooding. Besides that, we dismantled the old ragged roof over the kitchen and backyard sheds as part of the drainage work.

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The team never complained about things like the food, lodging, transportation, or lack of materials. Even the girls were willing to help with the 'dirty' work. In addition, the University students were excited and encouraged by the spirit of the Australian team. The team also helped in the youth fellowship and conducted a seminar about leading worship. Not only did they work hard, they also raised funds from their church for this project. Even though some of them were ill (maybe too much Khmer food), they resumed work as soon as they felt better. I don't know what motive they could have if it is not brotherly love in Christ. We need not wait to see the kingdom of God until we go to heaven; we can experience unconditional love and sacrifice here on earth.

The team also experienced what the Bible says: "the harvest is great but the workers are few." Their fellowship with the Khmer young people broadened their minds about their calling to "serve one another in love." The language barriers and cultural differences could not hinder the unity in God’s kingdom.

The grace of God is not a thing to keep but to share.

Prayer points

  1. The roof of the covered sports pavilion at the Phnom Penh Thmei property is completed. Later we will do the flooring with a stage for activities. May God continue to guide us and provide the money for the next building.
  2. A new office assistant (local staff) will start from February, and the current office secretary, Sarah, will leave for other work.
  3. The preparation work for the annual mission district meeting on February 18 is underway.
  4. Another piglet died at Kampot village (now a total of 10 have died) - may God guide our scheme by His grace.