Be the Vessel

If I was to describe my experience during our mission trip to Cambodia, I would say it was really humbling, inspiring, and enlightening.

Before this trip, a part of me tended to think that Cambodia is just how the media describes: poor, underdeveloped, dangerous, and full of criminal activities like human trafficking. But after this mission trip experience, it completely changed my impression of the country and left me eager to return.

Although the country may be economically poor, it is rich in people who follow Jesus wholeheartedly despite their challenging living conditions. Throughout this trip, not only did I get to meet some of these people and hear more about their lives, I also got to listen and understand the challenges they may face when serving the Lord in their community.

Our team went to visit this local brother's house, and his story struck us deeply. He and his family were the few Christians in the village, and they lived in a very small shelter with unsanitary conditions and unpleasant odor. The moment I saw his living conditions, I was already in shock. I couldn't imagine how anyone could even survive under those conditions. Not only did they have to live under those conditions, they also had to endure the mockery from their neighbors who mostly had better houses. They would mock the family saying it was because of their faith that they were left in such conditions.They questioned the family's faith and said things like, "If God is real, why would you still be living like this?" Though the family faced much pressure, they still stood their ground and continued to serve in church for many years.

Picture of the outside of the family's house (on the left). The team and I were playing football with the local kids.

This story touched the hearts of many who were on the team, including me. It was especially humbling to me in the sense that it made me realize how ignorant and lazy I was when it comes to serving the Lord. How could I, a person "rich" with all the supplies and never had to worry about my living conditions, be so poor in the spirit? This also showed me that God doesn't look at us on the outside, what He truly treasures is the heart and willingness from the inside. Luckily, our team was there to help them. We split into teams and help them move their belonging out of the house as our leaders discuss the plans of building a new house for them. We hoped that their new house will not only provide the family with a better living environment, but also be a beautiful testimony to the neighbors around them.

This was just one of the many wonderful things that I've experienced throughout the trip. There were just so many powerful testimonies to hear about. Cambodia is home to some of the kindest people I've ever met, and more importantly, to some of the most faithful and inspirational Christian communities I know. For instance, in the two churches that we visited, the worship was led by young kids! As they sang and worshiped on stage, their joy was evident. They sang from the heart and really gave praise to their Maker. Undoubtedly, they had given me one of the best worship experiences ever. The kids that I've met when we visited the local schools also melted my heart. They welcomed us with great joy and were so grateful when we gave them our little gifts such as pencils, notebooks, and Gospel tracts.

Local school visits (top left & bottom right) and church visits (top right & bottom left)

This trip has definitely enlightened me to continue to serve for the Lord, and I hope by reading my testimony, you'll also be inspired to come and serve with us. This country has so many areas that need our support. If you're worried that you might not know how to help out, don't let that stop you! I faced that too! I initially joined only as a football player and coach, but I eventually returned also with the experience of being a worship leader, a painter, a translator, and a devotion leader. So just GO! God will mold us like clay, shaping us for His purpose. (Isaiah 64:8) Let us be His vessel, bringing the Light wherever we go. Come and join us! Let's go make disciples of all nations! (Matthew 28:19-20)

BIC coaches with local club's coach (2025)

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