The post below was written by Danielle. She was a member of the Exilic Church team that came in February, 2020.

This past February, a group of eight of us from Exilic Presbyterian Church in NYC had the privilege of traveling to Cambodia for a weeklong short-term mission trip. This was my second visit; I had been out to see them the year prior as well, as part of Exilic’s vision trip.  

When we arrived, we had been expecting to act as a relief team, of sorts. During the preparation for our trip, God had really placed upon our hearts a desire to encourage the MTW team: to come alongside them, to befriend them, and, for one week, to take on some of what they had on their plates. We practiced skits and prepared worship songs; we wrote discussion questions and designed lesson plans; we brainstormed ideas for crafts, for games, for icebreakers, for tutorials. We wanted to encourage the team, but we also wanted to be genuinely useful. For myself, I knew that our week’s worth of contributions would be a drop in the bucket when compared to the months and years that the long-term missionaries had spent in the field… but I hoped that everything we had prepared would, at the very least, go as planned. 

Well, God is so good at putting everything into the right perspective. Within the first couple days of arriving, we sat down with MTW missionaries Paul and Tim, who gave us an orientation on the organization, the Cambodia team, their mission, and their work. As Paul ran us through the team’s stated core principles, I was struck by one in particular: “Relationships over results.” 

Paul explained that in the mission field, it was sometimes easy to fall into the trap of focusing on quantitative outcomes or scale, especially when communicating with supporters or communities back home. He reminded us that ultimately, missions is God’s work, not ours — His to control, His to attend to, and His to prosper. Remembering this helps to shift the focus away from analyzing results and towards building relationships, whether with Khmer pastors, local church members, partner organizations, or non-believing neighbors. 

Immediately, I felt challenged to reframe my approach to our purpose and contribution as a short-term team. Ultimately, we were there not just to carry out pre-drawn agenda items, but to witness the work God is completing in Cambodia through MTW and its national partners, and to fellowship with and bring encouragement to His people. And it’s true that the most unforgettable part of our trip were the new relationships and friendships we created while we were there.  

We were blessed to spend time with warm-hearted Sovanny, an MTW Cambodia staff member, whose story highlighted the way in which a chance encounter with a missionary could, over time, grow into a faithful relationship with Christ. We got to hang out with our friend Orchea, whom we met last year — both his English and his guitar skills now three times as good! Watching him lead worship at Redemption in Christ Church (RCC) in Phnom Penh, while remembering how his story began with Pastor Luke and Sokha in Angk’jeay Village, served as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness. We brought praise teams from all three MTW church plants in Phnom Penh together for workshops, giving us the chance to learn from one another and trade songs in both languages. In Angk’jeay Village, we made countless young friends, ranging from four to 17 years of age. They kept us laughing, had us beat in a game of basketball, and got us dancing to the hottest tracks in Cambodia. At the Family Clinic run by Dr. Mark and Dr. Nara, the women on our team gathered with a group of women doctors and staff to read the Word, share our testimonies, and pray for one another. We spent an entire afternoon with the missionaries’ children, playing games, going to the park, and bonding over an abundance of snacks. And during an evening with university students, we shared the joys and worries that occupied our daily lives, discovering how much we all had in common: school to study for, family lives to tend to, careers to advance… But also: A good and gracious God, who is the same in Cambodia as He is in New York. 

Which reminds me of another thing Paul said to us during our trip. Upon our return, he wisely counseled, we should keep in mind that for this season, God has called our team to serve in New York City — just as he and his family have been called to serve in Phnom Penh. As members of a single body, we each have our roles to play. 

That’s right, I realized. We were so incredibly blessed to have spent one week in fellowship with these amazing missionaries. How much more encouraging to know that we are faithfully supporting one another as co-laborers, through prayer and love, the other 51 weeks of the year? To know that we can celebrate together and suffer with one another. To know that we can reach out and rely on one another. To know that God is being faithful not only here, where I am called, but also on the other side of the world, where my brothers and sisters have been called. For though not all of us call ourselves missionaries, we are all living with a mission. 

