The Workers

Stories to share.

The TCF trip cannot end without me sharing the stories of some full time workers in Cambodia. The ones I hear of are from Malaysia and Singapore. I am awed by their sense of commitment and their love for God. Their obedience have caused them to give away a part of their comfortable life and be in the field where they want to be used by God.

I must admit though what I share may just be an observation and I could have also misinterpreted but one thing I am sure is ; they are not in a comfort zone.

On the left is Pastor Lily from a northern Malaysian state who once worked as a trained teacher. She felt led to Baray and since some perhaps 10 years ago has served the local community there. She looks after the spiritual welfare of the locals and helps TCF in organising the annual get together. I only know that her father and brother have also visited her and see her at work here. She has given up a career to go after God's purpose.
Next on my right is Singaporean Kim. She told me that she felt led to lead the youths in Baray and Phnom Penh to greater heights of spiritual maturity and hopes that one day they will be strong enough to be on their own. Her parents are strong folks to follow her vision.

The lady in white is Dr. Ling Chern Chern. She is an orthodontist and has a masters from the National University of Singapore and has been here together with her dentist husband Dr. Choo Yew On as OM missionaries since some 20 years ago. She speaks almost perfect Khmer and gets her way with the locals in the best practices. Her hubby lectures in a local University and together they work for God's purpose here.
Strange but true. I came to know that she is actually the daughter of my mother's old time friend whom we dearly call as Teacher Ling; in his nineties. He is my mum's spiritual leader and even at that age takes the initiatives to organize get togethers for the older generation in an effort to spread the gospel.
My mother always sing high praises for teacher Ling praising him of his generosity and kind disposition. He is known for his soft ways and accomodation for people. Truly the love of God runs in his family.
Dr. Ling and husband seem energetic and have the committment to be around as long as they are allowed.

 The Choos are a blessing to the local folks; helping them in the learning of English and seeing them through some difficult times. I can see that they have been toughened to cater to the many challenges here. I also understand to a certain extent that Dr. Ling was instrumental in getting a sponsor for a group of locally grown dentists to attend a dentistry seminar in the UK recently just before we left. The local folks must love them for their care and sacrifices. On their own it would have been difficult for them to write and convince authorities or sponsors for an all-paid trip to the UK. Surely her treasures are in heaven.

Then I learn of another piece of news. The man on the left is Dr. Lim Tou Boon the ex President of Academics in Taylor's University who has made up his mind to leave his earthly comfort in Malaysia for Phnom Penh.
In an exclusive interview conducted, he revealed that he is taking God's calling to build the youths here. He sees the need to develop them spiritually into independent leaders for the future. He believes that there is much to be done here and he humbly gives up much for this.
He came in a 'tuk tuk' together with his wife and two children for a dinner before we left Phnom Penh. He said his main mode of transport here is hopping onto a motor bike as a pillion rider when he is alone or a tuk tuk when his family is with him. The humble man kept reminding us to call him by his second name and not include any title to it. He has to adjust to much over here and is displaying traits of strength and leadership himself; all for the furtherance of the gospel.
When asked about the adjustments he said his children will have first to learn to bathe in cold water and not sleep in air conditioned rooms for the gas bills can be exorbitant.
God will bless him in his love for his cause.

Next, the name Esther Ding is on every missionary's memory for her extensive work in Baray. If you have a chance get a copy of this book and read how a native Malaysian made up her mind some 20 years ago to come and serve in the remote village.

This is an excerpt from the book which tells of her journey of faith in Baray. Esther first went as a missionary and later continues her cause on her own to help the needs of the locals. She taught them skills to be independent financially and gives them advice to overcome challenges of livelihood. Many have been blessed by her determination and desire to lift them from poverty and even the local government has honoured her for her work. No one can work in this way if not for a calling and obedience to God.
All throughout the time I have been told of her sacrifices; how she left home and family and a high paying job just to follow the instruction of God.
Though single, she is made a mother and grandmother by the locals. Everyone talks of her in high regards and respect for her undivided love for the people here.
Her latest effort include the building of a school called Wisdom Nest School  which will include an international programme  for the local children. The school is still being built but they have plans that it should be ready soon and teachers have been trained by another set of Malaysians, Colonel Tan and Mabel. Many are working towards this vision and surely Baray is truly blessed by their presence.

I came home from the trip reminiscing on all that I saw and experienced and I am grateful to be given a chance to see God's work among his people. I must say I have so much to learn and can only humbly admit I am still learning.
Veteran in age but so much I still am not aware and do not know.

May God's special portion of grace be upon his workers.

If you get a copy of the book above, the contribution will go to the building of Wisdom Nest School.

The book records her love for God.