Got Skills? PASS IT ON!

Going to a country in Asia was always far from possible. Being a Hispanic in the U.S., I thought South America would be the farthest from home I’d ever be. Hearing my parents speak about Cambodia and other countries surrounding it did not move me one bit. I knew there were countries in poverty and people who had never heard of Jesus, but hearing and seeing pictures and videos of these countries did not capture my attention. While working two summers at the World Missions Communications department I was exposed to a large quantity of images and sounds of different lands, people and cultures. Some of the things I saw captured my attention, but never made me really think or reflect much on the spiritual need of people in countries like those. My parents would tell us how big the need was every time they came back from a trip. It wasn’t until I set foot in Cambodia that I really understood what my parents had been talking about.

Trip One

When I got there, it was different from any place I had been, but it was very much how I imagined it would be. Very few streets were paved and they were full of motorcycles and bicycles. The people there are very humble, and once you get to know them they are very open to what you have to say. This was the FIRST time I was in a situation where I understood nothing of what others where talking about. Knowing Spanish, I had never been in a situation where I couldn’t communicate. This was a BIG change for me.

Being a technologically inclined person, I am always on the internet. When I got to Cambodia I quickly learned that technology is not the same quality as it is in the U.S. I had to deal with many “technological difficulties,” one of them being very slow internet.

One thing that really captivated me was that every time the Bible was being taught, the people, even the kids, paid so much attention. They listened because they had never heard the gospel before. This might sound cliché, but it's true! When the Bible lessons were being taught, the expressions of people were like they were watching breaking news. It is something that cannot be explained in words. For the first time I really UNDERSTOOD what my parents were trying to tell me when they came back from earlier trips.

Having lived in Chile, I had known what it was for the enemy to put obstacles in your path to slow you down from what God wanted you to do. But never had I experienced this as I did in Cambodia. Many times I had to solve computer problems during the computer classes at the orphanage. The second day I was there the video camera’s viewfinder stopped working, so I had to set aside the video camera for the moment and dedicate myself to whatever I could do to help. Little did I know that one problem would lead to something good.

I then got the opportunity to start teaching some of the kids how to play the guitar. I have been playing the guitar since I was 9 years old. I was taught only three chords and then learned the rest pretty much on my own. As I remembered this, I felt that I could share what knowledge of music I had with the kids. Even though my knowledge of music isn’t as extensive, I was able to share some of it with kids who otherwise would have never touched an instrument in their lives. While I was there I was able to teach 5 kids and one of the translators. Even though I wasn’t there long enough to see them develop their skills, I know that I left them with enough to start. I also left them with an important message I was taught as a beginning student. This lesson was the importance of giving your skills and abilities to the Lord for His glory. Only then can they succeed in being quality musicians.

Trip Two

On my second trip I was much more prepared. I bought a bunch of guitar accessories and lesson plans for guitar classes. When I got there I saw that the guitars we had bought them the first time where all worn out and could not be used to teach. At that time there was a People for Care and Learning team in town and I dedicated my time to making sure I got enough money to buy some guitars and maybe a bass. My first skills as a future missionary came into effect when I raised $300 from some of the team members to buy 3 guitars, a bass and a small amp.

I immediately started teaching, and the kids I had already taught before were ready to learn the bass. I had 9 new students to teach, and in 3 weeks they were ready to play at church. The orphanage had bought a sound system for the Sunday services and other public events. They had a 12 channel mixer with a power amp and 2 fills. The first thing I noticed was that they did NOT know how to use the equipment properly. When I realized this I was given permission to take control of the sound while I was there. I immediately started tutoring some older kids on how to use the equipment. I also taught a lesson to the older orphans on how to take care and operate the equipment properly.

I never thought I would be so useful in a third-world country where technology is rare. I thought that I would end up teaching English like everyone else. God had a different plan and was able to use me in the things I knew how to do best.

I feel that it is EXTREMELY important to know that no matter who you are or what you can do, YOU can make a difference in so many ways to so many people. All you need to do is take a step of faith and take ACTION and you will find that the Lord can use you.

~Jose E. Minay

In July of 2005 and June of 2007 Jose traveled with People for Care and Learning to Cambodia. PCL organizes short-term missions trips to Cambodia and other parts of south-east Asia.