My Friend Vannak - The Best Lesson I Never Heard
I always new where my friend Vannak was - all I had to do was listen for a spiritual conversation and look for a big smile. How do I encapsulate my brother and pay tribute to him in a short note? I have many great memories, but none more poignant than The The Best Lesson I Never Heard.
One Sunday afternoon Vannak, myself and a few other brothers in Christ headed out to conduct worship service for a man and his wife and their two very small children who lived on a boat on Tonle Sap Lake about an hours drive from Siem Reap. This young couple had been members of the church for about 6 months and had very little in the way of possessions. We went with intentions of giving them some much needed relief money. The hour long ride gave me time to ask Vannak what his lesson would be about. His reply, “Giving”… I thought to myself “Giving?! Seriously?! These people live in extreme poverty and you're going to preach to them about giving?”
As we arrived at the lake we walked about 300 yards passing by a few boats along the shoreline. Passing by I glanced into the shadows of one and could see some little eyes looking out at me. A few yards further down we entered on to the couples boat and Vannak presented his sermon on giving. I never heard the lesson because it was in their native Khmer language. After the lesson, we all put a little money into the contribution with the intent that the young couple received most of it.
A discussion followed between Vannak and the young man. After some smiles, some hugs and a prayer they took up the collection and walked towards the boat where I had seen the little eyes peering out. Apparently Vannak’s lesson had inspired the young man and his young wife to give all that was on the table to the family in the nearby boat, who were in desperate need of comfort and hope.
In the photos attached you will see Vannak walking with the young brother down to the neighbors boat to give all they had in Christ like service.
I’ll never forget this lesson or the man who delivered it.
Vannak was ready to become one of the first ever elders in Siem Reap but he suddenly passed away last week, leaving behind his wife Puen and three teenage children, Benjamin, David and Sokning. Vannak taught at the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap, Cambodia. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. However we live in the faith that we will be reunited soon and for all eternity.
Wes Autrey