1 Corinthians 15:58: Standing Firm in Mission Work in Cambodia

This verse speaks deeply to me as we reflect on the mission work God has called us to here in Cambodia. It is a gentle but firm reminder that our labor in the Lord—whether seen or unseen, celebrated or ignored—is never wasted. Serving the body of Christ in Phnom Penh Church (PPC), ministering to Khmer youth, university students, young professionals, and young couples, has been a journey of faith, challenges, and immeasurable grace. 

Today, I want to share three reflections based on this verse that resonate with our ministry and family life.

1. Standing Firm Amid Challenges

When our young family began a house church years ago, we were filled with hope and enthusiasm. God opened doors for us to minister to young people from nearby villages. Most of them came from impoverished backgrounds, wrestling with family struggles and the chains of addiction. We opened our home, gave our time, and shared what resources we had. It was a beautiful season of sowing seeds of God’s love and truth, yet it was not without its trials.

There were moments of exhaustion, especially when we faced betrayal or felt taken advantage of. We asked ourselves, “Is this worth it? Are we truly making a difference?” But in those moments of doubt, God’s Word reminded us to stand firm, to let nothing move us. The calling to remain steadfast is not grounded in human appreciation or tangible results but in the assurance that God sees and values our efforts.

In Cambodia, the challenges of ministry are unique. There is a cultural expectation of respecting elders and authority, yet many young people are silently crying out for guidance and genuine care. Standing firm means being patient and understanding their context. It means continuing to love and serve, even when results are slow or setbacks occur. Just as farmers here labor tirelessly in the fields, trusting the harvest will come, we are called to persevere in sowing spiritual seeds.

2. Giving Ourselves Fully to God’s Work

Paul’s exhortation to “always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord” is a call to wholeheartedness. This does not mean burning out or neglecting rest but rather serving with a heart fully surrendered to God. In our ministry, this has looked like prioritizing relationships over programs, seeking to model Christ’s love in our interactions.

Giving ourselves fully also means involving our family in the mission. Our 11-year-old son, David, has grown up witnessing the joys and sacrifices of ministry. He’s learned to bake choco crinkles and loves to share them at church. Through these simple acts, he’s learning that ministry is not confined to sermons or formal settings but is lived out in everyday moments of love and sharing. 

3. Trusting That Our Labor Is Not in Vain

One of the greatest encouragements in this verse is the assurance that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. When results are slow, and challenges mount, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But God’s Word reminds us that He is at work, even when we cannot see it.

In Cambodia, this truth is especially comforting. We’ve seen young people who initially seemed uninterested in the gospel later experience radical transformations. My sister-in-law Kunthy has just received Christ as her Saviour last year and now growing in the Lord. It took us years of praying for Vandy's family and finally accepted the Lord in her life. These moments remind us that the seeds we plant today may bear fruit in God’s perfect timing.

This assurance also encourages us to trust God with the unseen labor—the prayers lifted in private, the tears shed in intercession, and the quiet acts of obedience. God’s kingdom work often grows in ways we may never fully comprehend this side of eternity.

Final Reflection

As a pastor’s wife and university lecturer, balancing family, ministry, and work can sometimes feel overwhelming. But 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages me to keep my eyes on Christ, knowing that He is the one who empowers and sustains us. Whether it’s through discipling young couples, teaching communication skills to university students, or simply sharing a meal with a struggling youth, every act done in His name has eternal significance.

To those serving in Cambodia or elsewhere, let this verse be a reminder: Your labor is not in vain. Stand firm, let nothing move you, and give yourself fully to the work of the Lord. Trust that He sees, He knows, and He will bring about a harvest in His time.

A Prayer of Encouragement

Love from Cambodia!