Church members from Hebron BP Church went on a mission trip in March 2024 to Cambodia and visited the various ministries in Love-A-Village (LAV). Pastor Nathanael Tan shares his account of the experiences the team had.
Widows ministry at New Living Hope Centre (NLHC)
Our first ministry stop was at NLHC where we joined the widows for worship and fellowship. The term ‘widow’ is used quite loosely in Cambodia and can mean a woman whose husband had died, or is a divorcee. Sister Deborah shared a testimony about leading family worship and I shared about my mother who faithfully witnessed to my father till he went home to the Lord. Both testimonies were well received.
The widows enjoyed the butterfly craft session by Sister Christina and no-bake tarts session by Sister Grace. We also distributed shoes donated by a company in Singapore. It was also encouraging to witness the faithfulness of the Khmer sisters who oversaw this ministry.
Peam English School
At Peam English School, LAV supports School Principal Sreisros and 2 teaching staff who conduct English enrichment classes. The English classes are held through the week and are well taught. They also conduct Christian values lessons weekly. Some students also attend the Sunday school regularly. Through the craft session, we interacted with about 20 primary 5 and 6 children and I shared a message on the fruit of the Spirit.
Worship with Run Ta Ek Church
Run Ta Ek church serves the people relocated from areas near Angkor Wat. It is quite remote, and street signs haven’t been put up yet. Om Da had a burden for the people there and would hold a weekly service every Friday, on top of her weekend ministry in her home church. Elder David played the guitar and we presented the song “Jesus Strong and Kind” to the congregation. I preached on the prodigal son, and Pastor Vongsa who was visiting read scripture for me. I must admit that being from a Bible Presbyterian church, we were not used to the loud music, but we knew the worship came from hearts that were full of praise and reverence for God. At the end of the service, we distributed food packs sponsored by Hebron.
Reflections
We were impressed by the passion and drive of Janice, who had devoted 8 years to God’s work in Siem Reap. She has also built up a good partnership with local churches, which provided resources and church volunteers to support the Sunday Schools for students and youth fellowships.
I have also seen how Janice nurtured and trained the staff of LAV, empowering them to lead their ministries. At one meeting I attended, she challenged her staff and volunteers to plan for their first combined youth camp. She listened to feedback given, and was firm when needed. The result was that all involved owned the project, and were excited to carry it out.
I felt that LAV balanced the meeting of felt needs (education, food packs) with meeting deeper spiritual needs (Bible study, fellowship). They ministered to the whole person, in a sustainable way through gospel partnerships with local and foreign churches.
I was also encouraged by the sacrificial service of faithful servants of God like Pastor Bunnath, Om Da and Pastor Vongsa. Despite challenges like health and limited support, they continued to serve God and His people faithfully. It challenged me to remember Whom I was serving, and to be willing to serve sacrificially myself.
We were all blessed by this trip and look forward to future projects with LAV.
If you are keen to partner us for mission trips, we are organising one in November. Email us at contact@loveavillage.com to let us know your interest.