There is this incredible effect in film called a time-lapse. You’ve most likely seen them many times but you may not easily recall just because that’s exactly what a time-lapse intends to be – a smooth transition. Technically speaking, a time-lapse is a denoting photographic technique of taking a sequence of frames at set intervals to record changes that take place slowly over time. When the frames are shown at normal speed, or in quick succession, the action seems much faster. Fascinating, isn’t it?
This blog update is called time-lapse living because that is what it felt like in Cambodia. We lived slowly within the stories we were telling. We built deep connection – long exposure. We visited and revisited – set intervals. Still, now as we edit the footage from Cambodia it feels like it went so much faster than it did then.
Carrying on the theme, here are some quick snapshots of the stories we focused on while in Siem Reap, Cambodia last month. As you read and view of our recent past endeavours we hope that it inspires you for the full stories to come!
N- Squad
We had the privilege of following the story of N-Squad, a World Race squad composed of women and men with bold personalities and willing hearts. With the intent of capturing the authentic life of a missionary – struggles, fears and all – we closely followed this squad into the depths of Cambodia. They intended on a church plant. We intended on helping, capturing and sharing that journey. We spent our time following them as they met with local pastors, prayed for people, encouraged one another and brought refreshment to other believers along their path.
One of the local pastors, or “men of peace”, that N-Squad worked with while in Cambodia is named Phillip. He is an ambitious man of God who will be a featured character in our Wider Lens Project. Despite the many obstacles lined up in his life to keep him from God, he has committed himself to his ministry of church planting, discipleship and educating the members of his village.
(The man on the right in blue is Philip.)
This entire group of individuals serves God so honestly. Stay tuned to hear them be honest about it all.
Kristie Reville
“Let them be free” is a statement that Kristie holds near to her heart. A woman passionate about putting an end to the sex trade industry once and for all, Kristie is determined serve Cambodia. At the young age of 23 she has left the comforts of life as she knew it behind to move to Siem Reap, Cambodia and establish a safe home devoted to rescuing women from sex slavery. Doing what she is doing is incredibly brave. Doing what she is doing is not easy. In our upcoming episodes she shares of her fears, her hurts, her struggle as well as of joy and promise in the Lord and promise of the outcome.
Lucky Man
His is a story you wouldn’t believe if you heard it. So, we are going to show it to you. A survivor of the Khmer Rouge, a prisoner of war, a undercover investigator for IJM (International Justice Mission), a pastor, a director of a non-profit school that he started and a loving husband and father. Lucky man has lived through a life full of darkness but has chosen to live and spread the light. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit N-Squad and Wider Lens Team connected with Lucky man and documented his testimony. This is one you won’t want to miss.
Unlike a time-lapse, our transition from Cambodia to Thailand wasn’t exactly smooth. It was actually a little abrupt. Siem Reap to Bangkok to Phuket to Chiang Mai comes as quite a shock to the system. Despite the rocky transition, we have settled in and are well on our way to capturing more amazing stories to share with you.
Until then,
Wider Lens
