Praying for open doors
The main task during Phase One (our first year in Cambodia) is language and culture learning. A missionary who is not talking and relating to people can easily be frustrated. Are there opportunities for “greenhorns” in the Khmer language to actually share the gospel?
As I started Phase One, I wanted to focus on building relationships as a foundation for culture and language learning. I was hoping that God would give me opportunities to share his love in some (even little) ways. And he did!
Spending time with taxi drivers
On the street corner near the OMF Team Center, a group of motodup-drivers are constantly on the look-out for customers. In the first few weeks, I tried to talk to them on a daily basis. In the second week, one older man took me to buy a bicycle and helped me to bargain. After that we got to know each other better and, as time went on, I practiced Khmer with him and some of the other drivers nearly every day. When ever he saw me, he greeted me, raised his hand and smiled.
An unexpected visit
A few months later, he disappeared. What had happened to him? Another motodup-driver told me that he was in hospital, waiting for surgery. I asked if he would come with me to visit his friend. He agreed, and we went a few days later. As we entered the hospital room, the sick driver started to smile. How had I found out what had happened to him? It was a good visit that brought real joy to both of us. Before I left again, I prayed for him (although not in Khmer!). Later, I went to see him again at home. Since then, my relationships with these motodup-drivers has grown deeper.
It’s those incidents that are encouraging. God does indeed give plenty of natural opportunities to show His love, even without many words.