It’s been almost one month since our return from Cambodia. In that short period, so much has changed. We nearly didn’t get on that plane to Phnom Penh due to the first murmurings of the coronavirus. Now, I find myself self-isolating in my own apartment. Uncertainty fills the air. My neighbors and I wonder how long we’ll have to spend our lives alone and separate, confined to our small corners of the world. Similar changes have unfolded all over the world, Cambodia included. More than ever, I am so grateful to have a God who cannot be confined, who is watching not only over this city, and this earth, but also over entire galaxies, beyond what we could ever conceive. All-powerful, all-knowing, and all love. What a comfort to know that together, we serve such a God.

Jay came on a joint short-term team with Christ Central Southern CA and Christ Central SF.

Hello, my name is Jay Go, and I was one of the members of Christ Central of Southern California (CCSC) that was able to go to Cambodia this summer to support some of the long-term missionaries there. I was also one of the beneficiaries of Pastor Luke and Sokha’s hospitality, as I stayed with them in their home along with 7 other teammates from our church and Christ Central San Francisco.

I am certain the Lord’s pursuit of me started years before I recognized it, but I was able to see a glimpse of the great grace of Jesus Christ 7 years ago when I entered the workforce. The Lord graciously crushed me, and began the work of making me question the vanity of life and the reality of Christ. Since then, I have been a part of CCSC, and have only heard about missions thru conversations and sermons. This would be my first short term missions trip.

The trip helped form my current perception of missions and the church. I spent more time in the 2 weeks in Cambodia talking and thinking about missions than my entire life previously. The experience shed some light on the challenge of overseas missions that I have never known. Previously, I would say and think that all Christians are missionaries. While I still think this is true, there are challenges I saw that long term overseas missionaries faced that I never realized, with many more challenges that I am sure I am ignorant of. I can see no real motivation for fame, riches, or esteem in an endeavor like this. It was indeed an encouragement to me though, to realize how missionaries around the world pursued those who do not know the Lord, just like Jesus did with me.

This trip to Cambodia was sobering, challenging, and encouraging.

Being in a developing nation was sobering. As I thought about the living conditions, the humidity, the critters, the corruption , the state of healthcare, the nation’s history in relation to the Khmer Rouge – it all weighed heavy on me. As I reviewed my journal thoughts, I remembered writing that I know that theologically, spiritual death is the worst condition to be in, though suffering in this life is not to be diminished either (eg. Job). I was challenged as I thought it was even more painful to be in a place of poverty, and on top of that, to not know Christ. But what about the inverse – to know Christ and still be in a place of poverty. How would this compare to someone living in more comfort, and knowing Christ? I know the ‘right’ answer is that having Christ is all one needs. Yet it was challenging to think that having Christ and comfort was better – as the comfort (which very well may be a blessing from God) can also be a distraction, as the reliance on the Lord may be diminished.

The trip did challenge me to re-arrange my priorities, and I hope these challenges stick with me. One way the trip did this was exposing my warped view of vocation. I noticed in the past how I would be jealous if other engineers received more esteeming projects. This jealousy almost seems trivial now. Unfortunately, I am almost certain that I will continue to foolishly coveting these things. The perspective change that I am seeing, as assisted in my recent reading in ‘Don’t Waste your Life’, is to focus on blessing people thru my vocation. Trust in the Lord’s provision, and aim to be a blessing. I hope I will learn and live this out.

It was incredibly encouraging to hear testimonies of the people being saved, and desiring to share the gospel with their family and friends, despite the relationships that have separated because of them accepting Christ. It floored me to hear how a number of people desired to become missionaries themselves. The redemptive work of the Lord was encouraging as it seemed to be everywhere – in the hospital where Mark works, in the house of Luke and Sokha (their home was literally a light in the village), and in the work of the lives of the students. 

There are two specific stories that I wanted to share to close this blog post:

 “Value of short term missions: story of Acts 26:28”

Before we left, there was a part of me that was doubtful of the value of short term missions. During our missions training, I found myself wondering if we would be more of a burden versus a blessing for the missionaries. A few days into our time in the village, we were having our evening debriefing, and I shared my thoughts on how we are here for such a small period of time, and how we are just seeing a snapshop of years of work done by the missionaries. In response, one of our teammates, Ryan, shared an image of watering seeds (I understood it as blessing others) that was helpful to me. He shared that we do not know who will water the seeds – and while sometimes one may simply be providing a drop of water, the Lord can use even that, and Ryan wanted to be a part of it. Ryan’s resolve was to simply be a blessing in whatever way he can. While this did give me more peace about the value of our time there, the following morning’s reading astounded to me. My reading was in Acts, and it went over the exchange between Paul and King Agrippa.  

