RHAC Service Trip 2017: DAY 7: PASSION & PRESENCE

Today both teams visited different churches in the morning. Despite the services being conducted in Khmer it was clear that Cambodian Christians are passionate about their faith. They smile and exude true joy.

Frogs were on the menu for lunch which many students tried and enjoyed. They taste like a crunchy chicken wing. All the teachers enjoyed their froggy lunch!

This afternoon was a real highlight. After a long bumpy bus trip to another remote village we raced through the wet season storm to the church building. The local children were sitting in eager lines ready and waiting. We sung three songs and Laura played her flute. Finally each child was given a box to hold. After the count of three they all opened them. What a privilege to experience their joy and delight. Memories of this great occasion will last for many years.

Later in the afternoon an exciting soccer match took place against the Samaritan's Purse staff and RHAC. It was a a highly competitive game with a hard fought win to the International Australian RHAC side! The final score was 6-3.

Abram

When we headed to the church in the morning I felt happy and I enjoyed my time at the church. I was happy because even though the pastor had many temptations to quit he stuck into believing God and never giving up in following Christ, also because I played and had a good time with the kids.

Megan

During that church service it really hit me that we are all worshipping the same God, where we live and the language we speak does not matter. We all worship one God and that is amazing.

Alyssa

At the village church we attended, the pastor gave his testimony which greatly inspired me. The way he continued in his faith despite life threatening situations and still brought others to God, showed his true strength and God's power.

Joshua

In the afternoon today, we visited a church to distribute Operation Christmas Child boxes and it was a wonderful experience for us all. I remember distinctly seeing a boy open a box and was ecstatic at the fact he received underwear and shorts, and it really did put things in perspective for me.

Emma

It was so rewarding to give out the gifts to all the kids, what especially touched me was a disabled girl who couldn't use her legs. It really touched me because I realised how much this gift meant to her and it gave her the hope of pushing on.

Ashleigh
Giving the children of a church Christmas child boxes today was an amazing experience because we helped change a child's life and we got to see them react and look through them.

Harrison

Just sitting with those kids and seeing there eyes light up was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Seeing them play with and look in wonder at what they received was amazing and touching.

Christopher

Handing out the Christmas child boxes today is an experience that I will never forget. Seeing the joy on the children's faces when they received probably their first gifts was just an amazing sight.

Grace

Today we went and gave out Christmas Child Boxes. The expressions on the face of the children when they opened them was heart warming.

Kailey
Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they opened their boxes, was absolutely amazing! It really makes me think about how much I take for granted and has opened my eyes.

Tyson
The kids after having received their shoebox were joyful, and I enjoyed playing with some of them as they opened their gifts.

Monique

The Christmas child box was a memorable experience because you saw the happiness on the kids faces as they received the operation Christmas child box. This was a moment of joy and happiness as you knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and they may never receive this shoebox again

Olivia

Today we went to a church to pass out Christmas boxes and it was very rewarding to see all these kids get crazy over toothbrushes and other small gifts made my day.

Denver

Seeing the kids open the operation Christmas child boxes was really eye opening as it showed me that one small gift can make someone so happy and change their life forever. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces was a moment I will never forget.

Ella

the smiles and joy these kids had when they opened their gifts was heart warming. each gift they'd unwrap and shortly play with before exactly replacing their toys in there correct position, this care they had was precious.

Ethan

I thought the Christmas child box gifting was a joyful time for me. Seeing the kids opening the boxes made me think how fortunate i am and how I should view the things i take for granted differently.

Riley

Today was an incredibly memorable day watching the children receive their gifts. The joy they brought to everyone won't be forgotten.

Laura.W

Today I had the privilege of giving a shoebox to a beautiful little girl who, by the end of the session was calling me "big sister" and was dragging me around by my hand. Through the opportunity and privilege of giving these gifts I have seen so unimaginable joy and thankfulness that will last me a lifetime!

Scout

The church in the village we visited was really inspiring as it was a small, hot and crowded, but the passion was still extremely visible. The story about the pastors life was amazing to listen to and it was clear how his experience with Christianity had changed his life.