Sparrows
People often ask me how I cope with all the tragedy associated with human trafficking in Cambodia. They wonder how it is that after twenty-four years I can still function. They display a look of shock when I tell them I am more enthusiastic and motivated than when I started. So what pushes me to continue persevering in this ministry? I believe there is a huge spiritual dimension to grappling with the stories, the investigations and the trauma suffered by Cambodians. We may all manage to cope with the emotional stress for a little while. However, when the years turn into decades with the issues persisting and there is a need to continue persevering towards a goal that still seems far away, it is vital that we are grounded in the knowledge of someone greater than ourselves. We need to hold to the belief that there will be ultimate justice and freedom one day.
Those of you who have heard me speak will have undoubtedly heard me refer to the “Carpenter King” – one who considers the poor, destitute and hopeless to be of such value that they are “to die for”. It is this hope and knowledge that is central to our ability to press on in the face of overwhelming odds. In Matthew 10:29 (NLT) we read, “What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” What a wonderful thing it is to serve a God of justice who cares! The point is further driven home two verses later, “So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
The power of this passage, for me, is that it is intimate and personal. So often we comprehend the huge problems of the world, such as human trafficking, through clinical theory or abstract statistical models. God is not like that – it is all very personal for Him. This brings me to another reason why both myself and other Ratanak staff members continue to persevere… it is personal. We have had the privilege of meeting and knowing those transformed from situations of slavery and hopelessness into lives of hope and dignity. Who among us would abandon those we love in times of disaster? We all have the capacity to work relentlessly for those we love, because they are neither theoretical nor statistical; they are known to us. It is no surprise then, as God allows us to get to know and love Cambodians, that we become more committed to their well-being. If we are to fully engage in being a blessing to others around us, we need to allow our relationships to become personal, as God has made his relationship with us personal.
Due to security and privacy considerations it is virtually impossible to have you know the girls personally. This is a constant frustration to me. So often when I’m with them and their laughter fills the room, I think of all of you (seriously I do). I think to myself: if only those who support us could see this, could see these faces – they would know such joy. Alas, this is not possible. However, in an attempt to bridge the gap somewhat, allow me to say a few words about some of our sparrows – those God has given us to serve and to love. My hope is that you will pray for them and also be encouraged by how far they have come. The girls Ratanak has the privilege of caring for have been brutalized by life. They have undergone very significant trauma and were disadvantaged not only by human trafficking and abuse, but also by circumstances that denied them an education. Yet now, with your support, these girls have experienced love and are growing into beautiful young women with hopes and dreams. Four of them are attending university – an amazing accomplishment for young women who have been through so much. In the following paragraphs you will not find any particular drama, only normal impressions – the sort that may be associated with any young university freshman. But therein lies the joy, for these girls have come from a background that is anything but normal. So normal actually represents great bravery and great victory!
(I have changed all names to follow.)Salette is hoping to become a social worker. I think she will do well in this area as she has a very gentle presence and a warmth that makes people, especially little kids, feel safe. She is hungry for knowledge and recognizes how far she has come. She says she wants to develop from a person who doesn’t know anything to a person who has a lot of skill and is full of knowledge. I trust she will achieve even beyond what she expects! In the future she wants to be a Program Manager in an organization that helps women and children who are victimized and have been trafficked far from their homes. Salette is pragmatic and responsible. She is quieter than many of the girls and less quick to smile – but when she does it lights up the room. While often serious, she also has the capacity to be a complete goof and be very funny when she feels like it.
Recently, Caera also asked for information about working in the field of Counseling and Social Work. However, in conversations with the Ratanak staff she determined that “sitting in an office listening to other people’s problems” was not for her. I guess that means counseling is out! She would like to be more active and engaged, preferably out in the community. She is currently evaluating whether she would like to pursue teaching or social work. She is interested in working with an organization either in urban or rural Cambodia. She has a warm manner, is very quick to smile, and is a social butterfly who enjoys having people around her.
Serey is studying Information Technology. She is gifted in this area and instructs Ratanak staff when they have questions or difficulties with various computer programs. She has taught them how to set up and navigate the whole social networking world! She wants to get her Bachelors Degree and become a Manager of Information Technology Systems, working in a large international company or organization. Serey’s ability to acquire English has amazed me. She has a great sense of humor and time spent with her always involves much laughter. When I last saw her she presented me with a huge plate of chocolate chip cookies, which she had just learned to make, along with a huge grin. So much for me eating healthy while in Cambodia! After giving me some of her delicious cookies we chatted, and I agreed with her on most things (except what pizza we were to order – we have agreed to disagree on that!)
And that brings me to the final element that keeps me going in this difficult and endless work – success! The healing process can be painful. The trauma of the past is manifested in different ways, but each success contributes to transformation. Particularly in times of difficulty, I only have to think of the girls, now living with dignity, and I am once again propelled along in this journey of hope. I trust that, through these newsletters, you are able to catch a glimpse of the sparrows and the hope.
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