Verse 28, 29: And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Reading this was chilling that morning… whether short or long, Paul’s endeavor was that others would be like him. The thoughts in my head right now, are that it is only the Lord who provides the blessing. We ought to aim to be a blessing, but whether it is short or long, brilliant or mundane, it is simply the Lord. I recall Pastor Simon, our team leader, sharing about his time in seminary and that the Lord uses us ‘despite’ who we are, not because of who we are. I am seeing more and more how this is true in my life. As time passed, I saw the Lord working mutual blessings between the missionaries and the team, and I grew in my respect for short term missions.

            “Rejoicing in our salvation” 

Pastor Simon shared a message on Luke 10:20 – where Jesus shared to his followers that they ought not to rejoice in the fact that spirits submitted to them, but that their names are written in heaven. As the days passed, I so wanted Luke and Sokha to witness the blessing of seeing their students and people in their community come to Christ – essentially the fruit of their labor. As I felt the weight of the challenges of their ministry, this desire grew in me. Some time later, I heard Pastor Luke recalling this message. And he shared how his premier joy ought to be that he is saved. 

At this point in my trip, I was growing in my esteem for overseas missionaries. Hearing this really ‘leveled’ the playing field. While that esteem and respect is still there, the exchange reminded me that all who are saved can be joyful in any circumstance. It is not the fruit of our hands that we can be primarily joyful about, nor anything that we can showcase to God that we may be doing for His name’s sake – but our primary joy ought to be in the fruit of Christ’s work in us. 

I am grateful for the privilege to have been part of the team this past summer – words are not enough to describe the experience, nor the blessings I’ve received from the missionaries and believers there. Thank you for taking the time to read thru my thoughts – may the Lord bless you richly, and be glorified in your life.

Phil came on a joint short-term team with Christ Central Southern CA and Christ Central SF.

The testimonies below are from members of Christ Central SF. They were part of a joint short-term team with Christ Central Southern CA and Christ Central SF.

RYAN

This was my second trip going to Cambodia and I can say with confidence that it only gets better! When I decided to become a follower of Christ, I remember it all started with a simple gesture of someone approaching me and sharing the good news. Seeing how much the Gospel changed my life, I wanted to take part in the great commission and share the good news across all nations. 

This year, I was able to dedicate two weeks towards Cambodia missions where our church partners with missionaries involved in the MTW organization. On the surface, it’s a trip that involves learning more about the Cambodian history, teaching English to the youth, various crafts and games, sermons and worship, supporting bible studies, and to build stronger relationships with the church, the students, and the missionaries. 

But more than the events we organized or the lessons we taught, I am reminded of how great our God is. I am reminded of the courage and strong faith that is needed to go against what the world tells you and to say that God is good. I am reminded of the brothers and sisters that are across the world and that despite the differences in our appearances and in our languages, we worship the same God. I am reminded of the day where there will be no more sorrow and no more pain and until that day to hold on to the living hope that is within me.

With this being my second time, it was different in a sense where some things felt familiar. I wasn’t as culture shocked and it didn’t take long for me to adjust to the surroundings. At times, it felt like I was visiting friends hoping to encourage and be encouraged. For me, it wasn’t just a come and see kind of experience but more of a partnership – one where I feel invested in their lives and their lives to mine. I hope to see them again soon. 

It’s always difficult to put everything you experience into words, but I can only encourage those who are reading this to take a leap, to see what’s happening and be a part of it. You never know. A simple gesture can go a long way. 

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MADISON

I did not know what to expect from this trip. I remember hearing about Cambodia from past mission reports, but Cambodia always seemed so far and removed from my world. It was difficult to imagine how God worked in a foreign country known to have such a dark and broken history. But God works in mysterious ways because being there has completely opened my heart to the country and its people.

