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More Than a Skin-Deep Miracle

One bright afternoon Thor Bophal, a church planter, along with two other church members, set out for Trapang Sala village in Phnom Penh West. They planned to visit and encourage the members and new believers there. The two-kilometer journey passed quickly and soon they were enjoying Bible study and fellowship together with the villagers.

As they ended their study and went outside, the soft light of the moon shone down on them. The night had come upon them quickly as they were absorbed in their study. On entering the street, Thor noticed the dark figure of a woman up ahead, holding a bag in each hand. Although it was time to head home, the Holy Spirit impressed Thor that he needed to speak with this woman. Lengthening his stride, He caught up with her and politely asked, “What are you carrying in your bags?”

She replied, “It is just trash.” As he looked at her he noticed she wore a mask that partially concealed her face.  On the bare areas of her face, neck and hands he could see the skin was covered with sores.

With some friendly words they parted and went their ways. As they walked home, Thor and his companions discussed her disease. Thor expressed his desire to return to the village and find the lady again. His heart was drawn to her with compassion, and he wanted to share the good news of Jesus.

A week later Thor finally found the opportunity to revisit the village of Trapang Sala. It was midday when he arrived. As a group gathered and they began singing, Thor observed the same lady with the bags pause outside. Thor quickly approached her and invited her to stay and listen to the words of God. At first she was hesitant, but after he urged her to remain, she sat down to listen. When Thor finished teaching the people about God, everyone was in a hurry to leave except this newcomer. She sat still and quiet. Thor wondered why she lingered. He walked over to talk to her. When Thor first looked at the woman he had guessed she was in her early thirties, but after talking with her, he realized that Roueng Srey Day was only twenty years old. For more than ten years, she had been suffering from a skin disease, which no doctor could cure. Roueng related that she lived with her mother and sister. Because of her skin disease, she could not earn much money to help with the family expenses. The little she did earn came from the despised job of collecting the village trash. As they talked, Roueng informed Thor that the villagers looked down on her family and shunned them.

Remembering a Bible story, Thor encouraged her by reading Luke 8:43-48. He shared the story of the woman who had been burdened by an issue of blood for twelve years. Like Roueng, no doctor could help her. When this woman heard that Jesus was nearby, she pressed through the crowd and barely managed to touch the bottom of His clothing. Instantly her bleeding had stopped! Jesus had suddenly turned around and asked, “Who touched me?” Finally, seeing that she was noticed, the grateful woman fell at Jesus’ feet.  “Daughter,” Jesus said, “your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.” After thanking Jesus, the woman returned to her home with gladness in her heart.

After Roueng Srey Day had heard about the power of Jesus, she knew that He could heal her, too.  As Thor continued to converse with her, she shared how, at age 10, she had gone to Sunday School. Sadly, she had never paid attention to God’s Word. Now, she was eager to learn more about Jesus. Thor unfolded to her hungry heart the gospel, telling her that although she had no hope in the doctors, she could look to Jesus for help. If she accepted Jesus into her heart and prayed daily for healing, He would answer her prayer. Thor invited Roueng to come and worship with them the next day, which was Sabbath. She excitedly agreed and arrived on time the next morning for the worship service.  Thor praised the Lord for bringing her to church and for not allowing any obstacles to keep her from attending.

Roueng Srey Day continued to faithfully attend church every Sabbath and joined Bible programs to study more about Jesus. Each time Thor and the other church members met with her, they prayed specifically for her healing and she began to also pray personally to God. Although Roueng is not completely healed, her skin has greatly improved. They anticipate it will not be long until her skin will be smooth and whole again. Roueng chose to be baptized and thanks Jesus for bringing her to know Him. Truly, God’s power went more than skin deep; it penetrated all the way to the heart—a heart won for His Kingdom. Please pray for Roueng and others who, when they hear her story, will come to know Jesus, too.