Life and hope in Cambodia
Cambodian Christians recently held a major celebration to mark 100 years since the gospel was brought to the country by missionaries. Since then, the church has seen remarkable growth, despite being all but wiped out by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Today, CMS partners with various Bible colleges to train up a new generation of gospel workers.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Twice in the last 100 years God has grown a thriving church in Cambodia from almost no gospel presence in the country. In 1923, two missionary families from America arrived in Phnom Penh to begin Bible translation and church planting work (until then the French authorities had prevented Protestant missionaries from entering), and the gospel grew significantly until the 1970s. Then, in 1975, the Khmer Rouge came to power, and almost all the Christians in Cambodia were killed or fled as refugees.
Nonetheless, the few Christians who were left began to rebuild the church, which has again grown rapidly. Earlier this year, the Cambodian church organised a large-scale celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the first missionaries’ arrival. The event reached 20,000 people in person, and 400,000 around the world online, and included an address by the Cambodian Prime Minister.
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness
“Just 50 years ago, Christians were hunted and killed here, people hid in the forests and abandoned rice paddies, fleeing their pursuers,” reflected CMS missionary Amanda Jacobson, who serves with Maurice at the Elim Rural Training Centre in Cambodia. At the time of the celebrations, she said, “Tonight they are gathered in the centre of the capital city—free to proclaim their Wonderful King in the Kingdom of Wonders.”
CMS missionaries Sam and Craig McCorkindale, serving with the Phnom Penh Bible School (PPBS), wrote: “The event was a wonderful opportunity for Christian organisations to connect and share about their work. This is a great encouragement, particularly to Cambodian Christians who live outside Phnom Penh.”
Craig and Reath (a translator) at the PPBS tent for the 100 year celebration.
Life and hope
CMS Regional Mission Director Glen Turner recently returned from a visit to Cambodia, where he was encouraged to see many young people being reached with the gospel and trained up for ministry.
“It was exciting to see how young many of the students at the colleges I visited were. They’re preparing to serve the Cambodian church in the future, but I also saw many of them putting their ministry skills into practice in their local churches.
“I’m encouraged by what’s happening with other ministries like Mercy Medical Centre (MMC) too. Alongside its healthcare ministry in Phnom Penh, the spiritual outreach team from MMC is involved with church planting around Cambodia.
Glen also visited HOPE International School, where CMS short-term workers Matthew and Melissa Lindfield Seager have been serving for three years. The school provides Christian education to children from preschool to year 12, including many from missionary families.
The Lindfield Seagers attended the school’s own 20-year anniversary celebrations earlier this year along with past staff and alumni, and heard the directors speak of God’s faithfulness and how he has always met the school’s needs. “It was lovely to see people coming back from all over the world to celebrate together,” Melissa wrote.
HOPE International School 20-year anniversary celebrations.
CMS is so thankful for the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church in Cambodia. There is a need for continued support to equip Christians as leaders who know God’s word. As we look to the future, there are many opportunities to serve in partnership with churches and organisations in Cambodia, to help grow the church for generations to come.
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GOCould you serve and strengthen the church in Cambodia through training leaders or teaching at Hope International School? Many different positions exist. We’d love to start a conversation with you about using your skills and gifts to serve with CMS. Find out more here.