In Angk’jeay village, I was amazed by how faithfully and joyfully the students served one another. At the end of class, all the children helped clean up the chairs and tables without complaining. As we instructed them about games and crafts, the older students translated for us so that the younger students could understand. They acted as role models and initiated serving without expecting anything in return. Young kids, as little as 5 years old, gladly practiced putting others before themselves. This was the norm. It was a reminder for myself that serving is a humbling act, meant to demonstrate Christ’s love for us. 

Although my time in the city was completely different from the village, I felt equally blessed to experience God’s faithfulness and presence there. The student-led praise at Khmer Christian Church was powerful. As they sang “Give Thanks” and “Broken Vessels” with eyes closed and loud voices proclaiming salvation through Jesus, I got choked up realizing that even though we were from different sides of the world, we worshiped the same God. They worship knowing how their choice to believe in Christ will bring persecution and hardship. For Christians in Cambodia, choosing to live as a Christian means going against so many aspects of their culture and as a result, it’s common for Christians to be disowned by their families. Despite the external circumstances, they hold on to the constant truth that is the gospel and happily declare it. 

Witnessing the Cambodians’ excitement for the gospel was moving and it forced me to reflect on myself. If they are able to live for the Lord with such joy and complete dependence on Him while they have almost nothing, then I, who have much more than I need, should be able to do the same. My time in the village and the city was heartbreaking and humbling, and I am grateful that God has so clearly taught and shown me how He is in control. God truly works in His own time with a greater plan in mind. 

It is incredibly clear how God is working in Cambodia. But I was only able to witness God’s presence because I was there. I encourage you all to come for yourself to serve, to witness, and to be blessed. Until next time, “joom rip liuh” [bye] and “preah yesu s’rawline neyeck” [Jesus loves you]!

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SIMON

I’ve been to several mission trips in the past but this was the first time with Christ Central. Through this trip I was reminded of several things and I wanted to share some of them with you all: 

1. The opportunity that we have. A verse that kept going through my head on missions was Luke 12:48 – Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. The churches in Cambodia have so little compared to us and yet God is using them to do great things. I was challenged by this. We have so much more freedom and resources simply by living in America. We can do more. I can do more. I can give more. 
2. The necessity of prayer. Because it was my first time, I didn’t know what to expect and I quickly realized I was underprepared. I hate being underprepared. I like to write down every single word when I preach. Thus, during down time, I found myself constantly thinking about the next sermon. In the midst of all this, I forgot to do the most important thing, pray. I was reminded that my words are not what save people; rather it is the Holy Spirit who uses the preached word who does the saving. I recognized then how much I have been doing ministry on my own abilities and how I need to be on my knees much more often. 
3. The importance of missionary care. What made this trip so unique for me was the opportunity to get to know the missionaries there. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to share stories and struggles with them. Through these interactions, my heart for them grew. Missionaries aren’t super heroes. It’s not always pretty; in fact, their struggles can be amplified living in a foreign country. I don’t have any tangible long-term solutions but what I do know is that as a church we must continually seek to support them as best we can because we are co-laborers. I miss them and their families dearly and I hope to see them again soon.

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GLORIA

I didn’t feel like going to Cambodia. I made my decision but one of my prayers going in was, Lord break our expectations and make way. Honestly, from the first day he answered that prayer. 

During our 13 hour flight to Taipei, I was starting to feel really off. It wasn’t until we landed, everything hit me all at once. I had been undergoing an allergy attack the entire time of traveling. Immediately, Pastor Tim took me to Family Clinic, the hospital clinic of missionary Dr. Mark. I was put on IV and I was super nervous and disappointed that missions had to start out like this asking, “God what is this”?? Dr. Mark comes in but then he began to preach so much truth I actually needed to hear. It felt like was as if God had sat me down to speak in the midst of all the noise in my heart. Dr. Mark mentioned:

• This analogy of the “Bowl of Soup”. That after missions when we go back to the States, it’s a reality check. The huge difference in our way of living. It’s as if we are coming back as a hard carrot, but the more immersed we are in the world (soup), we become like this cooked, soft carrot blending in with the rest of the soup. 
• He shared that Jesus asks us to do 1 of 3 things: to go, to send or we’re being disobedient. I heard stories of trafficked girls with many health issues that are in need. I immediately felt attached because of recently having a heart for human-trafficked victims and how aligned that vision was while being in there.
• That this trip is all about the change that God is transforming in me. That he is already revealing my weaknesses and what I can’t control as I’m laying here on this bed.

