April 2025 Recap

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Celebrating Khmer New Year with Family

We spent Khmer New Year in Kampong Cham with Vandy’s family. It’s always a special time—lots of laughter, food, and catching up with relatives. David had a blast playing with his cousins, especially during the water fights right outside their house (which, by the way, is in the perfect spot—right by the Koh Penh bridge!).

Vandy’s parents run small shops—his mom has a little store where neighbors stop by, and his dad has the only vulcanizing shop on their street. It’s amazing how these simple places become gathering spots for people. David even practiced his Khmer with customers and new friends!

We also invited Vandy’s sisters and their families over for a spaghetti feast. Food has a way of bringing people together, and it’s one of the easiest ways we can show God’s love in small, tangible ways.

Reflecting During Passion Week

This month, we also took time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. I followed a prayer journal for Passion Week, and God really spoke to my heart through it. One evening, we walked by the riverside, watching fishermen mend their nets, and prayed that the people of Kampong Cham would come to know Christ. The cross is our hope—what a beautiful reminder during this season.

Dorm Life Updates

We have a new face in the men’s dorm—Kongme, a first-year Marketing student from Poipet. His family are farmers, and he dreams of finishing university so he can help his younger siblings go to school too. His parents agreed to let him study in Phnom Penh, but he has to support himself. He’s grateful for a safe place to stay, but he still needs work to cover his expenses. Please pray that he finds a job and, most importantly, that he comes to know Jesus personally.

Vandy’s Preaching Series: "What Does a True Christian Look Like?"

Vandy has been challenging us with a sermon series on what it really means to follow Jesus. How do we know Him personally? Does our daily life reflect our faith? He shared a touching illustration from when we first heard David’s heartbeat in the womb—how overwhelming and joyful that moment was. In the same way, our relationship with Christ should move us deeply.

Prayer Meetings at PPC

Our young adults’ prayer group is growing! Tess and Sister Hyangsuk have been leading since the start of the year. Since weekly online meetings are hard to keep up, we now gather once a month in person—everyone can come, pray together, and share a meal afterward. It’s been such a blessing to see this habit of prayer taking root.

Praise Reports

  • Tess – God provided through the end of her semester, and she even got to attend a Khmer wedding for a colleague she’s shared life and faith with.

  • David – He’s been sitting still during church (hallelujah!) and even takes sermon notes now.

  • Vandy – He’s had so many opportunities to share Christ—with relatives, at the barber shop, with street vendors, and even at the garage.

  • Prayer Meetings – Our monthly gatherings have been a source of strength and unity.

Prayer Requests

  1. Strength – For spiritual and physical stamina as we serve here in Cambodia.

  2. Provision – Wisdom in starting a side income to support long-term ministry.

  3. University Students – That they’d have boldness in sharing their faith and find part-time work to support their studies.

  4. Young Couples – Balancing work, family, and raising little ones is tough—pray for grace and wisdom for them.

If you’d like, here’s a little something Tess made—a Prayer Journal for Wives. Feel free to check it out and share!

Philippians 2:3-8
With love and gratitude,

Tess, Vandy & David

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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