Putting a face to the annual progress reports

In December 2009, 15 World Vision child sponsors met their sponsored children in Bati and Kirivong Area Development Programme (ADP), Cambodia. Never did they expect to be rewarded in such a way; simply watching the joy on the children’s faces was enough and worth it all. Let us hear the candid sharing of one of the trip participants, Zelia Tan-Ng, a World Vision child sponsor since 1999.

Having sponsored Seng Rong for a few years, I was curious to know more about this child whom Jesus sent into my life. I felt the Lord's calling to bring my two children, 10 year-old Eunice and eight year-old Darryl, to this child sponsors’ trip to Bohol. The Lord wants my children to count their blessings by revealing the reality of poverty in Cambodia to them. Before we departed for the trip, my kids packed some of their own clothes, toys, musical recorders, to be given to Seng Rong and the other kids in the ADP. 

Having known Seng Rong only through letters and reports, it was quite emotional for me to finally meet him. Likewise for my children who were taken aback by Seng Rong’s small frame as compared to a typical Singaporean child of similar age. I imagined the locals must have wondered what my daughter eats to grow that tall at only 10 years old! Seng Rong and his mother were shy but I could feel their joy during the time we spent together.  It was such a delight to see him face to face.
 
This World Vision child sponsors’ trip was a great opportunity for me to be exposed to the many different works of World Vision all over Cambodia. I didn’t realise that World Vision is the biggest and most longstanding Non-Governmental Organisation in Cambodia. Even my missionary pastor, who travels to Cambodia extensively, reckons it to be an organisation doing very good work there.

I saw for myself that the people in the ADP are enjoying a better life. They have access to free medical assistance and the children receive school supplies. Amongst the initiatives that we visited were children’s clubs, homes for children vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, wells, ponds and silk-weaving training workshop that benefit every level of the community.

After this trip, the annual progress reports that I have been so used to receiving as simple fact sheets are no longer just that, but a testimony of how things have changed and improved through the child sponsors’ monthly contribution.  Cambodia is no longer a strange land. It has become a place that is close to my heart and even my children look forward to returning there someday.

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