The Mission

Teachers Christian Fellowship (TCF) Malaysia has an annual mission to Cambodia to reaffirm the local teachers in their teaching commitment.
This year was no different ; the planning and mission to accomplish brewed.

2016 had the smallest number of educators sent out to do the TCF work in the Khmer land. There were 15 veterans and 2 newly trained teachers from Sabah and Sarawak but all with one mission at heart; to do our little part for the Cambodian teachers.

Although way past the age, it was my maiden trip and I was glad that it enlarged my understanding of extending that extra help.

These 2 beautiful girls; in looks and at heart were a blessing to have around. They were all too ready to carry the large boxes of drinks and luggage. They were pleasant, teachable and creative. Their ages when added up however could not be any older than any of the veterans who went. Oh dear, I hate to admit it but we are getting older by the year; but the heart isn't though. 

81 conferees gathered for the conference ; young and old.

Not all were able to understand English but all had the desire to serve; I believe.

They were here for encouragement, new learning experiences and meeting new counterparts. Quite a number were repeat conferees from the past and it was surely an enriching experience for many.

See what I mean ? Some are very young and brought a child along but another could be as veteran as the man on the right. Young or old, they were eager for the learning experience. So, it was good to watch and know God at work .

Taylor's University College at the courtesy of the ex President of Academics , Mr. Lim Tou Boon had also extended that extra service by donating T shirts and conference bags for the conferees. So, indirectly the college was doing a community service globally. Strange how an impact of this nature could be made in a collaborative work. It's a winning contribution all the way.

This is the camp speaker with his Cambodian protegee who was the translator. Cheli the speaker, is super proud of Chetra. He saw how the young man grew in the faith as the years go by and today is working as a Bible translator in a local enterprise. This is a mark of discipleship which every mentor would like to see in a mentee.

 In short, this is also a success story ; a result of obedience on both sides.

What did Cheli say?

Transforming a nation through education.

He based his text on Matthew 9 whereby the conferees were reminded that it was Jesus who chose them to be teachers and that every teacher has the power to influence their students in many aspects. The teachers are the keys to elevate the locals out of poverty and enlarging their knowledge.

Cheli next reiterated that our God is a God of miracles and told the teachers not to be afraid of challenges for we have a God who can perform miracles to grant solutions as recorded in the Bible.

Surely the harvest is plentiful and the challenge is to stand up for Jesus in the work place and be a living testimony to both students and teachers. Even in a hostile environment, the integrity, honesty and virtues displayed by the Christian teacher are enough to win souls.

So the challenge was thrown to the conferees.

 After the first session, we lunched together with some local teachers and Makara on my left is being trained at the moment for Wisdom Nest School, an International School which will open its doors to underprivileged children in Baray; a town between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in January.The story of many Malaysians contributing to this blessed town were touching and Baray has improved partly because of Malaysian full time workers serving there.

 I met Pastor Kim, a Singaporean serving here for the last 3 years and her commitment is for another couple of years. She is also here to help the locals in their faith and to churn leaders out of the local folks. She told me that her father has visited her here. She has stood up for Jesus.
Apparently her mother also know Grace's ( my first daughter) mother in law in Tiong Baru. 

God's work surely knows no boundaries.

Pastor Lily on the right is instrumental in helping to contact the locals and finding a conference site. A Malaysian too, she has been serving here for more than 5 years and her love for the faith is fixed. She speaks Khmer and is close to the people. Her mission here is for the extension of the faith through her tireless service for the benefit of the locals.

Their dedication is real.

At the end of the first first day talks, the local pastor sang and the conferees broke into a dance which portrayed graceful movements and steps. The Cambodians are endemic dancers and everyone seems to be able to do it.

No trace of 2 left feet.