Happy Father's Day

Yesterday was a special day for our church. We celebrated two meaningful events: Father’s Day and the 12th anniversary of Phnom Penh Church (PPC). 

It was more than just a day of celebration; it was a reflection of God's faithfulness, both to our individual families and to our church family. As I sat quietly in the back of the room, watching our young fathers smile, our children giggle at the video, and our church community come together with grateful hearts, I was moved beyond words.

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." — Psalm 103:13 (ESV)

Sermon Shared by Pastor Vandy

During worship, my husband Vandy encouraged the fathers in our church both young and old, to show God’s love to their families. He reminded them that love is not just expressed through big actions or special occasions but through the daily and often unnoticed things. The way we speak, the way we listen, the way we respond these are reflections of God’s love in us.

He said something that stuck with me: "Our actions often speak louder than our words."

He then went on to say that the way a father loves and treats his wife is one of the clearest ways to model God's love to their children. Children are great observers. They watch closely. They imitate not only our words but also our moods, our actions, and even our silence. 

Vandy shared some of our personal family photos, telling the stories behind them. We laughed at the memories, and yet they also spoke volumes about the everyday moments that shape a home. It was a reminder that ministry starts at home. Our first disciples are our children.

Physical and Spiritual Fathers

PPC is blessed to have both physical and spiritual fathers. We have older fathers, but a majority of our fathers are young, many from our men’s dorm. Watching them now as they begin to raise families is like watching seeds we planted years ago slowly grow into sturdy trees. These young men were once university students under discipleship. Now, they are professionals, husbands, and fathers.

They are the fruit of years of prayer, guidance, and intentional discipleship. Now, they are beginning to lead their own homes, and we continue to cover them in prayer.

We prepared small gifts and a special video made with love. Families contributed photos, messages, and greetings. With the help of the dorm team, we put the greetings together. When the video played, I sat at the back and watched reactions unfold. Little children pointed and smiled when they saw themselves and their dads on screen. Mothers nudged fathers, and fathers beamed with shy pride. It was a simple yet powerful moment.

Celebrating 12 Years of God's Faithfulness at PPC

This Father’s Day also marked the 12th anniversary of PPC. Looking back, it all started with a vision. PPC was born out of a burden to reach the marketplaces in Cambodia. Pastor Greg Fernandez and his family, alongside other missionaries, stepped out in faith. We didn’t know how God would lead us, but we knew He would. Trivia, it was originally called "The Tent" - how cool is that? 😅😍

In the beginning, our church had a mix of cultures and languages. Professionals and students from various backgrounds gathered for worship. Eventually, as many international families moved out and as our dorm ministries grew, the church transitioned into a Khmer congregation.

Today, we are seeing the fruits of that transition. We are now witnessing young Khmers stepping up not just attending church but serving, and leading their own young families. We thank God for transforming hearts from the inside out. 

It hasn’t always been easy. Ministry work in Cambodia comes with its challenges. There are spiritual, financial, and emotional hurdles. People come and go. Sometimes resources fall short. But God has never failed us. Not once. He continues to be our provider and our strength. We keep pressing on because we believe Cambodia is for Christ. And the best way to reach this nation is through its young people.

That is why we continue to pray for our two dormitories. They are more than just buildings. They are homes of transformation. Our desire is to keep them running and for God to provide what we need to sustain them in the months to come.

Christ is more than enough. We are reminded of this truth every time we gather, every time we worship, every time we see one life changed.

5 Ways to Exemplify God’s Love to Our Family (Father Edition)

1. Be Present, Not Just Busy
Reflection: Your presence matters more than your paycheck. Being home is not enough. Be engaged. Ask your children about their day. Be emotionally available.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be fully present with my family, not distracted or distant. Teach me to cherish each moment. Amen.

2. Speak Life, Not Harsh Words
Reflection: The words of a father can build confidence or cause fear. Choose words that encourage, correct gently, and guide lovingly.
Prayer: Father, guard my tongue. Let my words reflect your love and wisdom. Help me speak life into my children. Amen.

3. Love Their Mother Openly and Respectfully
Reflection: Children learn what love looks like by watching how their father treats their mother. A husband who honors his wife teaches his children to do the same.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love my wife with the same love Christ has for the church. Let my children witness this love and grow secure in it. Amen.

4. Model Repentance and Forgiveness
Reflection: A father who says sorry teaches humility. A father who forgives teaches grace. Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to humble myself before my family when I fail. May I be quick to forgive, just as you forgive me. Amen.

5. Lead by Faith, Not by Fear
Reflection: Let your home see your faith in action. Pray with your family. Read the Word together. Attend church regularly.
Prayer: Lord, I want to lead my family closer to You. Help me to be bold in faith and consistent in living it out daily. Amen.

A Heartfelt Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of family and for the calling You place on every father’s life. Thank You for the young fathers in our church, who are growing, learning, and seeking to love their families the way You love us. Thank You for the spiritual fathers, mentors, and leaders who pour into the next generation with wisdom and patience.

Thank You for PPC. Thank You for 12 beautiful years of ministry. Thank You for every soul You’ve brought to this church, for every lesson learned, every heart changed, every step forward by faith.

We lift up our church, our dormitories, our families, our young couples. Provide for every need. Fill every heart with courage. Let Your love be seen in the way we live, especially in our homes.

Help us to remember that what we do today matters. Because one child watching his father may one day choose to follow You because of the love he experienced at home.

We honor You, Lord. May Your name be praised forever.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.

To God be all the glory for the fathers, for the families, and for 12 years of faithful church ministry in Cambodia.