LANGUAGE Language

CAMBODIA Christ alone matures believers overcoming darkness in Asia.

Eager and willing to learn describes the young physicians of Cambodia. I have the privilege of mentoring these young eager doctors. Medical education in Cambodia emphasizes didactic learning. In light of this we provide hands on experience for the young physicians and medical students. 

Young physicians at Hebron Medical Center work in a holistic medical environment to minister to the whole person. While mentoring the young physicians I present Bible teaching as a part of their morning devotional time. At the close of each session I ask for at least one question. The length of the silence before a young physician will reluctantly ask a question varies. After several sessions emphasizing those in Christ have benefits in God’s Kingdom, one of the young physicians asked “what does it mean to be in Christ”? Now realize the I speak in English much more rapidly than I realize. I am speaking to those who have English as a second language. Most of the time the young physicians speak to Koreans who have English as their second language as well. I speak English with an American accent. The Koreans speak English with a Korean accent. To further complicate the language situation some of physicians come from a medical school where the instruction is in French and others come from a school where the instruction is in English. Some test are given in French or English or both. Now because of these nuances I wonder if I am understood at all. Well, I guess at one the physicians heard “in Christ” often enough to ask for a fuller explanation. Understanding the abstract concepts of the scripture can be challenging in our own mother tongue. I address the question briefly at that moment and sent him via the internet a more definitive explanation. Often reading and rereading will help solidify the concepts I expressed to him when we understand our identity in Christ we have a rich and delightful place of finding our security and significance in Christ. We rest more freely in the joy of our salvation.