Thanks to the kindness and initiative of our friends in Phnom Penh. Monday-Tuesday 10-11 July 2023, because of them, we enjoyed a trip to Kampong Som (Sihanoukville), a province in ​​the Southwestern Cambodia which has beaches.

There is one Indonesian friend, a mother from Medan, who works at Kp Som. We are happy, because she is very friendly, lively and really enjoys hanging out with us. It so happened that the next day she was off work, so -she said- that day she could be with/accompany us until late.

Monday night, ending a long day, we drank and chatted on the rooftop of the hotel where we were staying. Maybe because we were (my wife and I) both guests from far away who rarely saw each other, they asked us to start sharing stories. One mother asked us to share a story about how we first met. Wow, is our story relevant for kids today (coincidentally there are some teenagers)? We are from an earlier era. Secondly, I think of the mother from Medan who may need other kinds of stories. So, let’s mix up the stories so that as far as possible the lessons can be taught to as many people as possible.

The following we didn’t realize, about one situation on that rooftop. We were notified the next day. They said that a young couple, who took the table next to us, shifted their seats so they were facing our table. They seemed interested in hearing the chatter at our table. As usual, my voice is too loud (because I have a hearing loss hehe). That’s why they can hear us.

And, another blessing, regarding our chat that night, the mother who suggested the topic said that her daughter enjoyed hearing stories and chatting last night. Oops, looks like something is related to.

Well, okay, we have to draw a lesson. Our chats can be so much fun. Try to keep the conversation fun. I can’t give tips now (even if I have any ). And, our chat can attract the attention of people around us. Maybe many people miss chatting with us. Even bigger, our lives can attract.

We… and you… are precious. Our life is unique and beautiful. It may be bad, but it’s beautiful. hehe… Don’t miss the opportunity to be a blessing to others, who often find it rare to have pleasant chats.

Create community or join one… and develop it healthy and fresh.

• Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 

• Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.