Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

By

2 Corinthians 5:7
Faith and Autism

This verse encapsulates the journey of trusting God beyond what is visible, predictable, or easily understood. As a pastor’s wife and a mother to our 11-year-old son David, who is on the autism spectrum, this scripture has been a guiding light through countless uncertainties and challenges. Today, I want to share three reflections on this verse, drawing from our experiences in ministry, motherhood, and mission work in Cambodia.

2 Corinthians 5:7
Reflection 1: Faith Anchors Us in the Uncertainty of Parenting

Raising David has been an extraordinary journey of faith. His autism diagnosis came with a whirlwind of emotions: fear, doubt, and a deep desire to understand his unique needs. I vividly remember the day we finally visited the developmental pediatrician in the Philippines. The diagnosis clarified many of David’s struggles, but it also marked the beginning of a path we could not fully foresee.

Back in Cambodia, finding reliable specialists for therapy was nearly impossible. For a time, we brought David twice a week to speech and occupational therapy sessions. The financial cost was high, and it required sacrifices, but we trusted God to provide. Over time, we noticed significant improvements, allowing us to shift to a home-based approach. Now, David is thriving in sixth grade at a normal school, where he receives support from a special needs department. This progress is a testament to God’s grace and faithfulness.

Two Sundays ago, a young couple we’re discipling at church shared concerns about their two-year-old daughter’s delayed communication and non-verbal behavior. The mother had resigned from her job to focus on their child, mirroring our own journey. With no reliable specialists in Cambodia, we encouraged them to wait for a professional diagnosis while emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith in God’s plan. 

Reflection 2: Faith Sustains Us in Ministry Challenges

Walking by faith, not by sight, is not only personal but deeply connected to our ministry in Cambodia. The mission field often presents challenges that require steadfast faith. From limited resources to cultural barriers, it can feel overwhelming to meet the needs of the community while addressing our family’s unique circumstances.

Yet, the ministry also comes with moments of doubt. Financial constraints, especially with therapy costs for David, have sometimes made us question our ability to continue. But God’s provision has been undeniable. God would send unexpected opportunities to meet these increasing needs; we’ve experienced His faithfulness time and again. Walking by faith in ministry means trusting that He equips us to do His work, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Reflection 3: Faith Empowers Us to Be a Light for Others

As parents of a child with autism, we’ve found ourselves resonating with families who face similar challenges. These connections have opened doors to minister in unique ways. Recently, we’ve been journeying with the young couple mentioned earlier, praying for their daughter and offering practical advice from our own experiences.

In these moments, I’m reminded of how God uses our stories for His glory. David’s progress, though marked by trials, is a testament to the power of prayer and faith. Seeing him thrive in school, develop friendships, and grow in confidence fills my heart with gratitude. It also reinforces the importance of encouraging others to walk by faith, trusting that God’s plans are higher than our own.

One of the most humbling experiences is when families express how our testimony has inspired them to persevere. It’s not because we have all the answers but because God’s grace is evident in our journey. Walking by faith means stepping into the unknown, believing that God will use our experiences to bring comfort and hope to others.

2 Corinthians 5:7

Walking by faith is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. Whether in parenting, ministry, or life’s unexpected challenges, trusting in God’s unseen hand brings peace and hope. May we continue to walk by faith, inspiring others to do the same as we navigate this journey together.


Family serving in Cambodia,

The Hourngs 👍💓

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's the truth?

By
Image
What a rainy morning we have in Phnom Penh today 🙏😉.  Has summer ended in Cambodia already? As a plant lover, I do rejoice about it! It's about time to experience some rain shower 😍 While on a tuktuk today, I pondered on this verse in Colossians 1:13 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. "  It is a great reminder that we have been saved through Jesus’ - His death and resurrection made it happened. God has saved us from darkness and evil, and we should be grateful for being citizens of His kingdom. Our freedom comes from Him, who can change our circumstances. Over dinner last night. our David has again asked a question, I think this is still in reference to our previous conversation a few nights ago but this time, he has included his dad 😅✌👉  David's lamentations ***While eating... David: Mom, will I go to heaven with dad someday? Mom: David, do y...
Read more

How to Cook Khmer Nom banh chok?

By
Image
Last week, I blogged about a Filipino dish 👉 "Tinolang Manok" - my comfort food.  Today, I also would like to feature a special Khmer noodle that I have loved eating ever since I stepped my foot in Cambodia. Vandy and I have already tried several versions of this noodle dish. Each place/province or homes have their own take on making it. The ingredients and technique vary from household for sure. We love eating it in my husband's hometown Kampong Cham. My in-laws prepare it with love. This noodle is not only popular during the holidays and festivals, but also being served for important events in the country. I wish to be able to make it, but I believe it would be a long time for me to even replicate what my in-laws are making. I have watched and helped them make it but it's just too complicated for me haha! Kunthea, my sister-in-law who is living with us made Nom Banh Chok last month. Here's a recipe for how she made it. But I would want you to know some importa...
Read more

5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel

By
Image
My husband is praying to win another soul for Christ in our neighborhood. We are grateful to be living in a "Borey" (community in Khmer) where there is a Park. We love walking and exercising at our park. Vandy would be exercising in the early morning there, he would wait for the sun (natural Vitamin D!). It so happened that some new faces would come and exercise as well. On some weekends, my husband has had the opportunity to walk and talk to an elder man while walking on the park. Vandy is an introverted person, it's a struggle for him to even start a conversation, but one thing I like about him is that he is a good listener. And because of that, the elder man is so happy to have conversations with him. He found out that he was a government retiree. They have lots of topics as they walk in the park from politics, family down to health. Vandy is very persistent in listening and is waiting for the opportunity for him to speak. My husband knew it would take a while for the...
Read more

Hosting at home

By
Image
Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...
Read more

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

By
Image
Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...
Read more

Do you have a missionary calling?

By
Image
Phnom Penh City at night (view from the Ferry ride) My missionary calling started some decades back in my country (the Philippines). I would be trekking and ministering around to the tribal community with my mission classmates at (ACM) Asian Center for Missions .  These mission travels have given me much clarity about God's calling for me to become a missionary.  I vividly remembered; my last tribal mission was in Davao - the Matigsalug tribe. It was an extra wonderful experience that even sealed my faith journey. God has impressed me that His name will be exalted among the nations! (and I should look for ways to serve and be a part of it!). We trekked for the whole day to the mountains and streams to reach a local community. It was exhausting but truly worth it trek! I was glad I was able to write this post in 2007 👉  Missions to Matigsalug Tribe .  Months after that tribal trip, I began my mission journey here in Cambodia. As a single missionary, I joyfully took t...
Read more