He uses my flaws, failures and scars
“I pass on to you what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Chakreya Choun has a passion to communicate God’s grace to people of all ages.
I weep and rage when I see people in need. I fume when I see people disrespect their elders. I used to dream of becoming Prime Minister so I could help the poor and eliminate Christians.
My parents were poor. All my aunts and uncles were poor. I knew that I too was destined to be poor. I had been told that Christians hate their ancestors and laugh when their parents die.
Lean not on your own understanding
An elderly American woman, Leith Richards, came to live in a neighbouring village. She started a public library. She called it Light for Living and wanted to employ a local student who could speak English. Even though Leith was a Christian, my family insisted that I apply for the job. Each working day began with English tuition and a Bible study. Reading woke up my mind. If God created everything, he needs nothing—so offering food to idols is pointless.
One day, I couldn’t kick start my motorcycle. I prayed to Jesus, “If you start my motorcycle, I will believe in you.” The bike started with the next kick. Coincidence!
My family realised that I could earn more money in a big hotel and decided to send me to Phnom Penh. The prospect of living alone in the capital filled me with dread. I prayed to Jesus, “If you stop me from going to Phnom Penh, I will believe in you.” That night, my father came to me and said “If you want to stay, we will not make you go.” Just another coincidence.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
To study to be a teacher and librarian, I had to score more than 90% in English. I knew this was impossible. I sobbed with despair. But when I read Proverbs 3:5–6, my tears stopped. When I received a score of 99%, tears flowed again but this time with repentance and gratitude.
Leith put me in charge of Light for Living and our team of helpers. Together we taught English and shared the good news of Jesus. We had over a hundred students in our classes. When there were two hundred converts I was persuaded to start a church and study theology.
He will make your paths straight
My divorce was a setback and I withdrew from positions of leadership. If I cannot look after my family, how can I look after a church? After a year, the church elders told me to stop judging myself. If God can use Rahab and David, he can also redeem my flaws, failures and scars.
As long as I am called, I will serve. Last year, I was elected president of our pastors’ association. Because of the hardship I have endured I will be the one who listens to the little ones and encourages the lost.
Please pray that I might have the heart and mind of Jesus so I will love as he loves and lead his church wisely.
Chakreya Choun is a pastor in Sre Pring Village, Sangkat Kampong Chhnang Commune, Kampong Chhnang Province. She attends Fount of Wisdom writers’ workshops.