A Lament about Being Far from Home

Oh Jesus, have you forsaken me?
Fear and loneliness have become my closest companions.

In my youth you have taken me,
In my love, you have deprived me.

Are my children to grow up without a father, a wife without a husband?
My heart rends and my tears flow night and day.

In my obedience, I left when you called
I submitted, “Thy will be done”.

But where are you, my Lord?
Make yourself known, for your silence is more than I can bear.

Am I not your faithful servant?
Have I not worshipped and prayed ceaselessly?

My heart bleeds and my spirit is broken,
You have sent me from my family,
to a far land for theological training.

Do not forsake me and my family,
for you are our refuge, O Lord.

Keep my soul, and deliver me
For fear and sorrow plague me with evil lies.

But I will not be ashamed, for I put my trust in Thee,
For You are with me and my loved ones.

Though we are far from each other,
You are near to us.

My eyes are opened to see you,
My heart has grown to know you.

We will glorify God together,
My family in Cambodia and Singapore,
We will celebrate Him in unity as the family of God.

Thav Veasna (MDiv, 1)