I recently had the opportunity to join in the YWAM Cambodia staff conference. Over 300 people from around the country that are a part of the missions organization I work under joined in a great conference. A few things that struck me in the whole experience:
1.During the conference, the ministry I work with managed the childrens' program. Since these are all missionary kids, they mostly spoke English. This was awesome because I was able to really interact and connect with them. They told me what God was saying to them, they asked questions, we talked about their lives and favorite places they have been. It was fantastic, and it reminded me how much I love being able to really connect with children and hear what's on their little hearts. If I'm being honest, it gave me a twinge of homesickness, and made me even more anxious to begin my Khmer classes.
2. I work in a great community. The people I work with and around are such kind, loving people. I was surrounded by people who all had given their lives to caring for people. The atmosphere in a place like that is so warm and heartfelt, it's such an honor to be near all of them.
3. Now, this one is the kicker, the reason I wanted to write a blog about this in the first place.
With this being the 25th anniversary of YWAM in Cambodia, they had some of the people who were here in the first years talk about the experience. I learned that when YWAMers first came here, they worked in the refugee camps. Remember that there was a massive genocide here only 40 years ago, and war in the surrounding area as well. This was a pretty dark place. Yet, these people came and cared for the refugees, for those displaced by the horrors of war.
In a time where refugees are such a big issue, I found this to be so important. Decades ago, there were people caring for refugees here in Cambodia. Back in the States, I know organizations and people who are giving their all to care for refugees today. And while I am appalled by how some people handle and speak about the current refugee situation, I also am encouraged by the fact that throughout different times and places there are people stepping up to care for those whose lives have been torn apart by war.
But wait, here is the most beautiful part of this story- at the conference there were missionaries who were working with refugees in Europe. The Khmer people took up an offering and gave money to support those refugees in Europe. Let me say that again, the Khmer people gave money to help refugees. The people who were refugees themselves a short while ago are now able to give to help refugees across the world. Those who were once victims have become the ones helping the victimized. Is there anything more redemptive than that?
This country is still dealing with some of the effects of the Khmer Rouge in their culture. Yet they are now strong enough to care for those who are where they have been.
I think sometimes we are afraid to help people in a situation we went through because it hits close to home and can bring us back to feeling helpless. Yet all around me, I see the hope and beauty of reaching out to those whose experiences mirror our past. Former sex-slaves become social workers, those who were abused become counselors, and the refugees of yesterday care for the refugees of today. The tables keep turning, and all we can do is give people a hand when we are on the upside.
P.S. If you are interested in doing something about the refugee situation, take a look at this page on my website, there are a few organizations on there that are working directly with the refugee crisis.
