CCAM is one channel for God to give back to Cambodia "beauty for ashes" (Isaiah 61:1-3). In the New American Version the phrase reads "garlands for ashes." In Cambodian culture it is customary to put a garland of fragrant flowers around the neck and wrists of the person one wishes to honor. When our lives seem to disintegrate into ashes, we must humble ourselves in front of Jesus and beg for mercy. Then He can lift us up and drape us with His garlands of blessing. Isaiah 61 describes the ministry of Jesus. He is "anointed to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, to comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

We believe that CCAM is part of Christ's body here on earth, anointed to continue His work of reconciliation and restoration in this world, first of all to us and to the team of young people who live with us, and then also to those outside. Jesus has led us to use the beauty and fragrance of the arts as part of His garland of blessing for CCAM and Cambodia. And we are witnessing with our own eyes the spiritual growth of the team members that God has planted here. They are truly becoming "oaks of righteousness." We are also witnessing how powerfully their testimonies radiate to those who are lost and broken like they used to be. There is no doubt in our minds--CCAM has been created by God to continue Jesus' ministry described in Isaiah 61. All the glory belongs to Him!