Rodney Ruppell is the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. What a thrill it was to see these dear missionaries and their children as they have labored in the country of Cambodia for over fifteen years. Being that I speak the Khmer language, I was definitely embarrassed that these missionaries speak and write my native language better than me.

Rodney is doing a great job. As of late, his efforts are to assist the Christian community in general as persecution has risen in Phnom Penh. There are now tighter regulations regarding conversion of the nationals as well as handing out gospel literature. Rodney is working aggressively to help those in authority while bridging the communication barriers for many of the missionaries in the country.

Psalm 141:5a “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be excellent oil…”  The Psalmist David probably said it best on my behalf today. I am humbled by the commitment of those that serve in a foreign country. To see the people of God serve and leave the comforts of home is always a humbling and convicting thought.

My tiny globe trek has brought me now to the country of Costa Rica.  Dale Briley and Ed Bordell are two of many Baptist missionaries who serve in this beautiful country. Dale Briley and his son, John met me at the airport and brought me to the residence where the group is staying for three nights.  The group is staying on the premises owned and operated by the organization YWAM, Youth With A Mission.  This is an international group with many locations that hosts young people from all over the world.  The short term stay with this organization is generally comprised of teaching, discipleship, humanitarian work, and a desire to immerse young people in the work of missions abroad.