Skun Village – Love-A-Village

Mission Trip Reflections: What our Youths Experienced in Nov-Dec 2024

Leave a Comment / Go with Us, Skun Village / Zhiliang Lin

Happy 2025! LAV is excited for the opportunities that God will bring this new year and we are ever thankful for your partnership with us. One such partnership came about at the end of 2024 when a team of three Singaporean families went on a four-day mission trip to our villages.

They worked alongside our Cambodian volunteers to host a two-day Vacation Bible School and organised an outreach for the parents in Skun. It was an eye-opening experience, especially for the children who experienced God’s working through the team to bless the villagers. Two of the girls, Janelle and Hannah, share their experiences with us:

Reflection on Siem Reap Mission Trip ~~ Janelle, 11

When my mother told me that I would be going on this mission trip, I was excited as it would be my first mission trip and was also the first time I was going to Cambodia. However, I was also nervous as I did not know that there would be translators, so I thought that the language barrier would be a problem.

The people in Skun village (and the people in Cambodia generally) were very friendly and hospitable, despite the hardships that they face in their daily lives. I feel that we have a lot to learn from them, just like how they have a lot to learn from us, in different ways.

When we were there, we held a 2-day Vacation Bible School programme for them. The program was held on 29 and 30 November, a Friday and a Saturday. There were Bible lessons, worship time, games and crafts. During Bible lessons, we taught the children about the creation of the world as most of them are not believers. The teaching was split into four lessons. During worship, we did two songs– He’s got the whole world in His hands [English]/Jesus loves me [Khmer]. One of the translators wanted the children to learn their local worship songs, so there was time for her to teach them another song in Khmer. There were also games and crafts that were related to each Bible lesson, like a recap for the children.

I helped during the worship section by teaching the children the actions to both songs and helped during games by showing how to play them, alongside with the children from the Singapore team.

My most memorable experience was when several of the children prayed to receive Christ, although the pastor still had to follow up with them, but we were there just to plant the seed and let God water and nurture the plant.

Through this trip, I felt that God was telling me that I am very fortunate, as most of the people in Cambodia are less fortunate, and do not get opportunities for education; most of them grow up on farms to make a living. We should treasure what we have, and not take things for granted.

I also learnt that when spreading the gospel, our role is not to persuade others to become Christians, but just to nudge them a bit, and let God do the rest. I am most thankful for the translators; without them, we would not have been able to communicate with the team in Cambodia, let alone the children.

Janelle and Hannah with the children in the playground

Reflection on Siem Reap Mission Trip ~~ Hannah, 11

When my parents told me that our family was going on a mission trip to Skun, I felt so happy! I was excited to serve God and have a memorable time with everyone.

When we arrived at Skun village, I noticed that the pastor there was super friendly and welcoming. The kids in the village were really attentive and listened well to the leaders.Our team spent three days running a program for the kids about the seven days of creation from Genesis. I helped by demonstrating the games and making sure the kids were organized and seated in neat rows.

The most memorable part of the trip for me was definitely the kids. They were so friendly, and I even made friends with a few of the girls!

Through this trip, I felt that God was telling me how blessed I am and that I shouldn’t take things for granted.

I learned that people from Cambodia are very friendly and kind. I’m most thankful that everyone stayed safe throughout the entire trip.

If their sharing has encouraged your heart and you are interested to join us in blessing the villagers, we have good news for you! We are planning a Children’s Camp at Run Ta Ek in May 2025! Drop us an email (Janicetay23@hotmail.com) to indicate your interest and we would update you once details are confirmed.

Mission Trip Reflections: What our Youths Experienced in Nov-Dec 2024 Read More »

Nov 2024: Our Inaugural Youth Camp!

On 15 and 16 Nov, our youths gathered for their first ever youth camp at the AOG church. 40 excited youths were from the different Youth Discipleship Groups in Peam, Skun, Kok Thmey and Phnom Krom came together as one to worship God and build each other up. The youths grew stronger in their faith and conviction of the good work that God is bringing about in and through them.

Deborah, a friend of Janice, shares her experience in leading an activity with the youths:

This would be my third trip to Siem Reap with Janice. This time, I was invited to facilitate activities with the LAV youth for their very first Youth Discipleship Group camp. Janice shared that the camp participants came from different villages and she wanted some bonding activities to get them to connect. The main camp committee also felt it would be good if there was space for the youth to share their hurts and struggles and to connect them to their faith.

I was tentative about what I could bring to the table. I can do fun and games anytime and I also had some ideas of using creative arts as a different medium for the youth to process and articulate their thoughts. However, as I’m not a believer, I wasn’t sure how to connect it to the Christian faith. I was also worried about how the youth would engage with the activities. I had some worries going into the YDG camp; I hoped that the planned activities would achieve the intended goals.

In one of our activities, the camp participants created their ‘Bowl of Light’ and shared about the ‘stones’ (personal struggles and pains) that blocked their light. They also expressed how Jesus can be the light for them (which was symbolised by a little glow stick). During this activity, I saw tears, prayers, comfort, and connection. Witnessing the process reminded me of the phrase, “trust the process”. All my anxieties had gone away; the camp participants could connect with the activity and express their voice. I also have to thank my new friend Sa, who interpreted wonderfully for me and created the magic of the story of the ‘Bowl of Light’ to the participants in Khmer. Rather than an interpreter, he really stepped up to be more of a co-facilitator with me to engage the participants.

In this short 2 days and 1 night camp, I saw the camp participants having so much fun during the treasure hunt, campfire and games, and being reflective during their Bible lessons and devotion time. More importantly, connections were formed all around and it was heartwarming to see the camp participants affirming one another and sharing kind and encouraging words during our final closing activity.

