The sun beat down on dusty roads as our van journeyed west, leaving the bustle of Phnom Penh behind for the rural tranquility of Pailin province, in the north-west. This remote corner of Cambodia, a seven-hour drive away, felt worlds apart from the capital, with its scattered villages and scarcity of churches. Yet, it was here, amidst this spiritual seedbed, that our mission trip unfolded, carrying the message of hope and transformation through our DPM pastors’ seminar.
Pouring Out God’s Word onto Dry Ground
Our focus was on equipping 37 local pastors and leaders with the foundational truths of faith. Derek’s books such as By Grace Alone and Faith to Live By became our shared language, their pages clearly showing how to lay hold of God’s grace and mercy and live a victorious life. We also delved into the book Applying the Blood, understanding its cleansing and liberating impact. And through the book The Power of Proclamation, we ignited a passion for boldly declaring God’s Word, knowing its ability to reshape lives and communities.
This wasn’t just a one-sided exchange. As we poured out Biblical knowledge, we were met with eager hearts and receptive minds. The pastors’ thirst for spiritual growth mirrored the arid landscape, reminding us of the transformative power of even a single drop of truth. In their dedication, we witnessed the potential Pailin held; a potential waiting to be ignited by the embers of faith.
The pastors’ thirst for spiritual growth mirrored the arid landscape, reminding us of the transformative power of even a single drop of truth.
Our mission trip may have had an end date, but the seeds we sowed in Pailin promised to take root. We left not only with renewed purpose, but with the humbling knowledge that sometimes the most impactful journeys are undertaken in the quiet corners of the world, where faith takes root in the most fertile ground – the hearts of those yearning for His touch.
Pastor Toun Hout, a Former Khmer Rouge Member
While studying the book By Grace Alone, pastor Toun Hout shared a remarkable testimony about his life. Pastor Hout has emerged from the darkest depths of the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia to become a beacon of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.
Having lived through the horrors of that brutal regime, pastor Hout carried the weight of fear and condemnation for years, haunted by the atrocities he witnessed and the role he was forced to play. The pain and guilt he bore seemed insurmountable, overshadowing any glimmer of peace or solace.
However, amidst the darkness, a ray of light found its way into pastor Hout’s life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ reached him in a military camp, offering him a lifeline, a chance for transformation and salvation. With a heart open to receive the forgiveness and love that only Jesus can provide, pastor Hout accepted Him into his life, forever changing the trajectory of his journey.
From that moment forward, pastor Hout dedicated himself to spreading the message of Christ’s forgiveness and love to as many people as he could. He became a pastor in a humble village of Pailin province, devoting his life to serving others and sharing the transformative power of the Gospel. Through his teachings, pastor Hout has shown countless individuals the path to redemption and forgiveness, reminding them that no matter the darkness of their past, there is hope for a brighter future. His own experiences of pain and guilt have allowed him to empathize with those who have suffered, and his faith in Jesus Christ has given him the strength to extend forgiveness to others.
Pastor Hout’s story is a testament to the incredible power of grace and the capacity for change and renewal that lies within each of us. He serves as a living example of the transformative and healing power of the Gospel, inspiring others to seek forgiveness, embrace love, and find their own path to redemption.
In a world often marred by division and hatred, pastor Hout’s journey reminds us that by the grace of the Lord Jesus, His forgiveness and love have the power to heal even the deepest wounds. His dedication to sharing Christ’s forgiveness is a shining light, guiding others toward a life of peace, hope, and reconciliation.
His dedication to sharing Christ’s forgiveness is a shining light, guiding others toward a life of peace, hope, and reconciliation.
“Come now, and let us reason together”, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
