Great Way to End the Week!

Today was trully an amazing day. I am forever changed.

We began at AIM's Church in Svay Pak today for Sunday morning service. I had no expectations. The service started with a twist on the, "Stand up and greet someone sitting near you." Instead, we (the mission team), stood up and walked around the room greeting everyone while they remained seated. In Cambodia, like many Asian countries, it is customary to press your palms together in front of your chest when saying hello or thank you. So that's what we did. As I went around and bent down to the congregants and said "good morning," I was greated by the brightest happiest faces I have ever seen. Many grandmothers reached up and put their hands on the outside of may hands, smiling and saying "God bless you" in Khmer. Children reaching up with their little hands high-five'd me. I was overwhelemed with the love and sweetness of these fellow believers in Christ. Tears welled up in my eyes. There was no stopping it. By the time I got back to my seat, I was a mess. I looked down the aisle and saw my teammates also wiping the tears from their eyes.

Then the worship started. The worship team was made up of about 15 young members of the church that work at AIM. It was the most heart felt worship experience of my 42 years in the church. The joy and love that flowed from the worship team and the congregation pierced my heart. Imagine you had one last opportunity to worship God on this planet. They held nothing back. Many of the songs were sung in Khmer. It didn't mater. I was blown away. Again tears. In that moment I thanked Jesus for allowing me to experience this. Just beyond the walls of the church lies abject poverty, and a culture that sells their own children. A culture decimated by the Khmer Rouge only 35 years ago. That beautiful grandmother who held my hands lived that nightmare. But, here we are, crying out to God, praising his name together.

The singing was followed by a powerful message by Pastor Chanta. We were joined by english speaking disciples that translated his words. It was a message of love and forgiveness. Two things so sorely needed here.

At the end of the service I considered the irony of this situation. I came to bless these people, and I am the one who was blessed!

I recorded one song from the service. When I listen to it. I am still moved. People rejoicing and declaring their love for Jesus in their own tongue.

 

God Bless,

Clay Cranford