It ached my heart to see what the enemy had stolen from this country and what I can’t wait for God to redeem, whether it’s many baptisms/ the spread of the gospel. Psalm 102:18 was a verse that rang in my head throughout the trip. It goes: Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.

The example led by the MTW team stirred my heart more than anything. It felt like I was watching living and breathing examples of how we decrease so that Christ may increase. 

I’m currently praying to hopefully return to Cambodia long-term. I don’t know what that means but I know that my heart can’t stay still from it. God showed me here what true Christ-following living looks like for his glory alone and I really can’t wait to go back. Praise be to God.

This blog post was written by Andrew. He came on a joint short-term team with Christ Central Southern CA and Christ Central SF.

What Does It Take?

What does it take to be a long-term overseas missionary? What qualifications does one need?

1. An open and receptive heart to discern God’s calling: Not every believer is called to be a long-term overseas missionary. However all believers are called to do missions in whatever context God has placed them in. For some, that context is cross-cultural and overseas. Too often we close our hearts off to the idea of overseas missions because we think it’s “too crazy,” or “not for me.” Sometimes we close our hearts off out of fear: “What if God calls me?” As believers we have ultimately surrendered our lives to Christ: “Not our will, but Your will be done.” We have decided to live not according to our worldly desires, but for the glory of God. If so, we have a responsibility to foster an open and receptive heart to discern God’s calling in our lives, and not close ourselves off out of what we think is best for our lives.
2. A desire to serve the under-served, especially in a cross-cultural context: Each of the MTW missionaries I have met all have a heart to serve the under-served. The medical ministry serves the outcasts of society, those who have been abused, cast aside, and forgotten. The village ministry serves the children in the village by offering free supplemental English classes, a pathway to a college education, and Bible education. The city ministry serves to equip and encourage the Christian church minority in the midst of a society that is overwhelmingly Buddhist. The MTW team is filled with members from all over the world and of different ethnicity, united in their desire and calling to serve the under-served in Cambodia.
3. A step of faith: I am reminded of Matthew 14, when Jesus walks on water and tells Peter to come. Peter obeys in faith and steps out of the boat onto the water. But, when he sees the strong winds, he becomes afraid and starts to sink. He cries out to Jesus for help and immediately, Jesus reaches out and takes hold of him. Long-term overseas missions may seem intimidating or even downright impossible like walking on water. Like Peter, there will be times when fear and doubt overtake us, especially in the face of hardships. But in those moments, our Savior is right there to rescue us. We are not expected to be a “super-Christian” that walks on water without fear or doubts. Nor are we expected to take on this task alone. What is expected of us is to take a step of faith, like Peter, knowing that our God is greater than the sum of all our fears and doubts, and that same God is with us, wherever we may go.

This blog post was written by John Lee. He led an eight person short-term team from Eternal Life Ministry http://www.yselm.org. John is raising support to join us in the village. https://mtw.org/missionaries/details/lee-john

July 19-30 2019 Cambodia Short-term Mission Trip

Thank you to everyone who supported the ELM Short term mission team!

This trip was a success, no one died or got seriously injured, and we got to witness God working in Cambodia through his church. We had the opportunity to serve by playing with the kids, teaching English classes, Bible studies, and an assortment of workshops.

This trip was a huge encouragement to me because I got to see my church members serving in the village where I will be serving as a long-term missionary and I hope to see this partnership continue in the years to come! (Come visit me in Cambodia everyone! I will be the best host) It was a beautiful blending of the two worlds that I belong to, and despite the language/cultural barrier we were all serving and worshiping the same God. What a wonderful God that we have!

