Living Out God’s Mission
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| with her mom - last year's visit in Phnom Penh for medical check up |
Thek is from Ratanakiri, one of Cambodia's most remote provinces. It takes about twelve hours to reach the capital, and even longer to get to her actual village, which is tucked away in the mountains and forests of the region. She comes from one of the tribal groups there, and she is the first in her family and village to ever leave for the city to study and work.
When she arrived in Phnom Penh, she had almost nothing, a few clothes, a big heart, and a quiet determination to study and support her family. City life was overwhelming, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable. She didn’t know where to begin, but she was warmly welcomed at our church’s ladies’ dorm. The dorm leaders and ladies there embraced her with patience, kindness, and open arms.
It was there that Thek began to hear about Jesus. She joined Bible studies, participated in devotions, and began to ask questions. Slowly, her heart opened, and eventually, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior.
The Journey of Discipleship
Like many others, Thek juggled school and part-time work just to survive. There were many times she wanted to quit. But she found a community in the dorm and the church that lifted her up. Her gentle spirit made her easy to love, and her willingness to learn was a blessing to others.
We later learned she was struggling financially, especially during her last semester at university. She didn’t have enough for food or tuition. Her dorm leader shared with us that Thek had been praying, unsure whether she could continue. My husband Vandy and I knew we had to do something. We quietly paid her remaining tuition, asking that it not be revealed. We simply wanted her to know that God provides.
She graduated with joy, testifying that the church had become her second family. Her faith grew stronger. Today, she works in an NGO that serves the indigenous tribes and still plays a big role in our church as the treasurer. She leads worship often and encourages others with her quiet strength.
When her mom came to Phnom Penh last year for a medical check-up, Vandy met her briefly. They didn’t have enough time to fully talk about the Gospel, but seeds were planted. Her mother had diabetes and several health complications. We pray she encountered Jesus before her passing.
A Reminder of What Matters Most
As I reflect on Thek’s journey and her mother’s recent passing, I am reminded again of what Paul said in Acts 20:24:
"I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
That is the heartbeat of living on mission. Not just in big stages or loud voices, but in small quiet moments, in dorm rooms, shared meals, late night talks, prayers in secret, acts of kindness, and decisions to press on.
It is in every believer’s calling, not just for pastors or missionaries.
6 Reflections on Living Out God's Mission
1. Be Present Where God Has Placed You
Sometimes we think we must go far to serve God, but many times our mission starts at home, in our schools, our workplaces, our neighborhoods.
Application: Serve the people right in front of you. Listen well. Help where you can. Smile more. Ask God, "What do You want me to do today?"
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the people around me the way You do. Let me be Your hands and feet right here.
2. Share Stories of God’s Faithfulness
Thek’s life speaks volumes. Your life does too. You may think your story is ordinary, but God is writing something beautiful through it.
Application: Share your testimony. Speak up about how God has helped you. Post something encouraging online. Tell your children, your spouse, your friends.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the journey You’ve brought me through. Help me to share it with courage and honesty.
3. Invest in One Life at a Time
Our family didn’t change the whole city, but we played a small role in one girl’s journey. God used that.
Application: Disciple one person. Invite someone to lunch. Help a student. Support someone in need quietly.
Prayer: Jesus, show me one person I can walk with. Help me to invest time and love, trusting You with the growth.
4. Let Compassion Move You to Action
When we heard of Thek’s financial need, we didn’t have a grand plan. We just felt the nudge to act. Sometimes living out the mission is as simple as responding to a need.
Application: Be aware of needs. Keep your heart soft. Act when God prompts you.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to close my eyes to others’ struggles. Teach me to give, to go, and to love.
5. Stay Faithful Even When It’s Hard
Thek could have gone back home many times. But she kept going. God strengthened her.
Application: Don’t give up. Trust God through the hard seasons. He is working, even when you can’t see it.
Prayer: Father, when I am weak, be my strength. Help me to remain faithful in the calling You’ve placed on my life.
6. Celebrate Every Step of Obedience
The mission of God is a journey. Don’t wait for big things to rejoice. Celebrate the small wins, a changed heart, a helping hand, a life transformed.
Application: Keep a journal. Thank God often. Encourage others when you see them obey.
Prayer: God, thank You for every good thing You are doing. Let me not miss the beauty of small acts of obedience.
A Final Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your mission. Thank You for calling us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Help us to live every day with a heart ready to serve, to give, to love, and to testify about Your grace. Like Paul, may we run the race and complete the task You have given us. May our lives point to You until the very end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If this story touched your heart, share it with someone today.
Let's continue living out God's mission one life at a time.
Serving God in Cambodia,
The Hourngs 💕🙏😍
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