Agape Restoration Ministries - Day 12

Saturday morning we had a group devotional after breakfast. The last couple mornings I have been eating a pancake with banana every morning. It is actually really tasty. At the devo this morning Jason shared a Psalm with us and we sang a few worship songs. Singing together is great, I really love worship that is wholistic, realizing that I'm singing but also going out later in the day and serving other people.

About 10am we arrived at an Agape International Missions safe house. The directors were very nice and gave a tour of their facility. Again we aren't allowed pictures or to tell details, but I will tell you that the smiling faces of the girls were a big sign of hope that is so desperately needed here. After visiting the killing fields the day before, we were in a sort of depression as a team, but visiting and playing games with the rescued girls was awesome! Their joy was expressed through dance, song, smiles, and energy. We spent about 2 concentrated hours with the girls and staff. We made visors, flower leis, and played a matching game. 

A change of scenery in the afternoon, we took a break and enjoyed some baked goods. We ate cupcakes at Phnom Penhs famous Bloom cafe. It was a good rest after a long morning. While some rested in Bloom enjoying the free wifi, good food, and fun drinks; several of us walked to a local bookstore. This team has several education majors on it, so they got into looking at the funny children's books. In the evening several of us went to the night market just a block from our hotel. I bought some fake Oakley sunglasses and a few other trinkets. 

Psalm 60:1-12 NIV

You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry---now restore us! [2] You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. [3] You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. [4] But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. [5] Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. [6] God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. [7] Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. [8] Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph. ” [9] Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? [10] Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? [11] Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. [12] With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

You might read this Psalm and just keep on reading - not a bad thing, but just cause it seems to not relate due to all the wacky names doesn't mean you can disregard it. Pause with me on Psalm 60. Realize that Cambodia is a very forsaken place, that very bad things have happened here. Like God not going out with Israel to battle, Cambodia feels as if God has given it over to destructive forces and evil people. Just as in the days of Israel there is a remnant, a people who "fear The Lord" and trust Him. God has not forsaken them, He has not forsaken the people of Cambodia, He has not forsaken us. "Human help" doesn't cut it, we need God, and with Him we "will gain the victory"! Gain the victory in your life and pray that the Cambodians can do the same. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!