570 Lives

As one of the few families with Asian Hope who stayed in Phnom Penh over the summer, we have the opportunity to witness and help facilitate the arrival of new and returning teachers and staff. The summer was nice with the less rigorous schedule of Summer School but we look forward to the return of a set schedule and increased order in our lives, as many parents do this time of year. However, most of my excitement comes from thinking about the 570+ kids that our schools will have the opportunity to impact this year. The majority of them are not first time students at an Asian Hope school although many are. Regardless, it is so exciting to think of the lasting impact we can make on these lives. Our rigorous academic expectations produce young people who are well prepared for their future school/work plans. This is especially beneficial to our many indigenous scholarship students. It gives them a real, tangible hope of something more in life. A future where they will be equipped to contribute positively to their community, avoid selling their bodies for money and one that will offer infinitely more than the default of poverty and oppression. If that wasn't enough, being a Christian organization with 3 Christian schools, we also offer a hope that will transcend this life into the next. An education, regardless of how good it is, will not matter at all when God says your time on Earth is over. This has even more impact in a country where 95% of the population is Buddhist. So as we enter this year, we are trusting God to implement His sovereign plan in all 50 lives that we have the privilege and opportunity to cross paths with.
I am also excited to be co-teaching a High School class this fall called "Service Leadership". In this class I will have the opportunity to help students plan, develop and implement service projects around the community, city and region. I love being a part of helping broaden the minds and hearts of students, to help them see past themselves. No matter who we are, what history, talents and gifts we have, God has uniquely equipped each of us for a powerful place in His kingdom. Please pray with me that the hearts of the students would be open and receptive to God's leading in their lives and that they would be obedient to the point of follow through. Blessings!