Darkness interweaves itself through the streets of Phnom Penh. I see trash, dirt, homelessness, starvation, poverty, and brokenness on every street. Many people here fight each day to survive, and some even have sold their own bodies in order to keep themselves and their families alive. Someone can look at Cambodia and all of its mess, and think, where is God in all of this? Where is He when there are families living in slums? Where is He when a 50-year-old man just bought a 6-year-old girl? Where is Jesus?

God reminded me this week that He is here. He has and always will be here. Through the midst of the pain and long suffering, God is here.

The ministries that God allowed us to be apart of this week are building the Kingdom in one of the darkest places in the world. I have seen God heal and set free this week. I have seen God moving in women who have every right to be angry at the world, but have decided to choose joy. I have seen light in the face of a child, who despite abuse and neglect, has found hope in knowing someone cares enough to know their name and tell them about Jesus. God is here. He is using the dreams He has placed in the heart of His kingdom workers to redeem and set free.

The battle has been won. Darkness has power no more. Whenever I feel as if the problem is too big, God sweetly reminds me that light has overcome. The Kingdom of God has defeated the night.

There is power in the name of Jesus. To break every chain.

This is power in the Kingdom.

This is good news.

“Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.” –Isaiah 2:5

*Some faces blurred for protection

**Photos by Kristen.