Meet our Volunteers- Dynamic Duo Jessika Mak and Paul Wan

April is Volunteer Appreciation month and we wanted to introduce you to some of our amazing volunteers who are investing their energy in the work of Ratanak. We asked them a range of questions – from Ratanak to spiritual to food – and we hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we do!

First up are Paul Wan & Jessika Mak, the husband-wife dynamic-duo that serve as our Toronto Area Representatives. They oversee the volunteers and initiatives in Toronto, from Pray Big Pray Bold to promotional opportunities and speaking events. Paul & Jessika live in Mississauga with their two beautiful daughters, and it doesn’t take long to see the level of passion and commitment that Paul and Jessika bring to life, faith, and Ratanak…

1 / How long have you volunteered with Ratanak?

Paul: Since September 2009. My wife, Jessika, joined the Toronto core group after she attended a social justice conference hosted by Ratanak and decided to get involved. After many months of listening to her talking, crying and praying over the issue, I decided to be a part of that.

2 / What is your favorite Ratanak Moment?

Paul: Being with Ratanak is like being in a spiritual family.

Jessika: That would be the Lord’s calling me (an utter stutter) to speak in front of a crowd in Hong Kong about Cambodia and Ratanak when my father had recently passed away. I happened to be there was to prepare for the funeral, yet my deep grief and pain didn’t stop the Lord from calling me to speak. I remember vividly when He called me to continue to pray for a little Cambodian girl when I was grieving and preparing for a 2-hour long presentation. In that moment of deep pain and sorrow, my “ah-ha” moment came to accept His call to serve Him by serving and deeply loving the people in Cambodia despite any visible adversaries, even on the brim of losing my father. That just SEALED THE DEAL through and through. Now 5 years later, I still cannot wrap my head around this. If the Lord’s willing, I dare to pray that this ministry is for life. (My hands are shaking as I type this out!)

3 / What is your most distinct memory in Cambodia?

Paul: I had an opportunity to spend time over dinner and interact with the girls from the rehabilitation program. There was a little girl sitting at our table and she was my daughter’s age – that moment really spoke volumes.

Jessika: When I was in Svay Pak in 2011 and surprisingly bumped into the little girl whom I had been praying for more than 2 years for her safety. She was in immense danger of being trafficked by her father. I had a chance to walk up to her and introduced myself and to have her in my arms and we were in full embrace for the longest time like an estranged mother reunited with her daughter. That’s the moment I heard from the Lord saying, “This is the fruit of your prayers, whom I now place in your arms! Don’t stop doing what you are doing! Keep praying!”

4 / Why do you volunteer?

Jessika: It all started in January 2009 when I was invited to attend a social justice conference learning about child sex trafficking in Cambodia. My heart was shattered after listening to Brian, Don Brewster, and Lisa’s deep conviction and commitment to fight injustice. After many months of prayer and reading materials about Cambodia and child sex trafficking, I decided to attend the Toronto core group led by Lisa and got involved in whatever ways I could. Ever since, my life and faith journey have been forever changed.

5 / Who is 1 person, dead or alive, that you would like to have coffee with?

Paul: Paul McCartney

Jessika: C.S. Lewis

6 / What is your biggest pet peeve?

Paul: When someone slides ‪the metal hangers in department stores, or scratches their fork and knife on their plate. It irks me just typing it out!!!

Jessika: Okay, I am turning 40 this year and I still keep dripping water/juice/coffee/tea inside my purse!! The last time I did that was yesterday… some things just never change!!

7 / Who or what is your favorite biblical character, story, or passage?

Paul: My favorite story is the “owner of the house” in Mark 14:12-16 – the preparation of the Passover meal. He had a task and he was prepared and ready when the task was required to be executed.

Jessika: My favorite passage is “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordon?” – Jeremiah 12:5

This passage challenges me with these questions by Eugene Peterson: “Are you going to run home the minute you find that the mass of men and women are more interested in keeping their feet warm than in living at risk to the glory of God? Live cautiously or courageously? Shuffling along with the crowd, or running with the horses?” Retreating from excellence, veering away from risks, withdrawing from faith all sound easy. It is easier to define oneself minimally and live securely within that definition than to be defined maximally and live adventurously in that reality. Easier, but not better! Easier, but not more significant! Easier, but not fulfilling!

8 / What super-power would you like to have?

Paul: Teleportation

Jessika: Ultra-fast reading and writing speed power

9 / What is your all-time favorite food?

Paul: Noodles, any type of noodles.

Jessika: Bread & butter…all time favorite comfort food.

10 / Cake or pie?

Paul: Not cake, not pie, can I pick soy sauce? Sorry I don’t like dessert!

Jessika: Definitely pie!!

Paul and Jessika, thank you for taking the time to share this snapshot of your world! It is a privilege to build His kingdom alongside you through the work of Ratanak and we pray for favor and blessing on your family as you faithfully serve!