Captivated by Cambodia

I was immediately captivated.

In early 2010, I was introduced to a group of beautiful Cambodian women – albeit not in person, but via a slide show presented by The Center for Global Impact (CGI). These precious women make beautiful make-up bags, tote bags, purses, and more, which are then sold in the US. These ladies are affectionately called ‘the sewing team.' But this is no ordinary business endeavor; this is Jesus Christ at work in a very real, tangible way.

Through the initiatives of CGI, Cambodian women and girls in poverty-stricken areas are being provided with opportunities to learn a vocation - thereby empowering their families and protecting girls from the risk of being trafficked.

Perhaps you’ve heard stories about human trafficking or seen photos of those living in destitution, and responded like I have on too many occasions - shaking your head in disbelief, wiping away tears of sadness and pain – and then going on with life as if it really isn’t happening at all. But something changed in me the day I “met” these women in a slide show. The Holy Spirit moved in my heart in a profound way and I knew I had been fully captivated. I knew I had to GO..

Speaking of going.. will you go with me on a little detour? For nearly three years, I have been involved with Ignite Women. During the first year of this ministry, God broke the chains of shame in my life – I was truly free – and I was able to shed the garment of shame I’d worn for years; trading it in for a cloak of salvation and redemption. As a result, God literally opened the doors of ministry in my life, and I was in awe of Him. Me?? Leading other women in their walk with Christ?? I had only dared to dream of such a thing – but I have a Daddy in heaven Who delights in making His little girls’ dreams come true.

That is why, Lord willing, I am traveling to Cambodia this July. Because “little girls” of all ages in Cambodia need to know they have a Daddy in heaven who longs to make their dreams come true – and that they, too, can lead others to life in Him.

CGI will guide a group of women from my church through Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, visiting the various programs they have implemented – and introducing us to women and girls whose lives have been forever changed as a result.

My own sweet little girl will soon be six years old and I praise God that she is safe, healthy, and does not live in fear as some do in Cambodia. But if I were the mom halfway around the world whose daughter was at risk, I would desperately long for someone to come and help us!

God has called me to go and help.

I would be so humbled if you would pray for this endeavor – that it will please the Lord, change lives, and bring Him glory! Lord willing, this is not a one-time venture for me. I believe this trip will define who I am and what I do for Jesus for the rest of my life.