Eight hours on the road. Dusty paths winding through rice fields, potholes deep enough to rattle the bones, and the relentless heat of the Cambodian sun. This is what it takes to reach Trapeang Prasat, a small town in the remote Oddar Meanchey province near the Thai border.
But for my team and me, these challenges are nothing compared to the spiritual hunger we find when we arrive.
Meeting Pastor Ouk Pisom: Strengthening the Church
At our most recent seminar, I met Pastor Ouk Pisom, one of the 45 pastors who had made the journey to attend. Some traveled for hours, even days, just to be there. Like many pastors in Cambodia, Ouk Pisom has no formal Bible training. He shepherds a small congregation in a rural village where believers are few, and spiritual resources are even scarcer.
During our seminar, we studied Derek Prince’s book, What’s So Important About the Cross. As we unpacked the powerful truths of Jesus’ sacrifice, I saw a change in Ouk Pisom’s eyes.
"This book has profoundly impacted my ministry," he later shared. "The newfound revelations I gained have strengthened my faith and empowered me to share the good news of God's love with others. It serves as a constant reminder that the focus of my ministry should be centered on the finished work of Jesus Christ, not on my own efforts or the efforts of my congregation."
He went on to tell me that many churches in Cambodia struggle because they lack sound biblical teaching. Some believers fall into legalism, trying to earn God’s favor. Others become discouraged, feeling unworthy of His love. But the message of the cross—of grace, redemption, and new life—was setting them free.
Faith Under Fire
Despite its growing economy and rapid digitalization (nearly 100% of Cambodians own a smartphone), Cambodia remains a spiritually challenging place for believers.
• Non-Christians: 16.4 million out of a 17.1 million population
• Unreached People Groups: 19 out of 44
Many Christians face opposition from their families, local authorities, and Buddhist communities. In some regions, pastors like Ouk Pisom lead underground house churches, knowing that open evangelism can bring consequences.
For my team, hosting these training seminars isn’t easy either.
• We travel for hours, often over dangerous roads, just to reach remote villages.
• Persecution remains a real threat—some pastors have been interrogated, and meetings shut down.
• Resources are limited—many pastors can’t afford Bibles, let alone biblical teaching materials.
And yet, the need is urgent.
Ms. Kheang Phon: A Life Transformed
During one of our outreach events, I met Ms. Kheang Phon, a woman in her mid-forties. She had been raised in a deeply Buddhist home and had never heard the Gospel before.
When we first shared about Jesus, she listened politely but with skepticism in her eyes. The idea of a loving God who had sacrificed Himself for humanity was foreign to her. She struggled to believe that salvation could be a free gift, not something she had to work for.
But then, a life-altering event changed everything.
Not long after hearing the Gospel, Ms. Kheang Phon suffered a severe illness. Traditional medicine failed, and her family feared she would not recover. Desperate for help, she remembered the words shared during the outreach – the power of Jesus Christ to heal. With a trembling voice, she prayed, “If Jesus is truly God, please heal my son.”To her amazement, her health began to improve.
When we returned to her village, she ran to meet us, her face full of joy and excitement.
"I know now that Jesus is real!" she declared. "He heard my prayer and healed me. I want to follow Him with all my heart."
Since that moment, Ms. Kheang Phon has been a bold witness for Christ in her community. Though she has faced mockery and opposition from her Buddhist relatives, she remains steadfast.
"I used to be afraid," she told me, "but now, I have peace. I want others to know the truth about Jesus."
The Power of Biblical Training
Ms. Kheang Phon’s testimony is just one example of why sound biblical teaching is crucial in Cambodia. Many people like her are hearing about Jesus for the first time. But without proper discipleship, they can quickly fall back into fear, doubt, or spiritual confusion.
That’s why our monthly seminars for pastors and leaders are so important.
We provide:
• Biblical training that strengthens faith and equips leaders.
• Derek Prince resources to help pastors disciple their churches.
• Support for persecuted believers who risk everything to follow Christ.
But we need your help to continue. So thank you for standing with us. Every kilometer we travel, every book we distribute, and every pastor we train is possible because of your prayers and support.
Blessings,
Huy
DPM-Cambodia Director
