Reflecting on these last eight days with Robert, Tam and the entire GIBTK team, I am reminded of the legacy that is produced when we are obedient to God’s call. I think about the origin story of this organization that is now well into its next generation of impact and leadership, and I marvel at the capacity of what a simple “Here I am Lord, send me,” can turn into.
Upon our arrival, we hopped on a six-hour bus ride to meet some extraordinary young women who were from circumstances difficult for me to even imagine. I’ve had the opportunity to both grow up in Southeast Asia and the privilege to travel the world and it feels compelling for me to write that I have not personally witnessed an organization that focuses on the breadth and depth that GIBTK is involved in.
These young women are cared for in an incredibly sincere, in depth manner. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, no area is neglected. Equally important to me is GIBTK’s understanding of the need for a long-term partnership with those it serves. They don’t just release them when they turn 18. GIBTK understands that trauma isn’t undone in one night or a few years. The majority of stories we heard about the relationship between GIBTK and those for whom they care span multiple years.
After having the opportunity to listen to these young women discuss their hopes and dreams in Cambodia, we were able to see parts of the organization that had been firing on all cylinders for years.
One young man I met taught the students English. What was fascinating about his story was his move from tragically becoming an orphan in the early 2000s, coming to GIBTK and finding unconditional love and community, to where he is now – a college educated English teacher for an international organization who gives his life to GIBTK because he wants to help raise up young people to continue to improve the Vietnam of tomorrow. This is what I am most thankful for in my experience. The “trip within a trip,” as it were. Another story of a young-person going through a mind-bending set of circumstances. However, because of the no-strings-attached kind of love that the Father calls us to have, he is now committed to helping those coming up behind him who are walking through similarly difficult situations.
While we played games, had so much fun, made some great friendships, learned so much, when I sit at home in reflection on what I’ve experienced, my heart is not drawn to those things. Rather, it is drawn to the GIBTK staff, over 50 different people from all walks of life working tirelessly to help kids get heart surgeries, families get wheelchairs, at-risk youth receive proper education (up to and including college), without ceasing. Their relentless pursuit of a better Vietnam and a better Cambodia remind me that God is moving in cities and countries far before I arrived and will continue to be there, working through the people, long after I go. What a joy to catch a simple glimpse of his mighty power.
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