On December 2, the time had finally come: after 14 months, I was able to land in Cambodia again. I was really looking forward to seeing how Lighthouse had developed. After the first few days of work, however, it was time to enjoy a few days of vacation, which I spent with Vanna and some other young men on a little road trip. On the day of our departure, Thailand launched the war. It lasted about three weeks, forcing 600,000 people to flee, destroying much of the infrastructure, and causing great fear among the population. Looking back, I have to say that it was God’s guidance that led me to be in Battambang at that very time. I was able to encourage many people to remain calm and confident and to put their trust in God. When I heard drones flying over my house while I was taking a shower, I had to decide whether to remain calm and just continue showering or to panic like many of my neighbors. Thank God he gave me the peace to just finish my shower. When I came out of the house, the sky was calm again. As Psalm 46 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
May the Lord grant you this peace.
Warm regards,
Lukas Bernhardt
