A Story of Hope, Thanksgiving and Restoration
“Waday bisita takos domingo”( We have visitors coming these Sunday) announced one of the church members previously. This Sunday marked a significant occasion. Both Khmer and International congregations came together for a joint service. They prepared for the afternoon’s main event. Many are also coming back from different places as the Pchum Ben holiday occurred. The fusion of these two communities created a unique spiritual experience that transcended cultural boundaries. And as the service commenced, the sanctuary buzzed with an air of excitement and anticipation.
The Dedication and Thanksgiving Service
Kandaok Village is nestled amidst the lush green countryside of Cambodia. It stands as a beacon of rural tradition and livelihood. Farming is its lifeline. Spanning a radius of 8000 inhabitants, the community had long sustained itself through the fruits of their labor in the fields.
On this momentous occasion, both the local Christian congregation and curious onlookers from the wider village converged to witness the unveiling of a new era for The Praise Community Assembly of God Building, a metamorphosis years in the making. Fellow expats, children of the community, and local Khmer residents gathered for a joyous celebration of the renovated building. The occasion marked by a ribbon cutting, a dedicatory marker unveiling, and a thanksgiving worship service, brought together individuals from different walks of life to pay homage to the progress made through intertwined spiritual effort, cross-cultural collaboration and a collective spirit of gratitude.
How did The Praise Community Assembly begin?
Mr. Phoon was delegated on behalf of those who pioneered and founded the establishment to deliver an inspirational message. In the words of Mr. Phoon, the genesis of this place can be traced back to the determined footsteps of a Malaysian doctor on a mission trip to Cambodia 22 years ago. Amidst the initial shock of the conditions, the doctor felt the love of God for the Khmer children, sparking a desire to see them thrive. He shared this burden to his congregation in Kuala Lumpur. It was an event that also reminds them of how their congregation began. Accordingly, in 1934, a female American missionary realized the burden of spiritually nurturing some children in Kuala Lumpur. Before that, she sailed all the way to China to learn Cantonese. Through this, she was able to connect with these Malaysian children. These children grew in the fear and the knowledge of God.
In 2009, a simple mission trip to Cambodia with an expectation of leisure and sightseeing took an unexpected turn for Mr. Phoon, setting off a chain of events that would shape his life’s trajectory. The initial burden on his and his wife’s hearts after the trip led to the establishment of prayer meetings, where dedicated believers gathered each Tuesday, seeking divine guidance. As they prayed, the echoes of their own story of beginnings stirred within them a powerful realization – that they too would have to plant the seeds of education and faith in the hearts of Khmer children, just as those who came before them.
The construction and the beginning of service
As the ministry took root in this village, a dedicated team was assembled and tasked with managing the establishment, while financial and resource management systems were carefully devised to ensure long-term sustainability. The initial phases of the initiative seemed promising, but over time, it became apparent that not all those involved shared the same burden, heart and vision. Consequently, it has lead to a divergence of perspectives. The project, for a brief period of time, encountered a period of relative dormancy.
Despite the setbacks encountered in the mission, the unwavering belief that Cambodia was not forsaken or forgotten by God propelled the faithful to persist in their endeavors. While this pause in activity might have momentarily dimmed the light of progress, the embers of their divine purpose remained steadfastly ablaze; it is awaiting the breath of a rekindling. As they navigated these trials, a yearning took root in their hearts – not just for a physical structure, but for a place of love, peace, and compassion where the Khmer children could flourish in the embrace of God’s boundless grace.
New Connections for Restorations
Through cultural exchange and theological education, the Praise Community Assembly of God has established connections with the Igorot Group of the Agape Assembly of God in Phnom Penh City and other members from Northern Philippines. Through the enduring commitment of volunteers, steadfast determination of the team, and the generous contributions of resources, talents, and skills, the mission gradually took shape, revealing itself as a beacon of hope and renewal for the future of Cambodia’s children.
As the unfolding of this journey progresses a familiar figure steps into the narrative, Ptr. Roth. He had once crossed paths with the founders in the early youth camps during the establishment’s formative years, and he returned, offering his support and dedication to the mission. This serendipitous reunion not only injected new life into the mission, but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of their initial endeavors. The young Mr. Phoon who had once washed Roth’s feet when he was a young lad, now stood shoulder to shoulder in service of the greater good.
The Gift of God to the children of Kandaok Village
Many people before and now have sacrificed for this. The spirit of sacrifice, which had carried this initiative through its humble beginnings and now into its present stage of development, remained ever present, a testament to the power of faith and determination.
As children flock to the compound to learn, play, and grow in the embrace of spiritual nourishment, the efforts of the pastor and teachers will craft a space that is both enriching and nurturing. This small step, this single ripple in time, was a flickering flame of hope, a light that would guide future generations. Even amidst challenges, the seeds of faith were planted and grew, showing that God is always faithful, never forgetting or forsaking those who walk in His name. From loss, they found restoration. From scarcity, they found abundance. And that, my friends, is the power of faith.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness Lamentations 3:22–23
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