Makara's Story
Image description: Pitou sharing his toys with the children from Serey’s village.
Makara is one of our global partners in Cambodia. Loving your neighbours is not an individual activity and Makara is intentional about serving Christ together as a family.
My name is Makara. I'm 37 years old and have been married to Serey for 10 years. I have 2 children; Pitou is 9 years old and my daughter Pisey is 5 years old. I got to know Serey while we were working for Youth Commission under EFC (Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia) in 2008. After hearing about Serey's testimony and story on a staff retreat, God has shown me the importance of being part of the vulnerable - to live and eat with the poor as Jesus did.
I've grown up in a wealthy family and as the only son, I receive a lot of persecution because of my faith in Jesus from my own family. My mom doesn't agree with our relationship or marriage but the words of God help us to keep in our prayer and hope.
I regret to see my friends and colleagues, who are young potential leaders, give up their faith because of an unhealthy relationship, or marriage with non-Christians because they couldn't reject their family's obligation. They also don't have financial independence. (It's very expensive to get married in Cambodia so they have to ask for help from their family, and then their non-Christian parents decide who you going to be married with.)
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33). That's why we have the vision to help the young couples or youth to respond with the Truth and Wisdom to Cambodian context and culture. We are mentoring those who want to have a healthy relationship, so we open our house for them. We need a safe community to share and learn from each other with honesty, vulnerability, and a humble heart.
We've raised our children to share resources and help vulnerable children who don't have a chance, while appreciating the blessings they have. I'm so proud of my son's faith in Jesus. Because of his first broken arm he could see how important it is to be vulnerable and stay in one of the hospitals with so many vulnerable and poor children. He is willing to share his resources with the poor and share his faith in Christ at school and with the neighbors.
Why it is important to do a mission as a family? Because I believe discipleship is a lifelong journey of being like Christ. Our family is the first obligation and mission that we couldn't jeopardize or manipulate to be like Christ. Don’t force your family to embrace your ministry, but instead find ways they can minister that allow them to utilize the gifts God has given them. As is possible, minister side by side.
On Monday May 31 at 7pm, join us as we pray for Cambodia.