For 26 years I have been at the helm of Ratanak. I first learned to steer a small project dedicated to getting medical supplies through the UN embargo and to desperate Cambodians living in trauma, isolation and civil war. Ratanak would grow into a small charity with me learning various administrative tasks, desktop publishing, mail merging, public speaking and even an attempt at accounting! It was overwhelming.

God would rescue me from the accounting with the arrival of Darrel Thomassen, an accountant, who volunteered to occasionally assist. He did not know that over the years his kind offer of volunteer support would turn into almost full- time work as he poured himself into developing a firm financial structure upon which Ratanak could grow. All of this accomplished as a volunteer!

For me trying to run the ever-growing Ratanak while still working full-time at the RCMP became untenable as exhaustion kicked in and my health suffered. And so in 2008, I resigned from the police force to focus fully on Ratanak. Growth continued and God brought along my first part time employee, Melissa Polman, to provide administrative assistance. As projects and opportunities to serve Cambodia grew Melissa grew along with them and she now serves as the Planning and Administration Director.

Ratanak grew still more as word spread and many more people heard of the unparalleled trauma and tragedy of recent Cambodian history. Many people with good hearts became dedicated to assisting suffering Cambodians. Ratanak UK, Australia and USA were born in response to the Cambodia people were becoming aware of. Through this whole process there was great blessing but also, for me, fatigue… lots of fatigue.

For 26 years I have been functioning as both Founding Director and Executive Director of Ratanak. Once again I reached a stage where exhaustion was taking over and once again God had a solution – this time in the form of Graeme Illman. Graeme joined Ratanak several years ago on a temporary contract, filling in for Melissa who was on maternity leave. It did not take long for his skills, talent and spiritual wisdom to get noticed. Upon Melissa’s return, Graeme transferred into the new full time position of International Relations Director, managing and coordinating all of Ratanak’s various international offices and boards.

With the continued growth of Ratanak, and to my great relief, the decision was made to split the positions of Founding Director and Executive Director. I will retain the Founding Director position allowing me to more closely focus on the areas of my strengths: public speaking, overall vision, direction and guidance. I am thrilled! As of June 1st 2016, Graeme has become the new Executive Director of Ratanak International and is responsible for the day-to-day logistics of the organization, strategic planning and operations development. I welcome Graeme to this position. His leadership is good for Ratanak as an organization and good for me personally. As one Cambodian said to me recently “Brian, you will live longer”. I think he’s right!

Please do make a point of praying for Graeme as he takes on this responsibility. Welcome Graeme! It is a joy to have you on board in this new and exciting role.

Blessings,

Brian McConaghy

A Note from Graeme Illman

My heart for overseas ministry was birthed at a young age when missionaries would stay in our home while on furlough. I found so much excitement in listening to these men and women share stories of how God was on the move in far-away lands. As a result, I found myself drawn to maintaining a global perspective in each of the local churches that I have served as pastor. Since sensing God’s call in 2013 to leave pastoral ministry and work with Ratanak, I am once again experiencing the excitement of seeing God on the move in a far-away land. Cambodia has taken a unique place in my heart because of the beauty and graciousness of a people who have suffered so much historically. I continue to be drawn to Ratanak’s willingness to step into dark places with a humble confidence that God is still on the move. I love being a part of a team that is so dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus. It is a privilege to join with Brian in providing executive leadership to the organization as we move onward together. My desire is to lead well in my new role, and continue to see our God renew hope for Cambodians and restore their wonderful country. I appreciate your prayers as we move forward together with Him.

With Thankfulness,

Graeme Illman

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