Written by Adam Reiley, Team Member and Saving Susan Ministry staff
The title of this post, “We Are Family,” has a fun backstory. During our visit to the Imparting Smiles children’s home, we sang a Khmer worship song titled “In Jesus Christ We Are One Family.” Its heartfelt message touched us all — but at first, I mistakenly thought they were singing the classic Sister Sledge song, “We Are Family.” That mix-up quickly became an inside joke among our team, but it also reflected a deeper truth: no matter the language or melody, the heart of the message was the same. In Christ, we truly are one family.
When God’s diverse family comes together in love and service, something beautiful happens. Our Savings Susan Ministry mission team just finished serving in Cambodia, representing five countries and three U.S. states — each of us bringing different stories, cultures, and gifts, yet united by one purpose: to serve as one. This trip wasn’t just about completing tasks; it was about continuing the deep, family-like relationships we’ve built with the children and mission partners we’re privileged to walk alongside. Just like any family, we laughed, worked, worshipped, and grew together — because that’s what families do.
Families support and encourage one another. During our trip, several children were feeling unwell. We had the privilege of sitting with them, praying over them, and speaking words of hope and healing. Another opportunity for encouragement came through an art project we shared at each home, where we explored the theme of transformation — how God molds us through different stages of life, from an egg to a caterpillar, then a cocoon, and finally, a butterfly. Each child or student sculpted and painted their own creation as we reflected on how growth often takes time, and how patience is a part of God’s beautiful process. I saw children in every stage of that journey — some just beginning, others still waiting, and a few already blooming with joy and strength. It was a powerful reminder that God is still shaping each of us with care and purpose.
Families also play together — and some of our most joyful moments in Cambodia came through shared fun and laughter. With the children from Imparting Smiles, we spent a day at “Good Luck” Resort, zipping around the go-kart track and cheering each other on. With our Next Steps students, we splashed and slid our way through an unforgettable day at Garden City Water Park. And in between those outings, we played hours of volleyball together, rallying and laughing until the sun dipped below the horizon. These lighthearted times weren’t just about recreation — they were about building trust, creating memories and strengthening the bonds that make us feel like true family.
Families worship together, and throughout our trip, we were reminded just how powerful that can be. At Bileg Solid Rock, we were blessed to witness a heartfelt recital led by our Music Director, Oliver Rafael. The children had worked hard to prepare, and their joy and dedication shone through. At Imparting Smiles, we joined their Sunday service where the children led worship band — singing and playing with passion and purpose. Pastor Wesslye from our team shared a message reminding us that the Lord desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts. Later, in the home of our Next Steps students, we gathered in a circle, blending voices and instruments from our team with theirs. As we lifted our voices in song, I was struck by how worship becomes even more beautiful when cultures come together in unity and praise. In those moments, heaven felt especially close.
Families celebrate together, and this trip gave us some truly special moments of joy and recognition. While being away on Father’s Day was bittersweet — I missed my own kids back home — I had the chance to reflect on the privilege of showing a glimpse of a father’s love to the children we serve. At Imparting Smiles, the kids surprised the Director Steve Hyde with a heartfelt “Happy Father’s Day” song and cake, honoring the incredible role he plays as a father figure to so many. In jest, I call him “the Godfather” because of his spiritual influence on countless live across generations. We also celebrated the achievements of our Next Steps students with a joyful dinner party, highlighting their progress — including several college graduates! The night ended with laughter and karaoke, a fitting celebration of growth, perseverance, and family.
As I reflect on all the moments we shared — serving, playing, worshipping, and celebrating — it’s clear that this team was more than just a group of volunteers. We were an extension of the Saving Susan family, and even more, a living extension of God’s family. Like the Sister Sledge song that inspired our title says: “We’re giving love in a family dose. Here’s what we call our golden rule: have faith in you and the things you do. We are family — get up, everybody, and sing.” This trip was a beautiful reminder that when we come together across cultures and backgrounds, united in Christ, we become something stronger than the sum of our parts. We are one family — and it’s a joy to keep singing that truth with every step we take.
