Echoing “FULLNESS IN CHRIST WEEKEND” in Cambodia – Mission, Leisure and Both
Many pictures were playing in my mind while I was preparing for the trip to Cambodia for it was the first out-reach of CFC-VN outside Vietnam. So as the departure date drew nearer, I became very excited and at the same time apprehensive of what would be revealed to me personally.
Early morning of July 8th, Fr Tantan and I left for Cambodia, two days earlier than the rest of the team as we wanted to have a short tour before the conference. As we got on the bus we were both surprised to see a very pleasant man showing us our seats. We found out later as we were travelling that he was a Cambodian local. It gave us the impression that Cambodians are pleasant people. True enough when we reached the immigration office we were greeted with a nice smile. Along the way, I started to feel comfortable because those encounters were for me signs that everything will be fine when we reach Cambodia. So, I simply enjoyed the views as we journeyed on.
Upon arrival at the bus station in Cambodia Bro Martin Bandalan, the CFC-Cambodia Country Head, greeted us with the warmest smile as we excitedly got into his car. After a short rest, off we went to tour around the city. The first stop was ‘the best coffee of Cambodia’. The aroma was mouth-watering but what made it more enticing was the nice and warm smile of the man as he was preparing the coffee. He even gladly gave us extra servings. Then we started walking around the ‘Russian Market’ and though it was so warm, the place was also interesting as most of the sales ladies were nice and easy to deal with. We even got big discounts. The first day was quite hectic but after meeting other leaders/brethrens of CFC Cambodia I believe our first day was a stimulating experience. The meeting was initially planned to discuss about the preparations on the Fullness in Christ weekend. However, because of the hospitality of our brethren it turned out to be like a get-together of sort. There wasn’t any hint of awkwardness even though most of us were meeting for the first time. There were so much fun, laughter and sharing of ideas, that I felt confident, relaxed and comfortable. It was another manifestation that God’s hands are at work.
The second day was again another good experience and further affirmation of how warm our brethrens are. Fr Tantan and I had a grand tour of the city, accompanied by our brothers. We savoured well the food, the sights and the beauty of the city, the warmth of the locals we had encountered including the monks we met at the park and most especially the companionship of our brothers. If the first day was exhilarating, the second day from morning till late at night was hilarious as so much laughter was shared. It was an overwhelming experience.
On Saturday, July 10th, the day of the Fullness in Christ weekend, CFC-VN team arrived at lunch time, full of energy even after six hours of travelling. The team was happy, lively and excited as they were warm-heartedly welcomed and embraced by our brethren from CFC Cambodia. They all went straight to the venue as Talk 1 would be given an hour later. That very day God revealed a lot of surprises, which were beyond description. From the first hour of the talk till late at night, God has empowered all the speakers and sharers with His Holy Spirit to their fullest. God has gifted each one with so much that all were overflowed with gratefulness for His grace, love and blessings. Our brethrens’ participants were all blessed by our good Lord and were shielded by the Holy Spirit. They attentively listened to the talk, internalising the messages that God would want them to hear. The venue was very conducive and the food served was appetizing. All the songs rendered by Bro Jed Chua were so inspiring and stirring. The seminar ran smoothly, was spirit-filled and fully enveloped with God’s presence. The same as ever the day ended with so much more for everyone.
As we travelled back to Vietnam on Sunday, July 11th, everyone was one in thinking that we would definitely be coming back to Cambodia. God did not give us this trip merely for His mission but also for us to receive His gift of leisure and camaraderie. We can never thank enough CFC-Cambodia for their generosity not only of their time and treasure but especially the warmth of their love. We are very thankful to our Heavenly Father for giving us that opportunity to serve Him through our brethren in Cambodia. The success of that weekend and the love and fellowship shared led us all to the Fullness of Life in Christ, for His greater glory.
It was only the beginning… more is about to come.
For God be praised.
By Annette Taguba
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