Trusting God’s Quiet Provision
As a family, we’ve been serving the Lord here in Cambodia for over a decade. Looking back, it’s only by His grace that we are still doing what He has called us to do. We have simply depended on God’s quiet provision through our jobs and side hustles. We are grateful to our friends who would sometimes surprise us with their gifts. And we value and honor God for we know that's also one of the ways He would meet our needs.
Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.”
This verse is like a warm blanket to us, especially when the worries of tomorrow try to steal our rest. We don’t live stress-free lives. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and ministry responsibilities that don’t pause. But we have learned something valuable over the years: when God is our provider, we can rest. Not because everything is perfect, but because everything is in His hands.
Why We Chose to Start a Business
Several years ago, when Vandy and I were just a young couple, we had to make a heartbreaking decision. A ministry we had loved and poured ourselves into had to close. The reason? The overseas funding it depended on was suddenly cut. No backup plan. Just an end.
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We wrestled with it. We prayed. We grieved. But eventually, we surrendered. We let go, trusting that God had a reason and that He would lead us forward.
That experience taught us something important. While outside support can be a blessing, depending solely on it isn’t always sustainable. We needed to think differently.
That’s when Vandy and I began talking about starting a business. Now, neither of us have any background in business. We had zero experience. But what we did have was a shared desire: to support our family and ministry in a way that wouldn’t be dependent on uncertain donations.
We wanted something that could grow slowly, be managed locally, and most importantly, honor God.
Tentmaking in Today’s Time
When we thought about business and ministry together, we remembered Paul. He was a tentmaker. He didn’t wait around for support. He worked with his hands, and at the same time, preached the gospel wherever he went.
Could that still work today?
We believe it can. And it must. For many believers serving in challenging places, it may even be the only way to keep going.
Business can open doors, start conversations, provide jobs, and support churches and ministries. But beyond that, it can be a place of worship—a platform to show the world what integrity, generosity, and God-centered work looks like.
A Pasta Shop with Purpose
Right now, we’re walking alongside my sister-in-law, Kunthy, who is starting a small pasta business called Divine Spaghetti. It’s a humble shop, but it’s rooted in something far greater.
Kunthy is a single mom raising her teenage son. Life hasn’t been easy for her, but she’s grown in faith and perseverance. Since accepting Christ last year, she has become a faithful example of obedience. She tithes faithfully and rests every Sunday, closing her shop to honor the Sabbath.
She works hard, even when tired. But her joy is visible. Her life speaks volumes. Her small shop is not just a business; it’s a place where her faith shines.
Read Kunthy's testimony 👈💗
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| Divine Spaghetti Shop |
David’s Brownies: A Young Heart for Giving
Her faith has even inspired our son, David. Watching his aunt run her business made him curious. David, who is on the mild autism spectrum, started asking questions. Then, one day, he asked her if he could sell his chocolate crinkles and brownies at her shop.
She said yes.
With that, David launched his little baking venture. He named it, priced the items, packaged them with care, and even prayed over them. When we asked him why he wanted to do it, he said, “I want to help the dorm people and give to God.”
It melted our hearts.
What started as a simple curiosity has now turned into something much more. David is learning discipline, creativity, and purpose. He is learning to work with his hands, to manage money, and most importantly, to give back to God.
This is more than a brownie business. It’s part of his discipleship. It’s God shaping his heart through something so simple and small.
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Can Business Be Holy?
We believe it can.
When a business is rooted in prayer, managed with honesty, and dedicated to God’s purpose, it becomes more than a source of income. It becomes a form of worship.
Business is not just about selling and earning. It can be about serving and giving. It can be about being a light in a place where people may never enter a church.
Every prayer whispered before a sale, every tithe given, every Sabbath honored, they are all acts of worship.
For Those Wondering: Can Ministry and Business Go Together?
Yes, they can. But it takes intentionality.
Here’s what we’re learning:
1. Start small. You don’t need a big investment. Start with what’s in your hand.
2. Be faithful. Growth takes time. Trust God with every step.
3. Give what belongs to God. Set aside your tithe. Use your profit to bless others.
4. Rest. Honor the Sabbath. Don’t let your business steal your rest or your worship.
5. Let it glorify God. Whether you’re selling spaghetti, baking brownies, or managing a shop, let people see Jesus through your actions.
Is Christ Enough?
We have asked ourselves this question again and again, especially when the business is slow or the bills start piling up.
Is Christ enough?
Yes. He is.
But sometimes, His sufficiency doesn’t look like what we expect. It may not always be financial abundance. Sometimes, it’s peace in the middle of uncertainty. It’s strength when we feel weak. It’s the quiet reminder that He sees us and has not forgotten us.
When Christ is our enough, we work with joy, give with gladness, and rest without fear.
What About You?
Maybe you’re like us—missionaries trying to find a new path.
Maybe you’re a parent wanting to teach your kids about money and giving.
Maybe you’re someone who has been away from faith and is unsure if God still wants to use you.
Friend, He does.
God is still writing your story. Whether you work in business, ministry, education, or at home, He sees you.
He knows your needs.
He delights in your trust.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
So don’t give up.
Rest if you must. Pause and breathe. But keep trusting. Keep sowing. Keep believing.
A Family Vision
We’re still learning. We don’t have all the answers. But we know this: God is faithful.
We continue to pray for Divine Spaghetti and David’s brownie venture. We dream of seeing them grow and maybe one day start another business together. But even more than that, we dream of seeing lives touched, hearts encouraged, and faith multiplied.
If you have a vision or a small beginning, don’t despise it.
If you have a story of God’s provision, share it.
Let’s keep encouraging one another. Let’s keep building together.
Because when business becomes ministry, and ministry becomes life, it all becomes worship.
A Prayer for You
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the quiet ways You provide. Thank You for giving us peace when the world says we should be anxious.
Teach us to trust You in every part of our lives—our homes, our work, our businesses, and our ministries.
Help us to honor You with our time, our money, and our efforts.
Strengthen those who are tired. Encourage those who feel forgotten. And remind us again and again that You are always enough.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you have a story of God’s provision or of starting something new with Him?
We’d love to hear it.
Let’s walk together in faith, one day at a time.
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