The Cochrane Alliance Church will host a very special soul this Sunday. Marie Ens will be in attendance all the way from Cambodia to share stories of her orphanage "Place of Rescue", and to share authentic Cambodian dancing with young adults that grew up in her care.
From a young age Marie Ens had heart of gold, she just wouldn't know it yet. Born in Saskatchewan in 1934 she was the youngest of seven siblings. In her early years she was always devoted to her faith. Her family knew that she was destined to carry out a life of selfless love for those in need.
When she was 18-years-old she would cross paths with a gentlemen by the name of Norman Ens. The rest is history. Marie and Norman became missionaries and had the open mind to serve anywhere in the world. They would eventually re-locate with their four children to Cambodia in 1960. They never thought they would establish a life-long relationship with the country that still continues today.
In 1991 her husband Norman would pass away suddenly from a massive heart attack. This left Marie's world in shambles. At 60-years-old she would venture back to Cambodia after the country re-opened to the West. She would lend her helping hand to the hurting citizens and at age 66, after she had retired from the mission field, she would choose to take her journey one step further and open an orphanage there.
Just outside the capital city of Phnom Penh you will find her "Place of Rescue" orphanage. She celebrated her 85 birthday on Oct. 8, and has no plans of slowing down. The successful orphanage houses more than 400 children, grandmothers with no family to care for them and families with parents who suffer from AIDS.
Cindy Koleba a fellow Cochranite met Ens about six years ago. She was inspired by how Ens was able to make a difference in the world. Last summer Koleba and her daughters went to Cambodia to visit Ens in the place she calls home. They were amazed that the children were helping with cooking, cleaning and laundry and how they were even given an education, a rarity in Cambodia. This reflected just how much attention Ens has given to "Place of Rescue."
"I've heard her speak over the years and always kind of went you know what she's my hero. I love her heart, the way she's not about herself, and how at 66 she had the vision and energy to make such a difference for hundreds of kids," said Koleba.
"I think that she has really struggled after her husband died and she does really struggle when she has to make cuts because there isn't the funding coming in. She has had health struggles like anyone else her age, but she has just chosen to overcome and live for a bigger purpose and to choose to be positive."
Ens has been an angel to those around her. It might be safe to say she understands that she has a heart of gold now.
If you are interested in meeting Ens and seeing Cambodian authentic dancing, make your way to the Cochrane Alliance Church this Sunday (Oct. 20) from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
