Barrett and I have been thinking a lot about not just Mario, but all of Cambodia. First, we are always wary of stories told by guides or beggars. Yet I can’t help but believe that there is truth in what he said even if it was not just his story but a compilation of many. Then we wondered if the people there were happy? They live in shacks with tin roofs, tile floor, and an idol box. The streets are red dirt with potholes and trash is everywhere. Dogs roam the sidewalks along with chickens, cows, and an occasional donkey. Yet when you look closer, the community is deep. They do life together and look out for each other. The families have grown up together for generations and they stay together. It’s a simple life. But it’s not easy. Most of them do not like the government but there is not a way to vote them out. So, they survive and thrive on what they have. The kids smile, laugh, and wave on their way to school and the parents go to their respective workplaces. Are they happy? I don’t know.
I don’t believe that wealth, education, and voting rights bring happiness, just look at the American epidemic of depression and anger. But I do think places like America offer a chance for people to get more opportunities to rise above poverty. I think of JD Vance, what a crazy American Dream maker he is! No matter what you think of his politics, he made himself something from nothing. The same cannot be said for people in these communist countries where they can’t make $20 extra to take a trip to see their family.
True happiness and contentment cannot be found in wealth, living in a certain country, or having an education, it can only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We shared the hope of Jesus with Mario, that this God-Man became low to live a poor, simple life perfectly for us, then was crucified and buried to take the sin penalty that we all deserve. But he didn’t stay dead! He rose again on the third day proving God was satisfied with Christ’s atonement for us. For one that places their trust in this Jesus, earth is the closest place they will ever come to hell. They are promised an eternity of life with Christ where there is no Khmer Rouge, no evil dictator, no murder, no torture, no poverty or separation from the family of God. Mario smiled and agreed how great this God and Jesus are. We searched to find him a church and he said he would go. Who knows? I pray Mario and many Cambodians will find their way to Ultimate happiness and contentment from a relationship with the King of Kings. And although my family did not come from heaven, I pray we will all end up there.