Sharing about the nation and people of Cambodia and their daily struggles, and describing past and previous trauma produces a singular response. Very often during a time of ministry to a local community the same question will be asked. I have heard this question from neighbors and once even from a veteran police officer who had served for years on the streets of the inner city. “Why travel all the way to Cambodia when there are children hurting in your own backyard?”

My answer comes from 1 Samuel 17:49-51. David as a young shepherd boy leaves his home and travels to the battlefield where the army of Israel has been taunted by Goliath for 40 days. Under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, David kills Goliath and then cuts his head off, releasing Israel from torment and restoring freedom.

My heart has been branded by the Holy Spirit and commissioned out of the book of Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners.”

I have ministered locally from this foundation as I have partnered and co-labored with others to see human trafficking eradicated and lives healed from the effects of trauma. Because one of the highest percentages for human trafficking is in Asia, I believe the Holy Spirit has ordered my steps and those of others to such a place to confront this very stronghold that has tentacles that reach around the world. Much like David, when he slew the giant, God has purposed His servants to dismantle that thing that would taunt and traumatize His beloved. When the “giant” falls, when the stronghold comes down, and its head is cut off, we know it’s authority has been removed. The dominion gained in Cambodia will be the dominion gained in our own backyard. Sometimes we have to leave our homes and places of comfort and travel to the place where the giant stands. We partner with the Holy Spirit in bringing the giant down and removing the head. Freedom restored for Cambodia is freedom for us all.

Written by:  Leslie Tracey
Published on 5/25/18