A Lesson in Living Hope

A Lesson in Living Hope Audio

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In a small Cambodian village, I was one of eight men sitting across from twenty-five strangers. I didn’t know their names, ages, history, or even the language they spoke. The group was mostly women and children, and an elderly man lay quietly on a wooden bed to my right, his condition unfavorable, to say the least.

I watched as a man from our mission team proclaimed words from God in their native language. I didn’t understand what he said or even know the passage he was referring to, but in that moment, I didn’t mind missing out on the words. I could see God’s work unfolding, whether I understood it or not. I believed His living hope was being poured into the hearts and souls of those who heard the message that day.

Sometimes I struggle to understand why God chose me to inherit His eternal gift of life. But as I sat quietly across from these gentle, humble, and gracious men and women, I didn’t question why God would want them all to be part of His family. I believe any one of them would give all they had to a stranger if asked, a convicting thought that strikes me to my core.

After the preaching ended, we were given a summary of what was shared. They had been taught about the importance of baptism after accepting God’s gift of grace and putting their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There was a call to sign up for an upcoming baptism after our trip ended. As we were asked to introduce ourselves, a surge of emotions hit me as my time to speak approached. I wasn’t nervous to share my name or talk about my family, but I realized that just three days before leaving for this trip, I had made the very same decision they now faced. After months of wrestling with it, I knew I had to be baptized before coming here. Sitting there, I knew this was no coincidence.

Whether my sharing had any impact on their decisions, I may never know. But just knowing that the God of the universe knows who I am, where I am, and allows me to be a part of His kingdom work is more than enough.

The latest report I’ve heard is that around 70 people will be baptized this coming weekend. Praise God for how He is working in their lives and for the men and women who sacrifice daily to reach the unreached. Please, pray that God would continue to shape the lives of these newly baptized believers and that their testimonies will impact others in their communities.

This experience brings to mind the relationship between two bodies of water at about the same sea level: the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee, alive and thriving, receives fresh water and allows it to flow out, supporting abundant life. In contrast, the Dead Sea, which only takes in water without giving any out, is stagnant and lifeless. Spiritually, we are meant to be like the Sea of Galilee—receiving blessings and sharing them with others. When we hoard what we have, like the Dead Sea, our lives become stagnant. But when we give, we create an environment of growth, life, and purpose.

May we all take a moment to reflect on how God has blessed us and given each one of us unique gifts and abilities for the advancement of His kingdom.

Until next time, may God bless each one of you…