In Cambodia, the most popular vehicle by far is the motorcycle. It is incredible how much cargo and how many people and animals the locals can carry on a humble 100cc motorcycle. Even though I have been in Cambodia for over a year, I am still surprised by some of the balancing acts I see. And I confess that on some occasions I have tested my own skill at these feats on my way home with a large load of groceries.
Since I arrived at the project, my motorbike has been my only means of transportation. I have already faced the rainy season and the slippery, muddy streets. I have also passed through the dry season and the streets of shifting sand and dust. I have driven up to five hours at a time with a passenger on the back. And I’ve had more than one passenger at a time (three on a motorcycle is common here). Yes, I have fallen more than once. I can’t even tell you how many times I have carried things like suitcases, brooms, even an aquarium with a fish in it. And on all these occasions I feel victorious when I reach my destination, and I praise God for protecting me!
I currently live in the capital of our province—a small town with many paved streets. But our work is not limited to the city, so having only two wheels is not always convenient. When it rains it is difficult to go to the villages or give a lift to someone in need. In fact, transportation in general is complicated during the rainy season. Despite being blessed to have a motorcycle, a car would be even a bigger blessing, and for some trips a necessity.
I am thrilled to imagine how much more I would be able to do in a car that doesn’t slip out from under me in the mud. It would enable me to transport sick people, bring groceries to the villages, shop for the school, transport more people to events in remote places, bring elderly church members to worship, and many more things as well.
With Paul I can say, “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:12, 13 NKJV). Nothing will stop me from continuing to work for the kingdom of God, and I pray that at the right time He will provide me a vehicle to expand my ministry. Would you be willing to be part of the answer to this prayer?
