The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Kampot has always been one of our family's favorite places to visit. Just a few hours from Phnom Penh, it offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city. The stunning Durian hill landscapes, the cool breeze from the river, the stunning fireflies on a ferry ride, and the breathtaking sunset always make us pause and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. There is something about nature that brings us closer to Him, reminding us to rest in His presence and trust in His unfailing love. Our Kampot getaway won't be complete without visiting the Durian Farm and it's so happened the Kamchay Dam is located. The massive boulders surrounding the river and the force of the water released from the dam remind me of the verse in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Just like the unpredictable flow of water near the dam, life is filled with...

Learning from a Sunday Meltdown Parenting is a journey of faith, patience, and continuous learning. As a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum, I have realized that discipline is not just about setting rules but about understanding, guiding, and most importantly, reflecting Christ’s love. This became very clear to me last Sunday when I caused my son David’s meltdown at church while my husband was preaching. It was a difficult moment, one that reminded me how much I still need to grow in grace and self-control. As I reflect on what happened, I am reminded of biblical truths that guide me in raising and disciplining my son in Cambodia. These truths have helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood while keeping faith and love at the center of our home.  5 Biblical Truths on Discipline and Parenting Discipline Must Be Rooted in Love “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:12 Discipline is not punishment but a way to ...

Story time... (Part 1) Last Sunday was a tough day—one of those moments that humbles you as a parent. It started off well enough. On the way to church, I reminded David about our agreement: he would stay seated with me during worship and preaching. Now that he's 11, we wanted him to transition from bringing toys or books to stay quiet, to actively participating in the service. He seemed to understand, and I was hopeful. But as soon as we arrived at PPC, everything changed. The church dog was there, and I had completely forgotten about that! David loves animals, but we always remind him not to touch them because of his allergies. Yet, in that moment, nothing else mattered to him. He started chasing the dog around, weaving through the congregation, completely immersed in the thrill of the moment. I called his name several times, but he ignored me. Then, he started grabbing napkins and rolling them into balls to shoot into paper cups from the refreshment table. It was becoming chaotic...

Trusting God with Our Finances Weeks ago, my husband and I were reflecting on how God has been faithfully providing for our daily needs and moving His Kingdom forward in Cambodia. As we lead a small, independent church, financial provision is often a challenge. Most of our members are university students who may not yet have the financial capacity to give, but they offer their time, commitment, and talents to support the ministry. Despite the struggles, we rejoice in their willingness to give sacrificially, knowing that God looks at the heart rather than the amount given (2 Corinthians 9:7). God's Faithful Provision in Our Ministry Our church might not have regular financial support from outside sources, yet by God’s grace, we manage to pay for the rent of our dormitories and church space. It amazes us how God touches the hearts of believers, both near and far, to provide at just the right time. Philippians 4:19 reassures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to...

A few Sundays ago, my husband concluded his sermon series on creating spiritual habits with a fundamental yet often challenging question: How do you know if you are saved? This simple question can either spark many answers or leave a person unsure. As believers—whether new or mature—this is an essential question to answer because it impacts our faith, our perspective on eternity, and how we live our lives daily. We had two new young men recently recruited to our dorm ministry. They moved from the provinces to Phnom Penh to study and work, and when they were asked this question, they were completely unsure how to respond. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with them. Though they heard the message from the pulpit that Sunday, we know that true understanding takes time. They need to learn who God is and why accepting Christ as their Savior is the most crucial decision they will ever make. Evident Repentance: A True Mark of Salvation One of the key points my husband emphas...

There is something sacred about gathering as a family for dinner. It is more than just sharing a meal—it is a time of connection, growth, and gratitude. Psalm 128 beautifully describes the blessings of a family that walks in the ways of the Lord, and I cannot help but reflect on how our simple dinner table in Cambodia has been a witness to God’s faithfulness in our lives. Our dining table was a special gift from dear friends, Bernie and Nan, during our time at the Bible school (2011). Lovingly handcrafted, it has since become the heart of our home. Over the years, it has borne witness to meaningful conversations, Bible studies, discipleship moments, DIY crafts, kneading bread and cookies, times of prayer and counseling, discipline, nebulizing during David’s asthma attacks, marriage discussions, family meetings, and big decisions. It is here that we have laughed, cried, prayed, and grown together as a family. 1. The Value of Gathering at the Table In Cambodia, mealtimes are traditionall...

A Leader’s Journey: Trump’s Testimony of Faith My husband, Vandy, has always been fascinated by leadership. Even before Donald Trump became a U.S. president, Vandy admired his bold approach to business and his unyielding determination. He followed Trump’s ventures, from his successes in IPOs to his presidency. What struck Vandy most was how a man, not initially seen as spiritual, began to show signs of faith and alignment with Christian values. When Trump secured his second term as president, Vandy was overjoyed, celebrating as though he were an American citizen himself. I jokingly asked if this meant he’d visit the U.S. to meet Trump face-to-face, and to my surprise, he enthusiastically said, “Yes!” Trump’s presidency has been far from smooth. Yet, his life story—from a business tycoon to a leader influenced by Christian principles—is a testament to God’s transformative power. It’s a reminder that God can use anyone, even those who might not seem spiritual at first, to fulfill His pla...

I'm grateful to Limkokwing University Cambodia for granting me this scholarship to finish my MBA and     hone my skills and expertise to contribute  to Cambodia's nation-building program in the education sector.                  As I reflect on my journey of completing my MBA in Communications and Public Relations, this scripture resonates deeply. My experience, marked by purpose, challenges, perseverance, and ultimate victory, testifies to God’s grace and faithfulness. A Clear Purpose Pursuing an MBA was not merely a career decision for me; I press on it is also a calling. As a university lecturer, I sought to recalibrate my skills, expertise, and competence to better serve my students and peers. But more than that, I desired to honor God by modeling excellence in academics. The decision was rooted in a deep conviction that my life, including my professional journey, should reflect God’s glory. I wanted to demonstrat...