As the day was approaching, everyone was excited to join this annual church gathering and baptismal service. Some of them, in their lives, had never been in that province. As I have told, some felt nervous to stand and speak in front of more than 250 people to testify of their faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, some were excited because they were able to meet other Shalom members who they had missed for a long time, and some were not able to sleep for the whole night because they were afraid that the bus would leave them.

Very early in the morning, 3:30 a.m., every member of Shalom Phnom Penh gathered around in front of the church building as we were waiting for the bus and for Shalom Puk Rusey and Koh Dach, who had to leave their homes at 2:00-2:30 a.m. to reach Phnom Penh. Most surprising was Shalom Anlong Romiet who all left their place at 2:00 a.m. This was just a one day gathering, so everyone took time to arrive early. We had distributed four buses to different places to pick up the people.

We all arrived safely and started the service at 9:00 a.m. A big crowd gathered around in front of the beach and everyone nearby looked at us very strangely and were wondering what songs these people were singing. They were very different from what we used to sing or hear at the Khmer New Year. We all had no shame of Christ to sing as loud as we can because we believe that was the time to witness of the Lord Jesus Christ to them. I was thinking in my heart that it will be even more strange when they see us immerse people in the sea. After singing, we gave the opportunity for each representative from different churches to share their very wonderful testimonies of how Christ had found them and changed their lives. They all had committed to follow the Lord Jesus Christ with all their lives.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness and providence. It was really by faith how we were able to pay four bus fares and meet other needs in order to take the people where we wanted to go and make this thing happen. Just a few days before we left, God had provided just enough funds to cover everything. Praise God! We thank God for those who contributed to make this event happen. Time and time again SMC activities really go along by faith day by day. It is a wonderful walk with God and it gives us new lessons every day to grow by faith in Him.