The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Bless the Lord, O My Soul: Trusting God for Healing in the Midst of Asthma Attacks For the past few days, our family has been going through another challenging episode of dealing with our son David’s asthma attacks. When night falls, we brace ourselves for what’s to come—coughing fits, difficulty in breathing, and the struggle of watching him in discomfort. As much as we have been through this before, each episode still feels just as heartbreaking. A Battle with the Air We Breathe Recently, Phnom Penh made headlines for being one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to Camboja News , our city ranked second in global pollution levels. While the government has played down the health hazards, the reality is undeniable for families like ours who have children with respiratory conditions. The poor air quality has triggered another cycle of nebulizing sessions and restless nights for our son. It’s a painful sight—seeing him struggle to catch his breath, feeling his little body...

Faith and finances are inseparable in a life of stewardship. Martin Luther’s observation about the “three conversions”—mind, heart, and wallet—highlights this truth. Faith isn’t just about belief; it involves how we think, feel, and act, including how we manage our resources. Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth to be generous was not about meeting quotas or gaining blessings in return. Instead, he emphasized giving for the sake of others, marked by joy and rooted in the understanding of God’s generosity toward us. As Rich Villodas (Narrow Path) properly puts it, “We cannot outgive God.” Reflecting on His love compels us to give freely, trusting that He will meet our needs. As a pastor’s wife serving in Cambodia, this verse resonates deeply with the realities of our ministry, family, and faith community. It challenges us to reflect on the connection between our faith and finances, reminding us that generosity stems from a joyful heart rooted in God’s abundant love. 1. Living B...

Hosea’s words are a compelling reminder that while God’s blessings are abundant, our hearts must first be prepared and cultivated to receive them. As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, this verse resonates deeply, not only for its call to spiritual renewal but also for the vivid imagery that speaks directly to life and ministry. It challenges us to examine whether our lives are ready for the rain of righteousness He promises.  Are there areas in our life where the soil of our heart has become resistant? Pray and ask God to reveal these areas and begin His work of breaking and cultivating them. I want to share some of my reflections: 1. Breaking the Fallow Ground of the Heart The phrase “break up your fallow ground” is a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation. Fallow ground is soil that has been left unplowed, hard, and unyielding. In our spiritual lives, this can symbolize hearts that have grown complacent, resistant, or distracted by the cares of the world. In Cambodia, where rice ...

Faith and Autism This verse encapsulates the journey of trusting God beyond what is visible, predictable, or easily understood. As a pastor’s wife and a mother to our 11-year-old son David, who is on the autism spectrum, this scripture has been a guiding light through countless uncertainties and challenges. Today, I want to share three reflections on this verse, drawing from our experiences in ministry, motherhood, and mission work in Cambodia. Reflection 1: Faith Anchors Us in the Uncertainty of Parenting Raising David has been an extraordinary journey of faith. His autism diagnosis came with a whirlwind of emotions: fear, doubt, and a deep desire to understand his unique needs. I vividly remember the day we finally visited the developmental pediatrician in the Philippines. The diagnosis clarified many of David’s struggles, but it also marked the beginning of a path we could not fully foresee. Back in Cambodia, finding reliable specialists for therapy was nearly impossible. For a time...

Reflecting on 1 Chronicles 29:11: Three Lessons for Faithful Living As a pastor’s wife, a mother, and a co-laborer in ministry here in Cambodia, I often find myself meditating on scriptures that remind us of God’s sovereignty and goodness. One verse that has deeply resonated with me is 1 Chronicles 29:11. This powerful declaration by King David gives us a glimpse into the magnificence of God—His unmatched greatness and the truth that everything belongs to Him. This year, 2025, has begun with many challenging events, such as the recent wildfires in California . My family and I have been praying for the affected families who fled their homes, leaving behind everything they’ve built over the years. Even as we try to comprehend such losses, we find comfort in knowing that our God remains sovereign, even in disasters. Let’s explore three lessons from this verse that can encourage and strengthen us in uncertain times. Lesson 1: God’s Sovereignty Encompasses Everything King David’s proclamati...

This verse speaks deeply to me as we reflect on the mission work God has called us to here in Cambodia. It is a gentle but firm reminder that our labor in the Lord—whether seen or unseen, celebrated or ignored—is never wasted. Serving the body of Christ in Phnom Penh Church (PPC), ministering to Khmer youth, university students, young professionals, and young couples, has been a journey of faith, challenges, and immeasurable grace.  Today, I want to share three reflections based on this verse that resonate with our ministry and family life. 1. Standing Firm Amid Challenges When our young family began a house church years ago, we were filled with hope and enthusiasm. God opened doors for us to minister to young people from nearby villages. Most of them came from impoverished backgrounds, wrestling with family struggles and the chains of addiction. We opened our home, gave our time, and shared what resources we had. It was a beautiful season of sowing seeds of God’s love and truth, y...

*oops! I actually made a typo error on the year of our wedding haha!  Vandy jokingly asked who did you marry in 2011??!  Our Wedding ceremony happened on the 30th of September 2009    **The 1st Dormitory: (The New Generation)** In 2011, two wonderful sisters, Roth and Chearta, established the first dormitory for university students from the provinces who wanted to study in the city but lacked housing. Inspired by their vision for a safe home for these female students, many of whom were unbelievers, we felt God directing us to support and help this important mission. By God's grace, we connected with individuals in the mission field who helped cover the rent for the dormitory. Soon, these students accepted Christ as their Savior and began being discipled by our dedicated sister, Roth, who lived with them. A weekly worship service commenced in the dormitory, and we were thrilled to see new believers actively participating in God’s work. We engaged deeply in Bible studi...

As we take another week, we're reminded of the profound truth found in John 3:21: "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be clearly seen that what he has done has been carried on in God." This verse speaks volumes about the importance of walking in the light of God's truth. In our ministry in Cambodia, we often encounter individuals seeking answers and struggling with life's challenges. Just as John 3:21 suggests, we believe that living according to God's Word brings clarity and purpose. Vandy has been preaching and emphasizing the value of cultivating good spiritual habits this past few weeks. He's encouraging everyone to prioritize daily Bible reading as a way to connect with God's promises, receive guidance, and find comfort in His love. We've been intentional about incorporating spiritual disciplines into our family life, such as daily Bible reading and prayer. It's heartwarming to see David embracing these pra...