Let us Run the Race together
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| Mission Field as a single missionary (Teaching English in Kratie Province 2007) |
Not because it is a famous verse or something I memorized for the mission training, but because his life quietly lived this verse long before I understood it. When I read about running the race with perseverance, about witnesses who have gone before us, I see him clearly. I see his choices, his obedience, his steady faith, and his simple love for God and people.
Papa retired early the moment I graduated from college. At a season when many would choose rest, comfort, or personal plans, he chose obedience. He decided to move with mama to her province and plant a small house church there. His heart was clear. He wanted mama’s relatives to know Christ. He wanted the gospel to reach our own family.
It was not an easy decision. Leaving familiarity never is. Starting something new with no promise of comfort or success takes courage. But papa obeyed God’s call without noise or recognition. He did not ask if it would be easy. He only asked if it was God.
I praise God for his life. Papa lived knowing his purpose, and he finished it faithfully. He passed away in the mission field where God placed him, with the assurance that he would meet Jesus in the end. There is deep peace in knowing that someone you love ran their race well.
That small house church became a fully pledge church standing today called Macalauat Wesleyan Church. It did not grow because of strategies or programs, but because of faithfulness. Most of mama’s side of the family have now received Christ as their Savior. The next generation, our nieces and nephews, are now leading. One of them has even become a pastor. When I see this, I am reminded that obedience may look small at first, but its fruit can last for generations.
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Macalauat Wesleyan Church  |
It remains our prayer to always have a kingdom minded heart. A heart that chooses to witness and share God’s love, especially to those closest to us.
Years later, God also called me into the mission field, this time here in Cambodia. I wrestled deeply with this calling. I wanted to be sure it was truly God leading me. Leaving family, culture, and comfort is never simple. The questions were many. The fears were real.
But God’s call and His kingdom mattered more than my comfort. I surrendered my concerns to Him and took a step of faith. In 2007, I flew to Cambodia for the first time as a single missionary. I had no clear picture of what the future would look like, but I trusted the One who called me.
God has been faithful. Serving Him in the mission field has always been both an opportunity and a privilege. I never imagined that along the way, God would also give me the gift of meeting Vandy and starting a family here. Truly, God’s plans are kinder and richer than we can imagine.
We remain thankful for the people God placed in our lives. They were witnesses to us, people who lived their purpose faithfully. Our prayer is to also be faithful witnesses until God calls us home.
Life often brings challenges that feel heavy and overwhelming. There are moments when quitting seems easier than continuing. In those moments, Hebrews 12:1 speaks with gentle strength.
We are reminded that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. These are people who lived by faith, people who endured hardship, people who obeyed even when it cost them something. Their lives remind us that we are not alone in this race.
The verse calls us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that entangles us. Sometimes these are obvious struggles. Other times, they are quiet weights like fear, shame, doubt, or the need for approval. These things slow us down and drain our strength.
But the verse does not stop there. We are called to run. To keep going. To run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Not someone else’s race. Not a perfect race. Just the one God has set before us.
This is a call to faithfulness, not speed. To obedience, not comparison. To endurance, not applause.
Below are six reflections written especially for those who carry a heart for missions, yet find themselves wrestling with obedience. These are for those who love God deeply but still feel the weight of family, security, timing, and fear. These reflections are shaped by what we continue to experience here in Cambodia, serving through PPC and the dorm ministries, trusting God day by day as He quietly provides.
1. You Are Not Weak for Wrestling
Many people think that a true calling comes without questions. But that is not how it often looks. Wrestling does not mean disobedience. It means you are taking God’s call seriously. Before I came to Cambodia, I wrestled deeply. I asked God hard questions. I cried. I waited. I needed to be sure it was Him.
Even now, years into ministry, there are moments we still wrestle. When finances are tight. When ministry needs are many. When family responsibilities feel heavy. Wrestling keeps us dependent on God, not confident in ourselves.
What fears or questions are you bringing before God right now?
Prayer
2. Obedience Often Begins Quietly
God’s call rarely begins with a loud announcement. Often it starts with small steps. Teaching a few students. Opening your home. Saying yes before you feel ready. Our ministries here in Cambodia did not begin big. PPC started with faithful people showing up. The dorm ministries grew through simple acts of care, listening, and consistency.
Like Paul who made tents to support ministry, we have learned to work faithfully while trusting God to provide. Sometimes provision comes through unexpected people. Sometimes through extra work. Sometimes through just enough for the day.
3. God’s Kingdom Comes Before Comfort
Mission work teaches us quickly that God’s kingdom must come before personal comfort. There are seasons when dreams, plans, and even good desires must be surrendered. Living in Cambodia has taught us that simplicity creates space for faith. We have learned that God’s work is always more important than our convenience.
This does not mean family or marriage are unimportant. It means they are surrendered to God’s purposes. When God is first, everything else finds its proper place.
Practical Application
Prayer
4. Trust God for Daily Provision
One of the greatest fears in missions is provision. How will we eat. How will we support our children. How will the ministry continue. Here in Cambodia, God has shown us again and again that He is faithful. Not always early. Not always in excess. But always on time.
Through teaching, shared work, and quiet support, God has provided for our family and ministries. Like Paul, we labor with our hands while trusting God with the outcome. Each day becomes an invitation to depend on grace.
5. Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
God is not asking us to impress Him. He is asking us to obey Him. Sacrifice without obedience becomes heavy and joyless. But obedience brings peace, even when it costs us something. Many times, obedience feels costly at first. But later, we see its fruit.
In ministry, obedience may look like staying when it is hard or going when it is uncomfortable. Either way, God honors a surrendered heart.
Practical Application
Prayer
6. Live by Grace and Persevere
Mission life teaches us humility. We cannot do this work by strength alone. We need grace every day. Grace to forgive. Grace to continue. Grace to remain faithful when results are slow.
The race God has set before us is long. Perseverance grows when we lean on grace and keep our eyes on Jesus. The goal is not success, but faithfulness.
Practical Application
The Hourngs!
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