80% chance of rain, 100% of children in need being saved

I did not come up with the title to this post.  Jessi was the originator of the title from her photo album taken at this event.

There are events in life where one must jump in full force.  Yesterday was one of those times when I decided to go do it without thinking too much. 

Thinking, reflecting and discerning is useful.  There are times we need to plan properly before we act.  We might have to weight different options.  We need to play with different scenarios and make sure we are picking the right one.

There are times when we have to act before thinking too much.  Maybe it is too hard. Maybe it is impossible.  Maybe we think we can't do it.  And we talk ourselves out of it and walk away. 

Every first Sat, I attend a prayer meeting and we prayed for Cambodia.  A mixture of different Christians, from different churches, from all walks of life, come together with the sole focus to pray for a country half way around the world.  

Someone mentioned that there is a event coming up called Ride for Refuge.  We can use this event to sponsor  Ratanak.

I talked to my friend, Paul, and suggested we should put a team together.  After the prayer meeting, I went back home and created a team page.

I am not a very keen person on raising money. I don't think I am very good at it.  I don't like asking people for money.  I have no clue who will be interested.

I did it because there is a huge need in Cambodia.  We prayed for Ratanak and other ministries in Cambodia.  This sermon was on praying and acting afterwards.  To pray without action = nothing.   

And there is much need indeed.

Paul and I asked everyone and anyone.  I started off with a goal of $1,000.  Then it bloomed to $1,500.  On the night before the race, we raised over $2,000.  $2,260.  It was awesome.  You can check out our team page at http://bit.ly/Ride4Ratanak.

And then there is the bike ride.   The event have different distances for us to select; 25 k, 50 k and 100 k.

We selected the 25 k route.

I haven't rode a normal bike for a long time.  I had to borrow one from my friend's.

Yesterday was a chilly day.  Paul and his wife, Jessi, brought his family along (a five year old and a four months old).   We prayed and then we were off.

The 25 k route was around the area I use to train for Ironman.  It was great to be back there again. Patches of trees and farm lands.  Quietness on the road.  On occasions, we would pass horses or cows grazing the field.   Paul and I were moving along discussing different topics...including different styles on approaching theology.  It was great.

There were volunteers along the route to guide and cheered for us.  They were wonderful.   As we were heading back, the rain started to come down.  It was getting chilly and windy.

Then I thought about the reason why we were riding.  For Ratanak.  I thought about the girls that were sold to sex slavery.  Some girls chose to sell their bodies because their family was too poor.  The same girls being  taking care by Ratanak.  The many prayers items we prayed for those who are lost and those who are oppressed. I thought about this verse from Isaiah...

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: 

to loose the chains of injustice 

and untie the cords of the yoke, 

to set the oppressed free 

and break every yoke?

Isaiah 58:5

To loose the chains of injustice...the rain continued to come down.  Rain drops were heavier.  It didn't matter. I prayed as I rode back.  Pray for Cambodia.  Pray for the girls that were still lost.  Pray for God to intervene.  Pray for a nation that is in the midst of poverty.   Pray for the courage to fight against a bigger cause.

We were back just as soon as we left.  It was a joyful moment.

It was good.  It was good to ride for a cause bigger than myself.  It was awesome to see everyone helping out with donations.  Many were so generous.  In the end, it was good to be part of God's plan in extending His Kingdom!

For the need is out there is great.  And we will keep going.  Even amidst the rain.  We will not stop.

..and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry 

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, 

then your light will rise in the darkness, 

and your night will become like the noonday.

Isaiah 58:10