I felt an emotionally interesting feeling of contentment with a tinge of sadness as we bade farewell to each other on the last day of camp. It was the same feeling I get every time I leave Siem Reap. To me, it meant, “Goodbye, see you again!”

By Deborah

Deborah had also prepared a short video showing the highlights of the camp. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the hearts of the youths and bring the truth of the gospel through their lives and into the villages!

May this sharing bless your heart and may the blessings overflow to those around you this Christmas!

Nov 2024: Our Inaugural Youth Camp! Read More »

Aug 2024: Transformed Lives Within and Without

Leave a Comment / Food of Love, Kok Thmey Sunday School, Peam English School, Peam Sunday School, Run Ta Ek Village, Skun Village / Zhiliang Lin

We are thrilled to share the latest updates of lives being transformed by the Gospel. Your unwavering support and prayers have been instrumental in our journey, and we hope this update encourages you in your faith and support for the villages.

Peam English School

The teachers recently held a parents’ meeting with an impressive 90% attendance. Parents were overjoyed to see the progress their children were making in school. This strong turnout allowed the teachers to build positive relationships with the families, and we pray that this would bring opportunities to share the gospel to the parents.

As the teachers prepare for the new school year starting in November 2024, they request for your prayers. The team is diligently reviewing lesson plans and materials to ensure the students are able to understand and learn well both the English language and Christian values. Please pray for wisdom and guidance as they make these preparations.

Peam Sunday School

One of the Sunday School children, Sok Puey, shared a testimony that inspired her class and strengthened their faith in God who answers prayers. Sok Puey’s grandfather was seriously ill and required surgery for hernia. Despite the initial surgery revealing a blood clot that required a second operation, Sok Puey remained steadfast in prayer.

After another checkup, the doctor found that the second surgery was no longer needed, and her grandfather was discharged with just medication! Praise be to God for His miraculous healing!

One prayer request from Peam is for the children who have been experiencing skin problems. The school is planning to educate the kids on proper hygiene and to provide medication to treat and clear the parasites from their skin. Your prayers for their healing and well-being are greatly appreciated.

Kok Thmey Sunday School

The church is currently undergoing renovation, and the children are worshipping under a tent in the meantime. This temporary setup has not dampened their spirits, and they look forward to the completion of the renovations.

One thanksgiving is the transformation of one of their students who previously disrupted Sunday School lessons. He had undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a cherished helper in the school. This change has been a great encouragement to our teachers, reaffirming their dedication to guiding children towards transformed lives through Christ.

Another thanksgiving is for the recent purchase of Holy Communion elements, which will be used for the church Holy Communion services. This practice serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the redemption and sanctification of believers.

Skun Sunday School

In Skun, many of the children were unable to attend school due to objections from parents or because they were needed to help out on the farm or at home. Please pray that God will watch over these children, keep their faith strong, and soften their parents’ hearts to allow them to attend Sunday School. For the remaining children, the team is thankful for the transformed lives of students who are now eager to serve each other in Sunday school.

Run Ta Ek Sunday School

God has touched the children to pray and worship boldly. Many have started to sing and pray out loud. Please pray that this outward display of their faith will continue to stem from the inward working of the Spirit in their lives.

Youth Discipleship Groups at Peam, Skun and Phnom Krom

The leaders were grateful for the youth revival camp, where youths from different churches and some non-believers attended a three-day camp. Thank God for the renewal of faith and the seeds of the gospel planted in the hearts of those who have yet to believe.

The groups are also thankful for answered prayers, with students achieving good results in their studies and gaining wisdom to live their lives right before God.

Please pray that they will grow more in their knowledge of who God is and that their love for Him will deepen. Pray also for the protection of their faith amidst persecution and attacks from the evil one.

Food of Love

From a recent outreach, the number of women attending the weekly bible study has grown from 15 to 26. Thank God that the message of the Gospel continues to spread and touch more lives.

We pray that this update has encouraged you in your prayers for the villagers. Whether through prayer, volunteering, or financial support, your involvement makes a difference. Thank you for being a part of our mission. May God bless you abundantly!

Aug 2024: Transformed Lives Within and Without Read More »

June 2024: Mission Trip Update

Leave a Comment / Kok Thmey Village, Skun Village / Zhiliang Lin

On 8 June, a team travelled to Cambodia to minister to the villagers. The team consisted of Michael, Hui Kwang, Kron Joo, Soh Seng, Chin Mai, Weng Siak, Alice and Janice.

One of the key purposes of this trip was to train the discipleship group leaders. Michael, Kron Joo and Soh Seng facilitated a workshop for discipleship group leaders, helping them to understand what it means to be a spiritual leader. There was rich discussion on how they can role model spiritual disciplines in their time spent with their disciples, and the leaders went away refreshed and renewed in their commitment to developing their disciples to faithfulness.

Another purpose of the trip was to meet with the leaders of Kok Thmey Church to get to know them better as Love-a-village (LAV) looks into how to support them in disciple-making and reaching out to the villagers. We conducted a Sunday School session for the children, teaching them about God who created the weather and has control over it. At the church service, the congregation was much encouraged by Chin Mai’s sharing, which was translated by Sreisros.

The team went to Skun Village to deliver food packs to the villagers with “poor card” (issued by the government). Soh Seng shared a short message with the villagers gathered in the church, while Pastor Villa led in worship and praise. Through Food Pack Distribution, LAV seeks to draw villagers to the church to learn about Jesus.

Overall, it was a fruitful trip for both the team and our Cambodian brothers and sisters in Christ. Do take a look at the video to get a glimpse of some highlights of the trip.

June 2024: Mission Trip Update Read More »