The week grew increasingly busy as preparations for our camp meeting gathered momentum. Then came an unexpected blessing. A family who had recently chosen to follow Jesus asked if they could join the gathering—and even offered their home as the meeting site. Their invitation filled us with joy.
Everyone packed their hammocks, mattresses, mosquito nets and other necessities before making the nearly three-hour journey to the home of these new believers.
Early Friday morning, we picked up our student missionaries and several local church members and began the long drive. As we arrived, we were welcomed by a beautiful pink fabric tent with decorations fluttering in the breeze. In front of the house stood another tent with a green tarp covering the soil, prepared especially for the event.
The entire church family was busy with preparations. Some were cooking, others were cleaning, and many were helping guests find a place to sleep. The homeowners graciously offered us their upstairs room, where a mattress had been prepared. Most attendees would be sleeping in hammocks beneath the house. Our only task was to set up our mosquito nets before the program began.
Everyone soon gathered together, listening intently to the messages. It was deeply moving to watch these new believers experience the Holy Spirit working in their hearts as they listened, participated and worshiped. Witnessing their growing faith was a tremendous blessing.
In a nearby tent, children sang, “O How I Love Jesus,” in Khmer. Our student missionaries had planned the entire children’s program in the local language. They practiced diligently, preparing Bible stories, songs, coloring pages and activities. Throughout the year, they had grown not only in their language abilities but also in confidence. It was especially inspiring to see some of the shyest student missionaries standing before the children and teaching boldly.
The weather was hot and humid, yet God blessed us with clear skies throughout the entire program. Every meal was prepared with love, and we enjoyed traditional Pnong food made especially for us. Several family members who came to help with preparations stayed to listen once the meetings began.
As they heard the messages, it was evident that God was speaking to their hearts as well.
Just after sunset, we concluded the program with prayer. It was time to wash away the day’s sweat. Gathering around a large brown water pot, I scooped water with a plastic bowl and poured it over myself—Cambodian style. In the middle of our evening routine, we were startled by a snorting visitor: the family pig. After a good laugh, the rest of the evening passed peacefully.
Later that night, I woke and carefully made my way downstairs to use the bathroom. As I descended the stairs, I nearly stepped on the small dog standing guard. Startled, he leaped away, thankfully without waking anyone. Looking for a dark corner of the yard, I noticed what appeared to be someone sleeping flat on their back. As I drew closer, I realized it was not a person at all—but the family’s white pig. I could not help but laugh quietly within myself.
The entire property was silent. People slept peacefully in their hammocks while the animals rested nearby. Above me, countless stars filled the sky. Standing there in the stillness, I thanked God for all He had done.
We have been blessed to witness people accepting Jesus—not because of our efforts alone, but because family members are learning about Him and then sharing what they have learned with others. As they answer God’s call to discipleship, the Holy Spirit empowers them to carry the good news to their families, neighbors and friends.
That night, as I gazed at the stars scattered across the Cambodian sky, I prayed that the number of Pnong people represented in heaven one day would be as countless as those shining lights above me.
Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to burn in the hearts of the Pnong people until Jesus comes.
