All Photos: Keith Gandy

I am going to collect portraits of people while in Cambodia that made my heart happy and attempt to tell their stories here. Please understand, due to language restrictions on my part I have pieced stories together out of context, when no translator was available. Most of the time an interpreter was present.

Germany is bordered with Poland? My biological father is Polish, who visited Cambodia, was with my mother and departed before he knew my mother was pregnant. Maybe you could help me connect relationally to my father?

I have placed my trust in Jesus and desire to serve him in Cambodia. (I encouraged him - he will be able to minister to orphans and abandoned probably like few others emotionally.)

I had been earmarked to head a prestigious architecture firm, but Dr. Jack Baskin challenged me to leave the Philippines and minister in Cambodia. That began a work in my heart. My wife and are now blessed to pastor and coach young church-planters.

My curiosity of the westerner with the furry arms (note: this group of young people all petted my heart and laughed uncontrollably.) drove me to overcome my fear of the unfamiliar. I listened with fascination as they spoke of forgiveness and peace with the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. It is all strangely new, and yet I am drawn by the love they show and want to know more.

Keith: this is just a part of the group. Another thirty children are behind this group behind the brick wall, listening to the stories from Roy. I have just finished speaking and praying with each one individually, overcoming their initial fear. They were definitely worth the investment of energy. What a joy to place my hand on their shoulder or head and bless them in Jesus' name, then give them a small chocolate bar.