All of us at Divine Pizza and Ribs are right in the middle of a constructing and opening our newest venture called La Divina.

We will be leveraging our existing infrastructure by using the same kitchen and most of the same staff, because this restaurant is located on the street around the corner from DPR, yet we’re literally operating out of the back of our current kitchen.

One of the things I enjoy most about Cambodians is their desire to work as a group and the way they all jump in to help. You can see in the picture above, the kitchen staff and one of the waiters working together stapling fabric on our new couch for La Divina. Working together as a team to complete projects and goals has created a unity that is strained occasionally, but usually pushes each individual to participate and carry their part of the work.

This reminds me of the way Jesus asked the Disciples to participate in His ministry, to help when they did not fully comprehend the implications or the ultimate outcomes. I am aware of how often I want to see immediate results, and how my staff wants the same from me. I know the plan and ask them to trust me, which reminds me that I should be doing the same with God. He regularly asks me to trust him, but I’m like a puppy who wants constant attention and rewards along the way.

Teamwork and unity are one of those rewards.

When I was younger I really struggled with writing. I never wanted to take creative writing classes, because writing on demand scared me to death; maybe more than speaking in public. It’s not surprising that God knows what skills and strengths that we have and moves us to the places where those gifts are used.

On November 1, I began the 4th year of NaNoWriMo (National Write a Novel in a Month) I only started doing this because I have faithfully been writing my weekly prayer letters and ministry updates, and have gotten much encouragement to continue writing. Now I find writing enjoyable and creative.

50,000 words in one month takes concentration and dedication, but most of the important things in life have cost to them. My dedication to my Christian life and ministry sometimes overwhelms me but Christ paid a very high cost to make me free. I find that I moved from being afraid of writing to loving writing is like my Christian walk; God walks with me throughout the change, the process is slow but small changes are happening along the way.

As many of you probably know, one of the foods that I dislike is tomatoes. So I am not a very good salsa maker for obvious reasons. This past Sunday afternoon a friend of mine came over to teach the kitchen staff at Divine how to make a good salsa, because what we were serving was just ok. I must admit when they were done even I kind of liked it, but they all thought it was great and so did a few of my other friends who tried it later.

This got me thinking about how many foods are best when there are many flavors blended together. Foods like lasagna, all kinds of soups, and salsa, are usually better the next day, because it takes time for the subtle blending of the flavors and textures to make the dish the best it can be.

Working at Divine for nearly 6 months, I have watched as the various personalities have mixed together; some taking leadership and others just being hard workers in the background, have blended together to make a team. It is a strong team when they communicate and work together. They have learned their strengths and weaknesses and allow others to assist when necessary. I have been blessed to be added into the mix, like the lime juice at the end to make it just so, by helping to pull all the flavors together. It is delicious!

I recently heard the Kingdom of God described as “Jesus’ big dream for humanity.”[1] The picture above is of the Cambodian Friends National Youth Council enjoying a meal at Divine Pizza & Ribs.  For me, this represents a dream come true.

When the Lord put it on our hearts to establish a business-as-mission in Cambodia, I dreamed of the day that a generation of unreached people would interact with the enterprise God enabled us to create.

Ever since Evangelical Friends Church began its church planting work in Cambodia back in 1995, we have dreamed of the day when national leaders would shepherd the Church without dependence on us.  Just like parents who have dreams for their children to surpass them in life, we have envisioned a self-supporting, self-propagating church that carries the Gospel throughout Southeast Asia.

Michelle Murray was instrumental in establishing the National Youth Council among the up and coming young leaders of the Church in Cambodia.  From the onset she knew that she was working alongside the future of our Lord’s big dream for the people of this region.  Now, our MMW Marketplace Missionary is introducing yet another segment of the community to the principles of the Kingdom of God.  The mission of DPR is empowering them to realize their own potential in the marketplace and in the culture.  I believe we are witnessing a convergence of the movements that flow from God’s missionary heart.

It has been a while now that I have been struggling to get a good nights rest. I was talking about it with a friend the other day, telling her about the Pausing with a Purpose seminar I attended at APU back in 2001.

I remember it very vividly, because Richard Foster was one of the speakers and he said two things that I have not forgotten.
1. Some of you may need more than a pause. You may need to flat out stop.
2. Sleep can be the ultimate step of faith, because to sleep we have to let go of being in control, and trust God that He will take care of things while we are sleeping.

Then, while reading my daily devotional, I came across this verse. Psalm 127:2 “in vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves.” I have come to understand that much of my sleep problem is my own active mind not letting go of things, or not having the faith to cast my cares at the feet of my savior and surrender to him. Allowing me to have a good nights sleep.

Yes, I understand sometimes there are physical issues and other things going on. But this has been a good reminder to me, that God takes care of me when I stop long enough to allow his presence and the gift of sleep to let my body rest. This also helps to prepare me for the next part of the adventure walking with Him.