Pastor Jeremy Stephens

Today turned out to be a less stressful day than I thought. Hallelujah!

This morning we visited a place called Rahab Crafts. We knew the place was a fair trade organization, but we didn’t know the whole story until we walked in. Rahab teaches people with physical handicaps a trade, then after creating their crafts they are paid a sustainable and liveable wage.

We toured their facility where we met the business manager who had no hands, and watched him write. We met some of the women as they sewed handbags and wallets, and saw the silversmiths making jewelry. Then we went outside to watch the woodworkers expertly carve everything from small trinkets to furniture.

We walked out of their store an hour later after practically cleaning out the place. The shop owners were overwhelmed. apparently our guide Maria asked them later if that was common to sell so much after a group tours their facility. They said not at all. Most groups look at the price tags (which still reflect prices at a fraction of the cost they would be in the US) and walk away to purchase things cheaper in the market.

I think that our experience here in Cambodia really culminated there at Rahab. We as a group have been so moved by the story of these people that we considered it a joy to donate to them and purchase their crafts.

During lunch I had the chance to connect with Joel Stewart. He is a missionary out of my church in Warrington who has developed church plants here in Cambodia for the past 10 years. It was great to connect with him, even though it was for a short time.

I miss home a great deal, and I cannot wait to see my wife in a few days, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It has been even better than I hoped. I firmly believe that I would be totally comfortable any place where God is working. Here He is working overtime. I believe I will miss Cambodia after I leave in a few days.