We exchanged smiles with these construction workers near our guest house every day

1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (NLT)  So encourage each other and build each other up just as you are already doing.  Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work.  They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

So many words are spoken through a smile.

I had the privilege of leading devotions for the World Hope staff on Monday.  I shared our appreciation for their dedication to the girls of Cambodia and reminded them that they are planting seeds of which they will never see the result.

Mao was our trusted and very helpful tuk-tuk driver

In closing my devotion, I presented the notes of encouragement you wrote before Christmas – to let them know people in the US are praying for them.

Oh, how I wish I could share their smiles as they read the cards silently!

How can I describe the light in their faces?  It might be like if your child, sensing that you’re worried, unexpectedly hugs you and let’s you know it’s going to be OK.  Heartwarming.  Spirit filling.  The smiles brightened with understanding as particular words or phrases touched a heartstring.  Your notes were a sweet, unexpected kindness that warmed their souls.

Thannavy and Steph connected through smiles

Wouldn’t it be nice if we spread these words of encouragement in unexpected ways every day?  We sent them around the world, now let’s send them next door.  Let’s express sweet kindnesses to show our appreciation for one another’s work for the Kingdom.

#seedsofscripture #Cambodia #spiritualleaders #smile #kindness #Kingdomwork #encouragement #WorldHopeInternational

Read related trip posts:
Blastoff to Cambodia – The Never Ending New Year 
God is in Control – How I Almost Missed My Flight
Don’t Do It Alone – How a Guide Can Help
Sister Visit – Visting The Woman I Sponsor
They’re Not Just Stories – A Prison Visit
The Goal – A Toilet in Every Hut, You Can Help
A Day With Survivors of Trafficking and Rape
Renewing the Spirit – The Missionaries Worship
Encouraging the Missionaries and Each Other
A Success Story – One Girl at a Time
Sowing Seeds of Kindness – Devotions with Survivors
Living Intentionally – Defining Yourself
Who Are They? – A Report About the Men Who Buy Sex
Who Are They? – The Missionaries
Part of the Problem – A Corrupt and Unjust System
Rebuilding After Loss – Recovering from Flood Damage