Turning Fear into Triumph

God transforms our greatest fears into stepping stones of victory. Danoch and Li were married during the border conflict. It was a simple, traditional wedding, yet the journey to that day was not easy for either family. By the grace of God, the ceremony was carried through. Dara and I upheld them in prayer throughout the process. As the eldest in her family, Dara carried a vital role in helping make crucial decisions. With her school only a kilometer from the border where conflict is still going on, she endured exhausting two-and-a-half-hour rides back and forth on her motorcycle. Yet even in the midst of work, family responsibilities, and the border tensions, God’s grace sustained her.

Danoch & Li's Wedding

Dara and family

Danoch and me.

At WABC, the church has been gathering more earnestly in prayer. Many Cambodians are deeply afraid—the clashes at the border in late July rekindled painful memories of the past. The trauma of years ago left scars on bodies, minds, and souls. I sat with neighbors and friends, asking how they had survived the Pol Pot regime and how they felt about the present conflict. With tears in their eyes, they answered in fear: “We don’t want to experience this again.” It became a sacred opportunity to listen, comfort, and pray with them.

WABC Church intercession time

Even in this season, God is at work. The ARM Cambodia Education Department evaluation went forward despite sleepless nights caused by the border war. Four participants joined and shared their stories. I invited them to create something beautiful out of clay. As their hands molded shapes, their faces glowed with smiles—creativity springing forth even in the shadow of fear. I was moved to tears as I listened to their stories, we bowed together in prayer. Their hope rests in God—that peace will prevail not only at the border but also in every heart. Indeed, every battle with fear is an opportunity for God’s power to shine. 

ARM Teachers Evaluation

We also celebrate the next generation of faith. Kanha and Sophia, both nine years old, completed grade three with honors recently. It was a joy to witness the elementary graduation ceremony in Battambang. I remember speaking to Sophia even while she was still in her mother Vannarath’s womb, later helping her to walk, teaching her in coloring objects, bake during the pandemic, and seeing her grow in Sunday school. Today, she is already stepping into small leadership roles in our church.

Sophia with her mother, Vannarath. 

We celebrated a birthday and graduation treat for Sophia and her two siblings. Pastor Sophin and Neakru (teacher) Rath entrusted the three girls to me for several hours outside their home, and what a privilege it was to spend quality time with these lovely girls.

Kanha, with a personalized card. Praise the Lord!

Kanha also visited after graduation, bringing a handmade note that expressed her trust in God. Though her family does not yet believe in Jesus, Kanha stands firm in her new-found faith. We prayed together, thanking God for His blessings—Kanha received First Honors, and Sophia earned Third Place. We rejoice in what the Lord is doing in these young lives. Indeed, He is Sovereign, and He turns fear into triumph.

Two students from CGI Green Mango stood in faith, believing and receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. We prayed together and gave thanks to God for the salvation and for the gift of new life in Christ. Last Sunday, they joined us in worship at church. All praise and glory be to God for the victory we have in Christ Jesus! 

Shine hosted the church young adults’ fellowship on August 30. We praise the Lord for the wonderful time of encouragement from His Word, shared by our colleague, BSOP missionary Glenda Tuling. What a joy it was to see the church family laughing and smiling again after the difficult season at the borders.

“Fear may tremble, but faith in Christ always triumphs.”

Please join us in prayer for:

·  For the fragile peace agreement at the border—that humility, forgiveness, and compassion will prevail.

·  For displaced communities still living in open fields under makeshift tents—that God would grant them health, provision, and that government leaders would be given wisdom to provide jobs for the thousands returning home after the conflict.

·  For the spiritual growth of newly baptized young believers.

·  For the WABC Young Adults fellowship at Shine this Saturday, September 21.

·  For continued intimacy with God, spiritual discernment, wisdom, and good health as I prepare and share the Word at church worship on the last Sunday of this month.

Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 

In Christ,
Mary Jane G. Aragon
BSOP Cambodia missionary

P.O. 369 Box Battambang City, Kingdom of Cambodia

+855770305008 (Telegram)

Email Address: mjaragonbsop@gmail.com