“The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.  When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” – Matthew 13:44

It was towards the end of our month in Cambodia and we had been praying for rain for several weeks to help relieve the heat.  One afternoon, our prayers were answered and we saw the storm clouds coming and the air began to become cooler due to a nice breeze.  Wanting to have some time alone, I walked out into the rice fields with my iPod to enjoy some time alone. 

Standing there, in the middle of the fields, seeing the massive clouds approaching with the smell of rain in the air was one of the most refreshing moments of my time in Cambodia.  I was enjoying myself when I turned around and saw four of the village kids approaching me.  I’ll be honest, I was a little annoyed at first because I wanted to be alone in my thoughts and enjoy the relaxing moment.  However, they came to me giggling and simply wanting to hang around the “white guy”.  I smiled and then “Your Love Never Fails” by Jesus Culture came on my iPod. 

The rice field

So there I was.  In the middle of a rice field with the cool breeze, music, and the village kids at my side.  Taking the moment in, all I could do was smile and Thank God for all He is and does. 

As I look back on it now, those kids are a treasure hidden in a field.  They are God’s children who are out of sight and out of mind to many people.  They are the next generation that can grow in the freedom of Christ and who can help a hurting nation heal.  They are a blessing from God.

I felt the Kingdom of Heaven in a Cambodian rice field that afternoon and found a treasure.  A treasure that requires me to leave the American dream and go back to.  With great joy I await my return to Cambodia to bring the light of God to all the little treasures awaiting someone to tell them the good news.

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest.” – John 4:35

Below are a couple of clips of the village kids in Cambodia.  It’s a little look into how they love to follow you around and simply observe all you do.