River Rescue in Cambodia

As we boarded the river boat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and headed to a floating village, a 11-year old-boy jumped on at the last minute and joined us.

We smiled at each other and I asked his name.  While answering, he began to give me a “back massage”. After about 5 minutes, he stuck his hand in front of me and says “$1”. I expected this and happily handed over a dollar bill. He moved on to the next bench and repeated the transaction. Four people in, he arrives at a participant who was dealing with shoulder pain. We tried to explain, “No”. He continued to give her the Cambodian “massage” on her back…occasionally saying $1.

I looked at him with a puzzled look, “$1 for massage?”, I asked. He said, “Yes”. Then I asked, “$1 for no massage?” Again, he smiled and said, “Yes”.

We shared a laugh as he went from person to person. Each of us paying $1 no matter if we wanted a massage or not. What a salesman…I wanted to keep him. 

The boat picked up speed and we soon found ourselves in a floating village, complete with a church. Our driver, seeing us with our cameras, pulled over to a floating store and encouraged us to climb on top for a better view…and then we were off once again. It was time to head back.

It was at that moment that our friend and tuk-tuk driver, Don and his 2 friends who had been spending the last day with us, scurried to the top roof of our covered boat.  Without hesitation, I waved good-bye to the team and said, “I’ll see you later, I’m joining them!”

We goofed around, took pictures, and somehow it naturally turned into an opportunity to share the gospel. Don quickly translated while I shared. Just when I was going to stop, one of the men said, “Please keep going” I love to hear these stories; they are beautiful.”  Don and I both excited…continued with the encouragement of the two men. “Do you want to personally know the man in these stories I’m telling? By this time, my friend Amanda had climbed up and was sitting with us….

We began to pray. The men began to pray – and were rescued on the river.

Upon celebrating, we look over to see that the rest of the team along with our new little friend had been listening and watching. They too were all celebrating! A small portion was recorded (SEE BELOW), thanks to Kelsey – who later shared that just moments before she climbed on top of the boat, she had asked God to give her a firsthand experience of someone walking into a new life!

These men have not been left on their own. Don has taken great care in connecting them with other believers and a church. We gave money for Bibles…and before the day was over, they each had one in their possession.  

I return in the fall, both to Cambodia and Thailand. Is this something you’d like to be a part of? If so, please watch for the trips to be posted on the Adventures’ site. Or, if you cannot go but still want to be a part…I’m in need of prayer partners and financial supporters. 

Thank you all for the parts you play in this journey!