Cambodia

“Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them” Joshua 1:2 (NLT).

Dear Friends,

Darany receiving an award on behalf of IC KCC from our provincial governor last year. IC KCC was one of only a handful of NGOs to receive governmental accolades for ministry benefiting the poor of our province.

A little over two weeks ago, this verse planted itself in my mind. Since then it has germinated and shown itself intent on interpreting much of my daily life. Specifically, I have been reflecting on my practice and observation of leadership development in light of this verse. In doing so, I have become convinced that what was true for Joshua over three thousand years ago is still true today. Often times an existing leader must “die” for a developing leader to flourish.

Darany Hang, the Director of InnerCHANGE Kompong Cham City (IC KCC), is such a leader who I believe is ready to flourish. She learns quickly, is a natural teacher and encourager, and regularly exhibits wisdom beyond her years. On top of that she is self-aware, emotionally intelligent, well regarded in the community, and is unwavering in her devotion to Jesus. I have no doubt that God specifically chose Darany to lead IC KCC.

That being the case, I am often at a loss for how to convey this conviction and confidence to Darany. Just the other day, when she was facing a difficult decision, Darany asked me what Diane (the founder of IC KCC) might want her to do. I replied, “Diane is no longer here and soon I’m leaving too. Now you’re the leader. We trust you to lead.” In light of Joshua 1:2, I was tempted to say, “Diane is dead and soon I will be too [figuratively of course]. It’s now your turn to lead.”

I have to stress this fact regularly because there are so many cues to the contrary. Without fail, when a government official or police officer enters our office they address me first in the assumption that I am the one in charge. When I tell them that I am simply an advisor and helper, they often look at me in disbelief, as if I am lying or am overly modest. This past week at the bank I had an argument with our account manager over this very issue. She kept insisting that the forms in question needed my signature rather than Darany’s. These situations are made even more awkward because I am significantly younger than Darany in a society where status increases with age. Sadly, in many people’s minds, my wealth and US Passport often trump Darany’s wisdom, experience and character. This being the case, I need to get out of the picture in order for Darany to thrive.

As many of you know, on May 23 our family will return to the US for at least 2 years (details will follow in the June JBF). I am convinced that this will be a critical time for Darany’s development both as a leader and as a disciple of Jesus. Please pray with us that, like Joshua, she would receive direction and assurance from God not in spite of our missionary absence but because of it.

Grace and peace,

Danny

A photo of IC KCC staff on a recent all InnerCHANGE-Cambodia retreat in Koh Kong, a remote northwestern province. Most of the staff had a series of “first” experiences: first time in Koh Kong, first time visiting a theme park, and first time crossing the border into Thailand.