In this update, I would like to share about the lives of several of the missionaries or staff I met here. I hope it will inspire you as it inspired me.
Dr Castro
Dr Castro is the director of BILEG Solid Rock and also a missionary doctor. He started in Cambodia 19 years ago with his family. He has a background is of an anesthetist and surgical trainee doctor. After a short stint of working in Saudi Arabia, circumstances did not allow him to complete his training. He went into education for a while, before being called to come to Cambodia as a missionary, supported by Christian Mission Alliance.
So I asked him, what about the children? And their education?
He told me about the School of Tomorrow, a home schooling system he subscribed to. He moved to Phnom Penh to allow his kids the needed social interaction. However, he noted there were too many missionaries in Phnom Penh (the Capital). There were none in Kampong Thom. So, he moved there and set up a church and clinic.
Then he depicted many incredible stories. It seemed that there were many orphans in Kampong Thom. Therefore a Christian Man sponsored him and he started an orphanage of initially 8 children. Then it grew... to 14 then 21....
Then he noted that the children were being bullied due to their Christian Faith. As a result, he started a school, initially primary, and over the years have expanded into secondary school services. On hosting medical teams, he always hoped to start a hospital because there was a great need in that area. 8 years ago, he started praying. Now the building has taken shape with outpatient services.
Did he plan any of this?
NO. He followed the need and walked by faith
Happy face.
Milvert
So Milvert is the quartermaster of BILEG Solid Rock. That's how he described it to me anyway, using the example from James Bond. Instead of equipping James Bond with cool toys, he fix and equips the school, hospital, church and orphanage dormitory as is needed. He is almost indispensable and a great help to the team
He is also understandably perpetually tired. I learnt how he stepped out from Philippines as a missionary after the passing of his brother and is always encouraged by his work ethic. Thank you Milvert!
Milvert is in the left. The other one... you can guess who it is.
Dr Jackson Lim
So, Dr Jackson is a Singaporean Consultant A&E doctor who known Dr Castro probably 8 years ago on a mission trip. He, together with his colleagues are the ones who gave Dr Castro the seed money to build a hospital.
I recently met him during his visit and was blessed with his expertise and heart for serving the patients and the Lords work.
Just to clarify. We are not twins. And yes, we might look a bit similar in those glasses.
Annie Kho
So, Annie is a Malaysian missionary who I met while working here. She came from Penang and probably has the best mastery of the Cambodian language I have seen in a non native speaker.
She works in Kampong Cham, teaching English classes while spreading the gospel. I was encouraged by her faith and great joy in the Lord.
Annie is the woman on the left. The middle is Dr Castro and Madame Joy, his wife. The other is... me.
I have still yet to discuss about Raymond, Ismail, Teacher Jet, Ring-Ring or Madame Joy. Not to mention the Cambodian friends I met here. Or any of the upcoming teams arriving during the next 2 months. Perhaps it's best to be reminded of the even greater cloud of witness that is best depicted in Hebrews 11. Of others like Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and Paul who walked by faith. Better so, to emulate the pioneer and perfector of our faith, Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off anything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
PRAYER
- Please pray for more people who are willing to serve here in Cambodia and BILEG.
- Please pray for the Bible conference, that everyone would treasure Gods word.
- Please pray for funding for the children and hospital.
- The link for fundraising is http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Ivan-yow
Until next time.
God Bless.
Ivan