Our recent journey took us to Kampot province, located two and a half hours southeast of Phnom Penh. This province has an 80 km coastal strip with the Gulf of Thailand.
Kampot's charm lies in its unexpected twists. An old fish market transformed into a modern Starbucks offered a cool escape from the midday sun. A newly built Seahorse Statue stood as a quirky landmark that was perfect for capturing a memorable tourist photo.
However, this wasn't a sightseeing trip, but a mission with purpose. Eager to empower local churches, we once again reached out and had dinner fellowship with the Kampot Provincial Pastors Association. Their enthusiastic response resulted in a gathering of 50 pastors and leaders for our seminar, and the books we were going to share with them included Power in the Name, The Power of Proclamation, Complete Salvation, The Power of Sacrifice, and By Grace Alone.
Driven by this shared vision, we chose our accommodation – a humble hostel with bunkbeds nestled within a church compound. This decision wasn't just about financial efficiency to allow more pastors to attend the seminar, but also about immersing ourselves in the local church community.
A Gentle Dawn and a Message Heard: Finding Quiet in the Village
The rooster's crow was replaced by a symphony of birds and clucking chickens - a natural alarm clock that roused us before dawn. This wasn't your average hotel wake-up call; it was a gentle reminder from nature, orchestrated by the Lord Himself, to begin a day filled with purpose.
By 8:00 am our makeshift seminar space in the open area buzzed with anticipation. We were in the heart of a village; a place where the Christian population was considerably smaller compared to other provinces. Yet, despite the early hour, 51 pastors arrived, eager to learn.
As praise and worship filled the air, a quiet observation tugged at my heart. Through a gentle whisper, I received a nudge from the Holy Spirit that many of them, burdened by daily tasks and responsibilities, craved more than just information; they yearned for a deeper connection with God, a chance to truly listen to His voice.
Inspired by this insight, I incorporated a new message into my session. Drawing from Luke 10:38-42, I shared the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters with contrasting approaches to Jesus' presence. Martha focused on busy tasks, while Mary chose to sit at His feet, seeking fellowship. The message resonated deeply. We learned that in the midst of a demanding ministry, seeking stillness and listening to God's voice is not a luxury, but a necessity.
A Shepherd Rejuvenated: Pastor Yon Vannak's Story of Grace
Pastor Yon Vannak's experience at the Kampot province seminar is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel message. The clarity of the teachings and the abundance of DPM resources resonated deeply within her, igniting a renewed passion for her ministry.
Two books, The Power of the Sacrifice and By Grace Alone, held particular significance for her. They unveiled a revelation that had eluded her previously. Pastor Yon Vannak shared the burden she had carried for so long – the relentless striving to earn God's blessings through sheer effort. This relentless pursuit had left her weary and burdened.
The message of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross brought liberation. She came to understand that God's favor wasn't dependent on her performance or her perceived goodness; it stemmed solely from the depth of Jesus' love for her. Righteousness, salvation, and blessings were gifts offered freely by grace, not earned through tireless striving.
Pastor Yon Vannak's words resonate with a profound shift. The heavy weight of self-effort lifted, replaced by a lightness of spirit and a wellspring of joy. Her newfound understanding empowered her to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with her congregation with renewed clarity and conviction.
Her closing words, "May the Lord keep teaching me and empowering me..." are a beautiful expression of a heart surrendered to God's leading. Pastor Yon Vannak's journey reminds us of the transformative power of grace, a message that can lighten burdens, ignite passion, and equip leaders to illuminate their communities with the love of Christ.
If this has inspired you to get started reading Derek's books, you might like to start with our Top 10 list.
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