Salvation Belongs to our God!

The Light of Jesus in Cambodia

Last month, I had the privilege of joining our university students on a study trip to Kampong Chhnang. It was a full-day trip designed for them to conduct integrated fieldwork for their midterm projects. Though I had previously excused myself from such trips due to my MBA classes, this time, I was eager to observe their project work, particularly in my module on Communication Skills. The students were divided into groups to observe and document cultural and social practices in the countryside.

Many of our students come from well-off families, known as Neak Mean in Khmer. Their backgrounds afford them a comfortable life, and some even admitted that this trip was their first real exposure to rural communities. They had never visited primary schools in the countryside, interacted with village children, or witnessed the realities of life outside the city. To make the experience more meaningful, our students participated in a small charity event, distributing school supplies, healthy snacks, and handmade accessories. Seeing their joy in giving and the smiles on the children’s faces was heartwarming.

One of our stops was at a local pagoda, where elderly Khmer women skillfully weaved decorative baskets by hand. These women, known as Mayey (grandmothers) and Ohms (aunties), welcomed us with warm smiles and cheerful conversations. Their craft, passed down through generations, is a small but vital source of income. Our students were encouraged to purchase their handmade baskets, and many eagerly did so, appreciating the beauty of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. I also bought a few for my plants at home.

Another stop was a pottery village where students experienced molding clay for the first time. The scorching heat of the day didn’t deter them from listening to the artisans who explained the history of pottery-making in the region. However, we learned that this traditional craft is slowly fading, as younger generations are choosing city jobs over the labor-intensive work of pottery. It made me reflect on how rapidly Cambodia is changing, and I wondered whether spiritual traditions were shifting as well.

A Moment of Prayer at the Pagoda

At the pagoda, our students and lecturers were encouraged to sit and listen to a session on Buddhist practices, particularly incense offerings. Knowing that I am a Christian, my program leader kindly told me that I was not required to participate. I was grateful that my faith was respected, and I quietly stood outside with a few other foreign lecturers.

As I observed the students lighting incense and bowing in reverence, my heart was stirred. While they prayed to Buddha, I stood there whispering my own prayer—to Jesus. At that moment, Revelation 7:9-10 came to mind:

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

This vision of heaven reminded me that God’s salvation is for all people—Khmer, foreign lecturers, rural artisans, and even those who have never heard the gospel. Standing outside that pagoda, I longed for more Cambodians to come to know Jesus, to experience His grace and truth.

Challenges in Sharing the Gospel in Cambodia

Despite decades of Christian presence in Cambodia, Buddhism remains deeply ingrained in Khmer identity, with 93% of the population adhering to it. While religious tolerance is strong, the gospel still faces resistance. Here are some key challenges:

1. Buddhism as Cultural Identity – For many Khmers, being Buddhist is synonymous with being Khmer. Converting to Christianity is often seen as betraying one’s heritage and ancestors.

   

2. Family and Social Pressure – In rural areas, a person who chooses to follow Christ may face rejection from family members. Christianity is sometimes viewed as a “foreign religion” rather than a personal relationship with God.

3. The Influence of Merit-making – Khmer Buddhism emphasizes good deeds and earning merit to improve one’s next life. This belief conflicts with the gospel message that salvation is by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

   

4. Limited Christian Presence – While churches exist in major cities, many rural communities still lack access to the gospel. Some villages have never met a Christian or heard the name of Jesus.

5. Fear of the Unknown – Some Khmer people fear that turning to Christ might bring bad luck or anger ancestral spirits. Breaking free from spiritual fear requires trust in the power of Christ over all things. 

   

Hope in God’s Plan

Despite these challenges, we must hold onto the hope that God is at work. The growing number of Khmer believers, the testimonies of transformed lives, and the presence of faithful missionaries show that the gospel is spreading. Just as Revelation 7:9-10 declares, one day, people from every tribe and nation—including Cambodia—will stand before the throne of God in worship.

Five Reflections on Revelation 7:9-10

1. God’s Salvation is for Everyone – No culture, language, or nation is excluded from God’s saving grace. Just as He has called people from all over the world, He is calling Cambodians to Himself.

2. Jesus is the Only Way – Buddhism, like other religions, teaches morality, but only Jesus offers true salvation. He is the bridge between God and humanity, bringing eternal life to those who believe (John 14:6).

3. Faith is More than Tradition – Christianity is not just another religion; it is a relationship with a living Savior. We must show Khmers that following Jesus is not abandoning their culture but finding true peace and hope in Him.

4. Prayer is Powerful – The spiritual battle in Cambodia is real. Through prayer, we can intercede for our Khmer friends, asking God to open their hearts and reveal His love to them.

5. The Gospel Must Be Shared – If we believe that salvation belongs to God, we must share it boldly. Even when it feels difficult, we are called to be faithful in making Jesus known.

A Simple Prayer for Cambodia

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your promise in Revelation 7:9-10, reminding us that Your salvation is for all people. We lift up Cambodia to You, asking that You soften hearts and open eyes to see the truth of Jesus Christ. We pray for those who are searching for hope in Buddhism, that they would find true peace in You. Strengthen believers in Cambodia to be faithful witnesses of Your love. May Your light shine brightly in this nation, and may more Khmer people come to know and worship You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As I reflect on that day in Kampong Chhnang, I am reminded that every encounter, every conversation, and every prayer matters. We may not see the fruit of our labor immediately, but we can trust that God is working in Cambodia, calling His people to Himself. Let us continue to be faithful, knowing that one day, the vision of Revelation 7:9-10 will become reality—a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language worshiping before the throne of God. 

Serving in Cambodia.

The Hourngs