Our Cambodia team reported to our church (ELM) on our mission trip to Cambodia during mission night a few weeks ago so we are finally relieved of our role as a short term mission team! However, there is still work for us to do in God’s kingdom “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Here are some takeaways that Pastor Luke shared with our team as we prepared to head back to the states:

1. Have a village mindset.
   1. In the village, your life is very integrated. You can’t act differently around different people or at least it would be very hard to because, in a small village, everyone knows each other.  The person you buy your snacks from is your next-door neighbor and your children’s teacher lives down the road from you. In America, our lives are very compartmentalized, you might just see people at work as just your co-workers and you probably don’t see your cashier as your neighbor. What would life look like if we recognized the people we interact with on a daily basis as our neighbors and then lived out the command to love your neighbors as yourself?
2. The ones who stay are the ones who feel cared for.
   1. At Luke’s village, there is a girl who comes frequently to our ESL classes but interestingly, she is not really concerned about learning English. The reason she comes so often is because she feels loved by Pastor Luke, his family, and the church. One of the short-term team values that we agreed to as a team is to “Pursue of Relationships Over Results” and this is something that is worthwhile to bring back home. It is much simpler to think of church in terms of numbers (how many people showed up to this or that) but what makes a church aren’t programs and events but relationships. I want to see my church as a family first and love them well. Jesus said it himself that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.
3. Embrace your role in the church.
   1. We were all leaving the mission field and some of us may not be called to missions but that’s okay. We shouldn’t feel guilty about staying back, there is much work to do even in America or wherever we may be called to.

This blog post was written by Mason. He came on an eight person short-term team with Eternal Life Ministry http://www.yselm.org.

It seems like only yesterday that we were on our flight to Cambodia. Our team leader, John Lee, put together a manual that contained numerous articles regarding the current state of Cambodia, MTW’s core values, short-term mission values, and devotionals. The team read the manual to prepare our hearts and begin the trip grounded in the Lord. When we landed, we were greeted warmly by Pastor Luke, Chris Tak (an MTW intern), college students, and the hot weather. After a three-hour van ride, we arrived at Angk’jeay village, where we’d serve for the next week.

Over the course of the trip, our team primarily facilitated English lessons, taught Bible studies, ministered to children through Bible lessons and activities, and led praise. Our team also held special workshops, such as a computer class, personal finance class, guitar class, and photography class. We also partook in the village’s Sunday worship, which was a huge blessing because we got to worship God with people from all walks of life. For the worship, Pastor Walton preached the Word with the help of Bolong, a college student who interpreted the sermon for the Cambodian members. We also joined a Bible study with adults, which blessed the team tremendously. After a fruitful time in the village, we traveled to Phnom Penh, received an overview of Family Clinic, worshiped with the MTW team, and fellowshipped with college students from local churches. Throughout all the work, we developed rich bonds with the Smith family, MTW team, and the people of Cambodia.

Coming to a foreign country and serving constantly definitely came with struggles. We didn’t realize how big of a toll the heat and packed schedule was on us. Thankfully, Pastor Luke reminded us how critical getting good rest was to serve and to not burn out. Also, given the extensive preparation prior to the trip, we wanted everything to be perfect and stressed over every single detail. In these times, we’d remember the power of prayer and lift our anxieties to the Lord. The devotionals prepared beforehand were essential to once again see the big picture and know we are not doing any personal mission, but God’s mission. Although it was tough during the trip, the struggles definitely helped us to understand what the Smith family endures constantly and how we can better pray for them in the future.

The missions trip was certainly a blessing for the entire team. This trip was especially impactful for not only our team but also for our entire congregation because Angk’jeay will be the village John Lee will be serving long term. We all remember the initial village tour and seeing John’s future living quarters and how real it all became. As we were serving in the village, we realized that John is as much a member of the village as he is a member of our church. We’re excited to see our brother serve the amazing village of Angk’jeay and glorify the Lord!

We want to thank the Smith family for their loving hospitality. We will never forget Sohka’s delicious home-cooked meals that gave us energy throughout the tiring days! Because of the family’s warmth and love, we felt welcome in the village since day one. We also want to thank the MTW team in Phnom Penh for showing us the great work God is doing in the city. The entire team was a huge encouragement to us and we were truly able to experience God’s glory and faithfulness.