| “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is He who made us and we are His.” Psalm 100:1-3 |
 Visiting the ancient temple ruins of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia |
“I pray for my family to believe in Jesus.” Vatana, one of the 6th grade girls, prayed during our 3:30pm closing prayer. We had just read the parable in Matthew 15 of the man who leaves the ninety-nine to go after just one sheep and how when just one person repents all of heaven rejoices. Then we each drew a sheep and wrote the name of someone we want to pray for to believe in Jesus. Some context: most families are Buddhist and may be supportive of their children attending church and Bible-focused programs, but most parents are not interested in coming to church or becoming Christians. It was beautiful to hear these girls pray for their family members and to see their daily commitment to learn about God and memorize His Word. Making ice cream with 6th grade students from English class.Weekends at ELCC (Eternal Life in Christ Church) in the village are full of music, laughter, and enjoying food together. On Saturdays I join the guitar and ukulele classes (great way to both learn and spend time with students) and then practice for singing during the service the next day.  Talking with my friends Chantrea and Srey Mao, and our leader Teacher Sokha.On Saturday evenings we have youth group where we sing and then have a speaker. Each of us three interns have had the privilege of sharing our testimonies and we’ve been able to have a talk on our future hope paired with God’s design for romantic relationships. After youth group is hang out time with the highschoolers-we make food and play games or watch movies-staying up late enjoying the time together.  Joining guitar class with some of our high school and college studentsThen comes Sunday’s early beginning. Games with the younger kids begin at 6:30am, then Sunday school at 7am and church around 8:45am. We eat a big fellowship lunch together at 11am and then spend time with the highschoolers the whole afternoon. These times picture God’s design of living in relationship, filled with life and love, and also exhaustion.  Enjoying time with college students as we enjoy unique fruit: durian (yellow) and rambutan (red/green)One day I climbed the stairs of the Mekong house’s 2nd floor (our ministry building) to sit in the hammock and start writing this update. A few minutes later Chantrea, my friend who’s a senior in highschool, came out from her afternoon nap and sat in the opposite hammock. She teaches us to speak Khmer on Mondays and Friday. We began to chat about jobs and college and budgeting, just talking about relevant life topics. Every time I get to talk with Chantrea and get to know her more I’m so thankful we’re able to spend time together, and that she’s willing to trust me with stories from her life.  Making Kimbap with the high school students and visiting team from Cornerstone Church, PA.It encourages me that although I am here for a short time, the missionaries and staff are always here for the students. The girls really trust our missionary leaders Luke and Sokha and, when they feel like it, go to them for advice. Kunthea is a consistent older sister figure, and Heng, Kakrona and John are uncle figures to the students. We have lived in the mundane with them, seeing their faithful, sinful, humble examples of loving God and others during our time here.  Teaching our small extra class for the boys to have more English practice. They’re tons of fun!Please pray: 1. Interns: To keep our gaze on Jesus and to be faithful in the little things until we leave on August 1. For safe travel back home and God’s work as we process and share about our time in Cambodia. 2. Missionaries: For encouragement and energy for Luke & Sokha (and their kids Hannah & Asa) and John serving long term with MTW in the village. 3. Staff: For discernment and provision for the Cambodian staff serving in the village-Kunthea, Hang, and Kakrona. 4. Students: For God’s work in the hearts of the students from the village, that they would understand more and more God’s love for them and be commited to follow Him for the rest of their lives. 5. College Students: For the College students studying in Phnom Penh-for faith, surrender, spiritual growth and holistic safety. Thank you for your continued prayer and support! I have a few more days in the village then I will fly out August 1 to be in Mexico with my family. On August 12 I will fly back to Chicago and visit with my grandparents for a few days before heading back to Moody’s campus August 14 to settle in for my senior year. In Christ, Hannah McMahan |
