Where Preparation Meets Providence
In May, our Cambodia team welcomed a college short-term missions team from Southern Wesleyan University (SWU). Christy Van Steenburg, a Global Partners regional mobilizer, led the team as they set out to learn more about serving globally, the Khmer Rouge, the religious context of Cambodia and more. Additionally, she hoped that SWU students would have a chance to lead an English camp.
As our team in Cambodia began coordinating with pastors in Kampong Cham Province for this year’s outreach, we discovered something remarkable. The local church in the province had been praying for opportunities for the children in their community and congregation to learn English. The pastor is especially passionate about creating new avenues to help the children access education, particularly since teachers rarely come to the province.
Without knowing the church’s specific prayers, the SWU team arrived, prepared to provide an English camp – a prayer answered for both the SWU team and the church. It was a powerful reminder that God is often at work long before we see the full picture.
The team traveled about three hours from Phnom Penh to a church in Kampong Cham Province, where we held a two-day English camp for children from the surrounding community. Throughout the camp, team members taught lessons on feelings, family, places and colors through games, activities, songs and interactive learning.
The children eagerly participated, practicing new vocabulary through hand motions, conversations and drawing activities. In addition to English lessons, the camp provided opportunities to share the love of Christ. The children learned a song in Khmer about God’s constant presence and that there is nowhere we can go where He is not with us. Then they learned the same song in English, giving them another opportunity to practice the language while engaging with biblical truth.
What began as a small gathering quickly grew. Our first session welcomed five children, but by the final session nearly 80 children were attending. The field and shelter where we met were filled with energy, laughter, excitement and eager learners. It was beautiful and encouraging chaos as children sang, learned and spent time together.
The English camp was a tremendous success. We continue to pray that this will be the first of many opportunities to partner with local churches as they connect with their communities through both practical service and spiritual ministry throughout Cambodia.