Why Passion Week Matters?

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Passion Week is the most important time of the year for us as Christians—a time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection. It’s the heart of our faith! While in the Philippines (and many Christian nations), that week is a big holiday filled with prayer and reflection, here in Cambodia—a Buddhist country—it’s just an ordinary week.

Mark 11:9

But as a local church, we intentionally set aside this time to focus on Jesus. Even though life goes on as usual (work, school, Khmer New Year travels), we can still make this week special by slowing down, opening our hearts to God, and remembering what Jesus did for us.

This year, Passion Week falls during Khmer New Year (April 13-20)—a time when most Cambodians travel to visit family. Our family will also be in Kampong Cham, Vandy’s hometown. But even in the middle of celebrations, we want to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus.

For me, Passion Week has always been the most profound season of the Christian faith—more significant than Christmas, more transformative than any other celebration. It's the week when eternity intersected with history, when Love hung on a cross, and when Hope rose from a tomb.

Growing up in the Philippines, I was accustomed to the entire nation pausing for Mahal na Araw (Holy Week). Streets would grow quiet, businesses would close, and families would gather—not just for reunions, but for sincere reflection. Crime rates would drop to zero. Television stations would air only religious programming. The whole atmosphere shifted as millions focused on Christ's sacrifice.

But here in Cambodia—a predominantly Buddhist nation where less than 2% of the population knows Christ—Passion Week passes like any other week. There are no public holidays for Good Friday, and no widespread observances. The Khmer New Year (April 14-16), with its vibrant water festivals and family gatherings, dominates the calendar instead.

Khmer Incense Offering

Yet, this contrast makes our intentional observance even more precious.  This year, as our family travels to Kampong Cham for Khmer New Year, we're carrying this commitment with us. Between family visits and temple ceremonies (where Vandy's relatives will make Buddhist offerings), we'll be quietly reflecting on the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sins.

👉 Get your FREE Passion Week Devotional 


Carrying the Cross in Cambodia’s Context

Observing Passion Week here requires creativity. Between teaching at the university (where I’ll be grading papers), Khmer New Year travels, and ministry responsibilities, the rhythm looks different than back home. But perhaps that’s the beauty:

  • In a land of karma, we proclaim grace.

  • In a culture fearing spirits, we announce "He is risen!"

  • Amid New Year festivities, we whisper the old, old story—that changes everything.

    Visiting Vandy's relatives

This year, as we visit Vandy’s family in Kampong Cham, we’ll use our foreignness (my Filipino appearance, David’s multilingual chatter) as gospel opportunities. When relatives ask why we celebrate Jesus’ death, we’ll explain: "Because His sacrifice brings life."

I will be sharing with you a devotional guide that I created in canva. I have planned to use it as my personal devotion for the whole Passion Week. I am willing to share it with you as well. 

You may download it from canva and save it in your digital or just print it (so you can write on it/you can actually save it as PDF file then print). Drop your email address in the comment below if you want a PDF copy.


Here's the link 👉 Get your FREE Passion Week Devotional 



Have a blessed and reflective Passion Week!

The Hourngs 💗🙏💕

Location: Krong Kampong Cham, Cambodia

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