Last Sunday, Pastor Ken shared from Luke 12:8–12 and encouraged us that true faith involves encountering Jesus and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly bear witness. He reassured us that the Spirit equips us to stand firm for Christ, even amid fear, criticism, or opposition.
Here is a story about how true faith led Makara and Serey in Cambodia to stand firm and share boldly for Jesus, even amid opposition.
A Mission in a Cambodian Village
Several months ago over the Christmas break, Makara (Tenth’s Cambodia Liaison) and Serey (Onyx Director with Dove) took some time to slow down with their kids to reflect on the year with simplicity and rest at their farm cabin outside of Phnom Penh.
On December 28th, they set out on a special Christmas mission to a small village near their cabin with members from their life group. Heavy rains couldn’t dampen their spirits as they brought joy and hope to the community. Through skits, storytelling, and fellowship, they shared the gospel with villagers, many of whom were hearing about Christ for the first time. The evening was filled with connection, laughter, and shared meals cooked over open fire.
A particularly profound moment came when Makara shared a meaningful story from John 21 where the resurrected Jesus reinstated the Apostle Peter with love and forgiveness over breakfast by a fire with the other disciples. For Makara, this was a powerful story in his faith journey, and he spoke on this with conviction showing how Jesus made such a difference in his life. Some listeners were intrigued and curious, while others were apprehensive.
Yet Makara’s words resonated. "We’ve never heard about Jesus before," some villagers shared, while others, including the village chief, took notice of the team’s compassion. “Christians are the ones who truly care about others,” the chief remarked, affirming the love and authenticity they brought to the village.
This Christmas mission left a lasting impact on everyone involved. For the villagers, it was their first time hearing about Jesus, an introduction marked by joy, love, and hope. For Makara and Serey, it was a profound reminder of God’s faithfulness and their purpose in His plan.
"God is calling us to use our lives, our family, and our home for His mission in 2025,” Makara and Serey shared with conviction.
It was a Christmas unlike any other, one that pointed to the transforming power of Christ’s love and the courage it takes to share it with those who’ve never heard.
May we all be encouraged to stand firm for Jesus and share with others as the Spirit leads us.
Curious about Cambodia? Join us on June 12 for Just 58—a 58-minute Zoom conversation with Makara and several of our inspiring partners in Cambodia. You’ll get a firsthand look at how God is at work and how you can be part of the journey. Register here to get Zoom link.