The Life I Now Live: A true story of adventure and faith in Cambodia

by Joelle Kenny

'Lord' I said, 'Have I not made enough sacrifices already?
'I gave up my friends and family to come to Cambodia ...
'Do you really mean for me to surrender everything?'

When Joelle Kenny was growing up, she was convinced that God would want nothing to do with her. After all, she didn't come from the 'right sort of family' or have a 'squeaky-clean background'; she had only ever lived for herself, for the moment. Little did she know that God had other plans for her life - plans that would take her to an unexpected place, with people of an entirely different language and culture from her own.

Joelle's warm and honest account is the story of how the girl from the wrong sort of family got a fresh start in God's family, how a house of bad luck became a house of blessing, and how God can take even the messiest lives, and transform them into lives lived for him.

Genres: Christian

105 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Katie Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I thought back to my own teenage years. The plans I once had for myself. The dreams I once dreamed. If I could go back and speak to my teenage self, what would I say to her? I would advise, 'whatever plans you have for yourself, whatever dreams, tear them up and throw them away. For it is nothing compared to the life God has planned for you. The life you now live by faith in God far exceeds it all.'"

[Leo Elbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful story, I only wish it was longer!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy read and so encouraging to be reminded that God is at work around the world

[Jamie Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple but inspiring short book. Lots of helpful simple takeaways for a look forward toward being used by God. I'd highly recommend, it doesn't take long to read

[Gina Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short (100ish) page book. This was different from the typical missionary stories I read because it ended in 2020 and the writer is still alive! It was a really good read. I’m always inspired and encouraged by reading how God is working in all the nations. I also really loved how she tells about work succeeding through the prayers of the people, even and especially the church back home, the “senders”. A good reminder that our prayers are a means that God uses to accomplish his purposes. 4 stars instead of 5 only because it’s not one that will definitely reread. Although, I would if I had a reason to.

[Ryan Lian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, didn’t know what all the hype was about…An excellent book! Really quite moving testimony to the goodness of God! Highly recommend.

[Nathanael Ayling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is very readable and accessible. Joelle is very open and honest about the struggles as well as the joys of her journey to faith in Jesus, going to Cambodia and to more and more surrender, including heartbreak in her love life.

Some favourite quotes:

"I was beginning to learn an important lesson: the purpose of the gospel is not just to save us, but also transform us. Faith is not just something you think; it's something you live."

"The girls' lives were messy, but I also knew that God could take messy lives and heal and transform them - just as he had done with mine. I was living proof that with God in the picture, no situation is ever hopeless."

[Rachel Catherîne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts of by Kenny describing her teenage years full of awkwardness and anxiety about being part of what she thought was "not the right type of family" . Unfortunately for me, this section of the book felt the least detailed and most vague. Whilst this was a repeated concept across the book affecting Kenny, there doesn't seem to be the full sense of vulnerability and deep reflection about this time in her life which I think would have made the book stronger.

It is so clear that the writing and Kenny's passion is really ignited once she starts travelling. We see her bravery and more assertive nature start to bloom as she creates opportunities for herself to travel and spread the word of God. From this moment, the book becomes compelling and I read it within an hour or two.

Kenny's description of her house in Ratanakiri was my favourite section. All the details here were exciting - the spirit house, the sick Christian lady, the radio show, her dogs, the girls who stayed in her dorm were all wonderful. You can really feel the joie de vivre in this section.

The contrast of these moments and the shocking change that COVID19 brings also ends the book with a melancholy echo which further emphasises how Kenny seems to have transformed in herself, from the self-concious introvert to someone who thrives on the company of others in order to share their love of God together.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really simple but profound story of God’s faithfulness in the life of an ordinary woman who chose to follow His leading to Cambodia. Additionally, I’ve often wondered, “what is the role of an introvert in the kingdom of God?” It seems that the extrovert personality is better suited to almost any form of evangelism or discipleship. This book directly addressed that question and offered a beautiful example of God using an introvert, who often felt uncomfortable about what she’d been called to do, but who faithfully followed, to His glory.

“I didn’t know back then that my childhood would stand me in good stead for the years to come in Asia. That my childhood would be a fitting prelude to the people I would one day serve in Cambodia. The girls’ lives were messy, but I also knew that God could heal and transform them- just as he had done with mine. I had learned that, with God in the picture, no situation is ever hopeless.”

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows what it looks like for the Lord to have His way in your life that might not look how you pictured it. Joelle really captures how the Lord truly uses all things in our life for His glory! In all things, good and bad. It’s a quick read as it’s quite short. The desires the Lord puts on your heart and the pain that you endured never go to waste and this book is a testament to that. Would recommend !!

[Michael G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. But short and not especially riveting. Not unpleasant though either. I wonder why this was written? I suspect it may have been borne out of a surplus of time given Covid restrictions.

Whatever my thoughts on the book, missionaries should be admired for their sacrifice. And so well done Joelle. I enjoyed listening to her on the Bible Matters podcast. Cambodia is a spiritually very sad place and that the gospel is going out there is wonderful.

[Mollie McIntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our God is sovereign in all things, our lives are testaments to His great faithfulness. How could we know how our past will be used to our futures and to God’s glory? Stories like these are so heartwarming and encouraging, to hear how God redeems His people, and never stops. It keeps going and growing. A wonderful biography of God’s faithfulness through all things.

[Leinad]

Authentic, engaging yet succinct. It was lovely reading this personal account of God’s work in and through Joelle - all the more so because I grew up in Ratanakiri, Cambodia, and because my family is friends with Joelle.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister-in-law gave me this book; she taught at Logos when Joelle was there. I read it through in one sitting! It’s a refreshing inspiring read. It shows what God can and will do with someone totally yielded to Him. God bless her and her ministry!

[Ellie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an easy read and a sweet story that could be very beneficial to 12-15 year old girls, but encouraging for all ages, as biographies often are. I read it in under an hour, and nearly cried multiple times. These are the kind of stories that are a cup of cool water to a thirsty soul.

[Tiffany Lynn Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very encouraging to my faith.

[Jade Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was quite brief I understand jts a quick read but wanted to know more detail!

[Gwilym Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and challenging, Kenny's autobiography up until COVID has all the makings of a Helen Roseveare-like tale. What a story of God's faithfulness and love!

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, honest story of how God transforms broken lives to use for his glory across the world :)

[Jonathan Wolstenholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Super encouraging to hear how God has worked in and through Joelle

[Ruth Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book that doesn't take long to read. Was really encouraging to read about her missionary life.

[Emily Vancleave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & sweet story!

[Joel Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little Biography on mission work in Cambodia through an ordinary but determined woman! Easy read as well.

[Daniella S-B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and inspiring

[Ashley Garnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, inspirational story

[Alicia Owegi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a nice light read about Joelle’s life as a missionary in Cambodia. Encouraged by her growth through reading the word, and also how impactful prayer from her senders was to her ministry.

[Macy · Rating 3 out of 5]

a beautiful story of God's faithfulness in obedience

[Richard Farmery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me 2hrs to read, brilliant story! It isn't one of those hugely challenging books, but it's a heart warming and encouraging book for any of those who need it.

Thinking about the life she lived challenged me to look at my own life and question how I am really doing Christ's work. Not just in service at church, but practically in my life. Thoroughly good read.