((This was originally posted on my church's Cambodia missions blog, just before my team arrived home at the end of July. As a reflection upon my adventure as well as my first project Rachel and I wrote together, it is special to me... but I want to share it with the darkness surrounding our Christmas-time celebration in mind especially.))
[Taylor:] When I first began this missions journey, I felt sorry for Cambodian Christians in a way that was unfair. It's not that I lacked respect for them; I certainly viewed the Fleenors with admiration in light of all they gave up to follow God's call. Still, without saying (or thinking) it in blunt words, my perception of Cambodia's believers before the trip was one based mostly on pity for their circumstances. I noticed at the outset of our trip a great overwhelming opposition for the country's Christ followers, but as I've interacted with this faithful remnant personally, I've learned to appreciate one thing most of all: in the midst of adversity and obscurity is where God's love shines brightest.
[Rachel:] My feelings before coming to Cambodia were similar, with the expectation that we were going to encourage our brothers and sisters and God was going to use us to shine His light- a startling contrast to the bleak surroundings. What I did not expect to see was God's flame of redemption burning relentlessly in so many of the individuals we would interact with- reflecting back strength, Love, and joy.
[Taylor:] Rachel and I want to share with you who these individuals are, and how they illuminated the way God's kingdom unexpectedly flourishes. Two men come to my mind in particular: Paul Fleenor and Soem.
