The Sward Family | Serving in Cambodia
“Teacher, please pray for me. I recently believed in Jesus, but I have no peace whatsoever!”
The young tribal man had quietly listened to the Bible lesson, and the discussion that followed, but he couldn’t contain himself any longer. He was desperate and confused.
Not knowing this young man, I asked him a few questions and prayed for him.
After praying, I asked him, “How do you feel now?” He slowly opened his eyes, and then blurted out, “I feel even worse!” Everyone’s eyes were now on me.
In the course of our brief interaction, I’d manage to piece together that this young man, Bunla, had made a profession of faith a month or so ago. However, as the small church in his village was less than one year old, and most of its members are illiterate, he hadn’t received any follow-up teaching or personal discipleship since then.
Because of the occult practices, illnesses, alcoholism, and overall chaos that characterizes many tribal families in NE Cambodia, usually, it’s necessary to lead new believers through a process of spiritual deliverance and inner healing prayer shortly after they make a profession of faith. However, before this is possible, it’s important to lay a solid foundation of core biblical truths. And that takes time.
Sitting across from Bunla, I knew I didn’t have the time necessary to really help him. So, I told him, “Bunla, I don’t know how to help you tonight. But Jesus does. He’s here. He sees you, inside and out and he loves you. Why don’t you ask Jesus about your problems?”
Bunla agreed. He closed his eyes and sat silently for a minute or two. When he opened his eyes again, I asked him if Jesus had revealed anything to him. Bunla’s demeanor had visibly softened. He looked at me and said, “Jesus said I don’t have peace, because I claim to believe in him, but don’t obey him.”
I was shocked. Bunla had never touched a Bible before and had received almost no Christian instruction apart from the simple gospel message. And yet, the Holy Spirit spoke directly to his heart, “convict[ing] the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).
Not long after, Bunla enro lled in our Discipleship Training School (DTS)—a three-month residential program for Christian youth in our province. Since then, Bunla’s understanding of scripture, his love for the Lord, and his eagerness to serve others has grown tremendously.
During these three months, there have been some tough times too. But through it all, Bunla continues to testify to the joy and peace that come from Jesus.
In a few days, Bunla and the other DTS students will return to their villages. Please pray that “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,” which accurately describes their society and ours, these young people would, “shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).
Scott Sward
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Spanish