AYWLDP Report by Grace Wong

Report by Grace Wong

I am honoured to have the privilege to attend the Asian Young Women Leadership Development Programme organised by the Wesley Zaidan Foundation at Phnom Penh, Cambodia for 5 days last February. Alongside Audrey, we were part of a total of 28 participants and the theme for this year is: ”Where is Hope?” 

The seminar started with an orientation session and that evening, all of us had a cultural evening. We changed into our traditional clothes and had dinner together. The session broke the ice and very quickly everyone got to know each other and soon, we were chatting away and having fun.

On the 2nd day, we had a full day of seminars and training. Prior to the seminar, we were given assignments to be completed as a team about our country, such as issues and challenges young women face in our country and sharing about our country. We were required to present them on that day. Throughout the talks, we were broken down into 4 groups: Women’s leadership in the church, women’s choice in life, womens’ independence (mentally and economically), and women’s health and self-care.These groups are mainly used to discuss on the respective issues on the questions the speaker has given.

On the 3rd day, we went out for a site visit at the killing fields. It was a solemn morning as we learned about the Khmer Rouge regime. We had lunch at Jars of Clay Cafe later on where we heard the owner sharing stories about the background of the workers as victims of human trafficking, as well as her journey, challenges, leadership struggles, and how God has guided her through all of it. Later on, we went to Central Market for souvenirs shopping and went back to the hotel after that.

On the 4th day, we had another full day of seminars where we learned about how our hope is anchored in Christ (ref Hebrews 6:19). Participants were given the opportunity to share about their experiences as women to encourage one another from other countries.

On the last day, we were divided into 6 groups where we had to work on creating posters that represented the idea “Hope”. The concluding session reassured everyone of the presence of hope in Christ that we share as Christians. The entire seminar drew to a conclusion with a closing service where participants volunteered themselves to do the liturgy, sing and all of us partake of the Holy Communion together, as led by the facilitators.

Overall, it has been a positive experience as it really allowed me to see what the others in the world are facing. It was brought to my attention that human trafficking and lack of opportunities for women in other countries is a real issue that people are facing till today. It is my prayer that those who are facing these in other countries would be able to come to know Christ, so that they could share this hope and confidence that Christ is in control of everything amidst all they are going through knowing that their suffering is not the end as assured in the Scriptures. 

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:23-25