Church Planting Update: Transformation in Cambodia

Dear Friends,

This November, our hearts are full of gratitude for what God is doing through church planting efforts across Asia. This month, we're highlighting stories from Cambodia, where lives and communities are being transformed through the faithful leadership of local believers. (Keep an eye out — an update from Mongolia is coming later this month!)

In Cambodia's remote Stung Treng Province, two local leaders are bringing the hope of Christ to their own people:

Leng Vak, a 36-year-old leader from the Kavet tribe, once followed traditional spirit worship and lived apart from God. In 2013, while lost and alone in the jungle, he cried out to Jesus for help—and was miraculously led home. After his healing and salvation, Vak began sharing the Gospel in his village. Today, he leads a growing church of 100 believers from 40 families. With training and support from Asian Outreach Cambodia, Vak continues to strengthen local disciples and expand ministry through the Four Fields church planting strategy.

Choun Phon, age 26, once lived under the heavy burden of spirit worship and fear. After hearing the Good News through missionaries, he discovered the freedom and joy found in Christ. Today, Phon serves as a pastor and literacy teacher, leading 30 believers from 20 families in his village. In partnership with AOC’s Water and Sanitation Health (WASH) project, he shares the Gospel at each new well site—offering both physical and spiritual refreshment to those still bound by fear of traditional spirits.

Pictured above: Leng Vak (left) and Choun Phon (right)

These testimonies remind us that the Church is growing—not only in number, but in courage and faith. God is using local believers like Vak and Phon to reach their own people, multiplying the hope of the Gospel in some of the most remote parts of Cambodia.

Our goal is to assist our leaders with the support they need to plant three new churches next year. The estimated cost to build one church (simple wooden or brick foundation; tin roof; accommodates 50-60 people) is between $8,000 and $10,000. Each church will serve not only as a worship center but also as a space for bible training, youth gatherings and community outreach.

As the Christmas season draws near, we're reminded of the light that entered the world through Christ—and the light that continues to shine through His people today. Thank you for your continued prayers and support, which make this work possible. Your generosity is helping entire communities encounter the transforming love of Jesus.

With gratitude,