Now three years of bible study in FEBC has finished in May 1997. I was trained in the Word of God in English and in Chinese also. But no church would send me to China so I was embarrassed. I searched the place of my serving from mainland China to small island which many Chinese are living. FEBC asked me to continue advanced course, Th. M. But I had no inclination about it. M. Div was enough for the missionary. I had to move out of the dormitory soon. Which way should I go with my family?
In June, civil war broke out in Cambodia. But three Korean FEBC students traveled there without understanding of seriousness of Cambodia. When they arrived at Pochentong airport, Jimmy Rim, Korean businessman, thought how they dare to come to this dangerous country for sightseeing. Jimmy Rim brought them to his house and warned them not to go out without his guidance. So they stayed in his house and visited several places with his guards. Fighting was going on between two parties, and sound of gunfire was heard. When three Korean students came back to Singapore, they brought Jimmy Rim's wife first to FEBC bible college. Later Jimmy Rim also found refuge for the time being at the dormitory of FEBC. He shared the urgency of Cambodian mission to the Life B-P Church.
Lifers also responded with Amen and prayed for it. When I heard his message, I also was convinced that God is leading me to Cambodia. I expressed I want to be a missionary to Cambodia. Session members of Life B-P church gathered and decided to support me and to ordain. In that was I came to Cambodia in August, 1997. I stayed at Jimmy Rim's house for a month. He asked me to serve at Kompongsom. So I came to Kompongsom in September, rented a room at a guesthouse, and served a local church nearby.
That was only church (Pastor Sophat) in those days. Church was his private house. Around 50 to 70 members ( included children) gathered on Sunday worship. I also delivered message sometimes, and started early mornimg prayer meeting from 5:30 am. It was dark when I walked to the prayer meeting so guesthouse owner accompanied me many times. I also started Youth service on Sunday. Brother John Sarey and Paul Sokha attended it.
They were 12th grade students in 1997. I also visited many villages with the congregation. They were so kind to me. I was the only missionary in Kompongsom in those days. Many accidents happened, gunfire, killing, stealing, kidnapping also because civil war was going on and almost all the people possessed guns in their houses. The city was dark after sunset. People start to cook dinner at 4pm and finish at 5 and start to sleep at 7pm because they cannot go out. No light and danger of gangs with guns. But I found people's mind was opened wide to Christianity because they fell into the bottom with their own religion. They hoped to listen to Gospel. Most people had never heard the name of Jesus. I was so busy whole day, starting from morning prayer meeting, teaching bible to the youths at the church, visitation house by house, teaching english at local middle school at 5pm, after dinner teaching Korean language. Many people were curious of Christian missionary. In this way I had good fellowship with church members and community. In looking back, God's leading is mysterious and wonderful. Even I prepared my theological study and language for Chinese mission, He led me to this unknown land. I had many jobs before, even steward of Korean Air, tour conductor of Koron Tour, and visited many countries. But Cambodia was totally out of my sight.
In my university time, I have read a article on Times in 1977, "We do not know anything what is happening in Cambodia. No journalist can go in. Khmer means Kampuchea, Rouge means red." They described the situation of Cambodia like this under Khmer Rough. The article is still clearly remembered. I never imagined I would come to this land which was described as mass killing and live here more than 24 years.
It was God' s calling.
I am joyful because I can work in the land God appointed for me.
I love Cambodia, love Sihanoukvill, and love Cambodians.
