MARCH, TWENTY TWENTY ONE
Growing up I remember a poem my parents had on the back of the toilet door. I used to recite it but never really appreciated the depth of the words. Yesterday I was reminded of it and it really struck me as what I see in my life – all our lives now.
The poem was called The Tapestry….
Written by Cornelia “Corrie” ten Boom. Corrie was a Dutch Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. She was imprisoned for her actions.
She is most well known for her book “The Hiding Place” that was made into a movie, and she travelled the world telling others about the love of God. Corrie passed away in 1983.
In her book, Reflections of God’s Glory, were these words, and the pictures are the actual tapestry that Corrie held as she told this story…
As she spoke, she slowly unfolded the purple cloth in her hands and revealed hundreds of strings tied in knots and pulled through the cloth. It all looked so random. She showed the children how the strings didn’t seem to make sense from where they sat at her feet on the floor in the living room.
“That’s the whole point,” she exclaimed. She said it was because of our limited vision, our limited perspective of what God is doing in our lives, that we question Him.
At that point Tante (aunt) Corrie slowly turned the purple tangled mess around to reveal a beautiful tapestry: a crown of gold with multicolored jewels.
“This” she said, “is what God sees…. from His perspective….a masterpiece!”
Its life - our lives. We are all parts woven into one big picture – a little corner of a piece as we cross paths, conversations, events – these parts of us create a whole picture – whether we are in New Zealand , Australia – Cambodia or anywhere on this planet. Our one and only precious life counts –
We’ll become in our lives what we do with our love.
You all know our family motto is life is short love what you do – what I do today matters – but not just for my life but for others so I strive to make it count.
6 years ago, tomorrow I left New Zealand to start this journey of life in Cambodia. I did not know what it would hold for me, but I went with a heart full of hope to make a difference. I think I can safely say, because of all of you behind me - we have – collectively.
Cambodia has changed over the 6 years I’ve been there, and it has been for the better. Education has improved tremendously as corruption has been addressed.
Cambodia has relative success in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and are implementing effective post pandemic recovery strategies and policy responses to help rebuild the economy, but the reality is – the situation economically is dire. Their global supply chains and the tourism industry are both the main casualties of the travel bans.
The restrictions have had direct and indirect impacts on the people of Cambodia. Garment factories have had had two thirds shutdown affecting hundreds of thousands of the Cambodian workers and families. The severe impact on the tourism sector have caused an estimated 3,000 businesses to close and 45,000 workers to lose their jobs. And the risks remain as the economy slows down even more due to the global impact of the virus.
TESTIMONIES OF 2021 SO FAR
As you know, the financial needs are great, however, in just two short months we have made a difference in multiple lives. Firstly, the Aroha Home is still running in my absence, and the boys are continuing to study, and live in a safe environment.
Secondly, some of you generously gave when I put the ask out for a man needing surgery to save his leg. I am happy to report that he made it through the surgery and is recovering in hospital. He will be in there for at least eight weeks - and the financial support we have been able to provide means that he doesn't leave hospital owing money for the surgery, as well as suffer from the loss of income. He is, and will be, eternally grateful to those who have helped him through.
Thirdly, the pastor of my church up in Cambodia stated a need for student bicycles. They asked if it were possible to provide the finances for 10 bicycles for their students who need transport to high school – presently they are walking miles and are tired before they even get to school. The cost of one bike (and helmet) is $80 NZD (basic bicycles but they do the trick!). Again, huge thank you to those who have given to this over the past week - the money is in, and has been sent to the pastor to make the purchases to change another ten lives!
HOW CAN WE HELP?
…because we actually can!
The Pastors from two of the local churches in Phnom Penh have asked for help for their students in the slum area – maybe this is something you could help me with?
TEXTBOOKS
When COVID-19 hit Cambodia schools were closed and learning went to online. The poorer children in the Jesus School (part of the church mission in the slum area) haven’t been able to continue learning as they have no access to technology and have fallen behind. The Pastor is urgently seeking help to put together 120 sets of books (6-7 books per student) at a cost of $14 NZD per pack. Any donation would be so appreciated to help make this happen. It is a lot of packs but I believe we can make it happen.
AROHA PROJECT
I hope to head back to Cambodia in the near future and continue to look for ways to sponsor and support students in need as I truly believe that through education and mentoring, we will change the future of not only their lives but collectively that of Cambodia – a developing county.
So, I hope you can continue to consider whether you or your company could offer a scholarship (see our website for further details) or help to support the cost of the leadership home or shop in Phnom Penh. We are making a difference - one life at a time. I can see it.
We are all woven into peoples lives as we cross paths, conversations and events and somehow our little piece is woven to create a unique corner that makes the whole.
FINANCIAL INFO.
As always, please see below for giving options.
NZ ANZ Direct Deposit: WILSON 06 0383 0164749 04
Australia ANZ Direct Deposit: WILSON 016141 299685840
Our Aroha Project website has been updated to include a giving function - see the SUPPORT site page for for more information!
To claim donation tax credit in NZ:
Direct Deposit: Edge | 03 0155 0451009-000 (please note the change in suffix) and reference 'arohaproject'
Pushpay: Text 'edge' to 818 and reference 'arohaproject'