Partnership ministry in Cambodia
Abraham from Cambodia pictured at Wellspring Anglican with David Rietveld. Photo Tim Wherrett
The small groups of Wellspring Anglican were keen to hear about Abe's work in Cambodia. Photo Tim Wherrett
Challenge to change
In November 2009 Wellspring Anglican in Sandy Bay had the honour of hosting Abraham Hang from Cambodia.
Abraham (Abe) is the pastor of The Well Church at New Andong resettlement village 35km outside of Phnom Penh. Abe began ministering to the people when they were dumped there after being forcibly relocated by the government from a Phnom Penh squatter village in 2006.
Abe spent three weeks with us teaching, sharing and learning. The visit was central to our desire to have deep, loving relationship at the heart of our partnership.
Abe’s time was rapidly filled up attending clergy conference, speaking at Hutchins, Collegiate and Fahan several times, speaking at services and sharing at small groups every night.
The small groups were a highlight with up to 40 people squeezing into living rooms late into the night eagerly listening and asking questions. One night driving home at 10:30pm after a full day I said to Abraham that he must be tired, his response was that it was much easier than a day of work in Andong!
One of our prayers for Abe’s time was that he would help us to understand poverty and to have insight to the weaknesses and strengths of our church and the ways in which we need to change.
On Abe’s last Sunday he shared with us three insights:
Firstly he was surprised and encouraged by the depth of relationship and connection people have outside Sunday services due to his past experience in Western churches.
Secondly he encouraged everyone for their understanding of the Bible. He wished his own people could understand the Bible so easily, however the sting in the tail was that he challenged us that we often fail to do what it says!
LastlyAbe challenged us that we try to take control of everything instead of trusting and following Jesus. He likened it to our hopping on a motorbike and telling Jesus to jump on the back because we’re good to drive.
Abe’s visit to Tasmania was a great mutual blessing. It was inspiring to share with him and hear firsthand the exciting and powerful ways God is at work in Cambodia and to be challenged out of our comfort zone.
Here are some reflections, the proverbs of Abraham from his stay at Wellspring 2009
Things God won’t ask on that day:
- God won’t ask what kind of car you drove. He will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
- God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet. He will ask how many you helped to clothe.
- God won’t ask how many square metres was your house. He will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
- God won’t ask how many friends you had. He will ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
- God won’t ask what your job title was. He will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
- God won’t ask what your highest salary was. He will ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
- God won’t ask about the colour of your skin. He will ask about the content of your character.
- God won’t ask in what neighbourhood you lived. He will ask you how you treated your neighbours.
- God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek salvation. He will lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven and not the gates of hell.
Story and photo from Tim Wherrett