Retired Educators take on Mission in Cambodia

Harriet and Barbara (center) with Alyssa and Natalie Howell, who are also serving in Cambodia

What do you have planned for your retirement years? Well-earned rest and relaxation? Picking up a new hobby? 

When retired educators Barbara and Harriet learned of a great need for missionary teachers in Cambodia, they prayerfully decided to dust off their teaching hats and fly overseas to spend several months working at the Adventist International School Siem Reap, started by Tim and Wendy Maddocks. 

Harriet is teaching 5th grade English and 8th grade Bible (using a simplified version of Christ’s Object Lessons as a textbook), and Barbara has been teaching English to 6th, 11th, and 12th graders. 

“We’re doing what we can to be a blessing in showing the love of Jesus to these precious children and young people - and staff!” Barbara shared.

Barbara: “My 11th and 12th graders at work synthesizing English class...There are 28 students in this class. The two grades are combined because of a lack of teachers.” 

They’ve experienced changes in climate, culture, food, and environment in Cambodia, but they have loved getting to know the students and staff at the school.  

“Our experience here continues to be challenging, but we feel so blessed and grateful that God has given us this amazing opportunity to serve here!” Barbara said. 

Harriet: “Talk about acclimatization!!! We certainly have become more accustomed to the Cambodian climate. Today down to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and we put on another layer of clothes. Not in our wildest imagination could we have thought we would do this a few days ago!”

Harriet: “These two girls ran to see who could get my backpack first. Well, it was a tie…so they shared!”

Barbara and Harriet have only a few short weeks before their time is up, but please keep the rest of their time in Cambodia in your prayers. 

Please also pray that God will provide much-needed volunteer teachers in Cambodia for the next school year. 

Just like God has used Barbara and Harriet, He can use you, whether young or old, to participate in His work. Maybe He’s calling you to Cambodia, or maybe somewhere else, but wherever He leads, remember He has promised to always be with you. If you come to Him with a willing heart, He will take care of the rest.  

Editor's Note: SALT Ministries offers discounted (and often free) tuition and board for Adventist children in need to attend the school where Barbara and Harriet are volunteering. You can support a student to attend this school for only $17 per month. If God is leading you to help more Cambodian children receive an Adventist education, please click the button below.