Life as a New Missionary
One of our newest missionaries, Sycilia Parker, is serving as a house parent to a group of boarding students who attend the Maddocks’ family’s school in Siem Reap, Cambodia. She’s shared a few glimpses into life as a new missionary.
By Sycilia Parker
✈️ ARRIVAL IN SIEM REAP
When we landed in Siem Reap, we were warmly welcomed by Tim Maddocks, who picked up my son Johnathan, Chandler Coleman, and me from the airport. Chandler traveled all the way from Tennessee to teach this year.
Our first stop was somber—a funeral for a young man who died in a tractor accident. These tragic accidents are far too common here due to rough roads and unstable equipment.
Afterward, Tim introduced us to local snacks: fresh coconut water right from the coconut and rice with beans cooked in bamboo. Delicious!
🌡️ ADJUSTING TO A NEW LIFE
The adjustment was harder than I expected. Culture shock hit, and I even experienced reverse altitude sickness—something I had never heard of! The intense heat was also challenging. But by God’s grace, I’m acclimating well now. Johnathan adjusted very quickly, which was a huge blessing.
👦 THE BOYS ARRIVE — A HOME FILLS WITH LIFE
Beginning August 31st, the boys began arriving—16 total, including my two.
Thanks to a generous donor, each Cambodian boy received a Khmer Bible, and Tim gave them new songbooks. Their joy was priceless!
We worship twice a day, and the boys’ beautiful voices fill the home with praise. Two older boys even play instruments, making worship especially meaningful.
🐠 BOYS WILL BE BOYS
One day, I found a jar in the bathroom… with a tiny, handmade aquarium inside! Gravel, water, and a little fish swimming happily. A sweet reminder that boys everywhere share the same creative spirit.
🍳 KITCHEN RENOVATION BLESSINGS
The kitchen needed major remodeling when we arrived. Tim worked tirelessly to renovate it, and then Ya—a neighbor girl—and I painted it. It’s now bright and welcoming. Here, even simple comforts feel like big blessings.
🎒 PATHFINDER & MASTER GUIDE MINISTRY
Our first Pathfinder meeting went wonderfully.
Johnathan and Chandler led drills for 220 students—impressive considering none of them had done drills before!
Later, Rob Peterson and Johnathan trained the teachers, helping everything run more smoothly.
I’m also co-leading the Master Guide class with two other teachers. We divided the large group of 8th–12th graders into two classes. They are a joy to teach!
🐶 A NIGHT OF PRAYER & PUPPIES
On September 30th, I spent the night helping a mama dog in distress. She had delivered three puppies but was hemorrhaging and going into shock.
I prayed constantly as I warmed the puppies, cared for her, and followed the advice of my son Cody by phone. She delivered another puppy at 1:30 AM, but he had been stuck too long and didn’t survive.
By morning, Mama Joy began drinking water and recovering. God truly spared her life.
As dawn broke, Psalm 30:5 echoed in my heart:
“Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.”
🎶 SABBATH BLESSINGS
Happy Sabbath from Cambodia!
Two of my boys, Tola and Moses, shared special music that brought tears to my eyes. The talent among these young people amazes me daily.
📚 SABBATH AFTERNOON MINISTRIES
Cedric and Christina recently started Sabbath afternoon activities with the children—biblical games, crafts, and Bible classes. They are wonderful leaders with a deep love for Jesus.
I also joined them for ten days of free health clinics and NEW START classes in the village behind the school. Attendance was strong, and we pray that spiritual seeds will continue to grow.
👋 WELCOME, POU CODY
My oldest son, Cody, arrived on October 25th. The boys quickly warmed to him and now call him Pou Cody (“Uncle Cody”). He is settling in and searching for God’s purpose here.
Please pray that the Lord leads him—and that someone will feel impressed to sponsor him during his mission service.
🦶 COMMUNION REFLECTIONS
During communion on November 15th, I washed the feet of Wendy Maddocks. I found myself thinking, “What beautiful feet she has.” I said to her, “If your feet could talk, what stories they would tell.” She smiled and said, “Probably.”
It made me reflect on all the missionaries, pastors, disciples—and our Savior—whose feet carried the gospel.
My prayer: Lord, give me beautiful feet.
🥬 MARKET ADVENTURES
Recently, a small group of us rode into town in the school food truck to Psa Krom, the morning market. Julie Peterson and I learned so much about local produce and how to prepare Khmer dishes. It was a wonderful cultural experience!
🙏 PRAYER REQUESTS
Please join me in prayer for the following:
1. The Boys in My Care: Pray for their spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and continued unity in our home.
2. Cody’s Mission Experience: Pray that God leads him clearly, strengthens him, and provides a sponsor for his time in Cambodia.
3. Health & Strength: For continued adjustment to the climate, energy for each day, and protection from illness.
4. Mama Joy & Her Puppies: For continued health and safety for Mama Joy and her little ones. Also, that we find good homes for them.
5. The School & Ministries: Pray for the Pathfinder and Master Guide programs, Sabbath afternoon ministries, and the teachers leading them.
6. Village Outreach: That the seeds planted through the health clinic and NEW START classes grow into lasting transformation.
7. Safety & Protection: For the school, the staff, the boys, and the families in the community.
8. Continued Provision: For resources needed for food, school needs, ministry projects, and unexpected challenges.
🌿 CLOSING THOUGHTS
As I continue this mission journey, the Lord is teaching me to anchor my faith in Him, trust Him deeply, and rely on His strength and wisdom. Whether we serve across the world or across the street, God uses every step to shape our character.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support.
Your love is felt all the way here in Cambodia.
In His Service,
Sycilia Parker
If God is leading you to support Sycilia or Cody in their mission work in Cambodia, please click the buttons below.