NEW LIFE BABYCARE
Fiona Thomas, Cambodia
New Life Babycare is a small childcare ministry in Siem Reap, Cambodia, set up to support NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) working with women who have come from a trafficking/abusive background. It has now been running for about a year. It has been a slow but steady beginning, with quite a bit of time being spent on training Cambodian staff. As in any cross-cultural setting, there has been a great deal of struggle finding the right balance between how things are done in two very different cultures. I am so thankful to be working with very humble, ministry-minded women. As always, I am learning as I go, usually by trial and error. I am reminded (almost on a daily basis!) that God is at work, despite what I don’t get right.
Our babies are able to be cared for in a safe environment while their parents are at work. It is a privilege to be able to help the organisations that are investing in these women’s lives, and to enable these families to stay together. As time goes on, more trust is being established and the mums are coming to the Babycare staff to share burdens and concerns. We are more than happy to pray with them and try to help them if we can. As for the babies, they are growing, playing, learning, and hearing about Jesus, in a place where they are being loved and prayed for.
I am conscious of the fact that this is a team effort, between people in Australia and Cambodia. And the team is directed by God Himself, the One who knows each of us and cares for each of us, whether adults or children. I am thankful for all He has done and all He will continue to do.
