“Can’t anyone do this? I know you can! But why can’t the Khmer women in Cambodia do what you are seeking to do – be Christs image bearers?"
I was asked this question last week, by a very wise man. Clearly, he understands that while cross-cultural ministry is necessary to spread the Gospel – it is far easier for us humans if we are able to stay within our culture.
My first response:
{silence}
…
{I should really respond about now}
…
{insert made up on the spot reason that probably sounded about as foolish as it was}
In retrospect, here is my response.
We are not doing anything that God couldn’t use someone else for.
In fact, I know He is and will continue to raise up thousands and millions to extend grace and freedom to enslaved men, women, and children. I know that HIS KINGDOM IS COMING and with that, the end of injustice is also going to arrive. I also recognize that many have gone before us with the same desire to see the chained set free.
& yet… I am certain He has called us specifically by NAME to spend the next two years learning from and serving Cambodians.
Why US?
1) To Glorify Himself, God is and will forever be in the business of making Himself great.
2) I know God has a very deep and real love for His children. A love that not only places divine passions within us, but also gives us outlets to fulfill them. He isn't a God who gives an artist talent with no paint or clay materials to create. Similarly, our Lord has placed a desire with us and given His promise:
"…I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and
to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in
darkness, 'Be free!'"
– Isaiah 49: 8-9
Why hasn’t He instead raised up Khmer women to do this work? I couldn’t tell you –
God is God (Woah, breakthrough thought!!) and His infinite wisdom and justice go much further than our finite minds can imagine. If you'll let me try to explain though… I think that as we struggle through language, culture, relationships, and life in Cambodia God will be most glorified as our weaknesses are exposed and His strength made even more evident.
What are we doing, that someone else can’t do?
Well, sir – what we are doing is being obedient to God’s call. It is something that everyone is capable of through Gods grace freely given. In fact, it is only by God’s amazing grace that we are enabled to walk obediently.
What a great God we serve!
Important Side Note: Our hope is that we can set up a “trafficking institute”. This will allow Khmer women to educate us on their culture, food, and heritage while enabling us to educate them on sex trafficking, prostitution, and their role in its end. Ultimatly empowering the Cambodian people to reach out to their own.
Side Note 2: This man is wonderful – and the question is excellent. So I hope this doesn’t come across as a condescending or obnoxious. This is my honest heart.
