When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone?
Vandy's English Preaching
Exactly five years ago, before the world came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic, my husband, Vandy, was invited to speak at my home church (Fort Bonifacio Wesleyan Church) in the Philippines. It was his first time to preach fully in English, and I vividly remember how nervous and prayerful he was. He gently asked me to intercede for him throughout the message, knowing that this was more than just a sermon, it was a testimony, a mission reminder, and a challenge for all of us.
Behind the pulpit, he shared not only a message but a calling rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:1–7, where Paul highlights the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches.
Despite their severe trials and deep poverty, the Macedonians gave joyfully and beyond their ability to support fellow believers and the work of the gospel. They weren’t wealthy, but they were willing. Paul uses their example to challenge the Corinthian church and us to excel in the grace of giving as part of living out our faith.
As I recently rewatched that message, I was reminded that this call is just as urgent today. In our ministry in Cambodia, especially in the dormitories where we serve university students, we have seen firsthand how the generosity of time, resources, and love has opened the door for many to know Jesus.
This is a story not just about financial giving, but about why we can’t wait to give, go, and share the gospel. Because someone’s eternity might depend on it.
1. Give Generously to God’s Work
Everything we have is from God. Every peso, riel, every dollar, every resource we have is entrusted to us so that we can bless others and further God’s kingdom. But often, we cling too tightly to our comfort and our things, missing out on the joy of participating in God's work.
In Cambodia, where we serve among university students, we see how generosity opens doors for the gospel. Many of the students at our dormitories come from various and remote provinces. They carry nothing but a small bag of clothes and a deep hunger for knowledge and opportunity. Some of them don’t even know who Jesus is. But because people have given to this ministry in time, prayers, and finances, these students hear the gospel, encounter Jesus, and experience transformation.
Generosity isn't always about big amounts. Sometimes, it's a bowl of rice shared, a Bible gifted, or an hour spent mentoring a student. Each act counts in eternity.
2. Share the Gospel Without Delay
Jesus didn’t give us a casual suggestion. He gave us a clear command: "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
The call is for ALL of us, not just pastors or missionaries. It's for teachers, professionals, students, moms, office workers. It's for anyone who calls Jesus Lord.
Vandy shared a painful part of our ministry journey during that message. It’s still hard for me to talk about.
Six years ago, I had a student who ended her life. We never found out exactly why, but I often think about what I could have done differently. We had already started talking we even had a lovely lunch date. She opened up to me about her love for art and how graphic design gave her a voice. I saw a glimpse of joy in her. She agreed to meet again, and I had planned a few more times to talk and eventually share Jesus with her.
But just days later, she was gone.
I was crushed. I cried for days. Vandy wept with me and reminded me to keep going. But in my heart, I carried guilt. I had a chance. I thought I had time.
The truth is, we never really know how much time we or someone else has.
That's why we can't delay.
The gospel is urgent.
Hope can't wait.
Why Cambodia? Why the Dorm Ministry?
We often get asked, "Why do you focus on university students? Why dormitories?"
Our answer is simple: because the harvest is ready, and the workers are few.
In Cambodia, less than 3% of the population knows Christ. Many of the young people we work with have never seen a Bible, let alone heard the full gospel. But they come to the city to study, to dream, and to build a better future. And that’s where we meet them.
We disciple them through:
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Regular Bible studies
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Intentional Discipleship or Mentorship and life coaching
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Lunch Fellowships
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Praying and walking with them through personal struggles
This is how discipleship looks. It’s not grand or flashy. It's consistent, loving, and intentional.
We've seen students come to faith, get baptized, and go back to their hometown villages with a new fire to share the gospel. This is why we do what we do. We believe that if Cambodia is going to be reached, it will be through Cambodians.
What If We Lived Like Eternity Is Real?
When Vandy was still single and doing a church plant in Kratie province, his prayers would always be these:
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We give and share as if today were our last chance.
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We pray as if souls depended on it.
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We serve as if Jesus would return tomorrow.
Everything would change.
Vandy ended his sermon with a challenge: "When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone?"
That question pierced my heart then, and it still does today.
So I ask you the same: When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?
👉 5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel
A Prayer for Us All
Lord,
Thank You for the gift of the gospel.
Forgive us for the moments we held back—when we stayed silent or clung to comfort. Help us to give freely and share boldly. Break our hearts for the people around us who do not know You.
Make us sensitive to Your leading. Let our lives be a light wherever You have placed us—in Cambodia, the Philippines, or anywhere else. Give us urgency. Give us compassion. And let us never forget that the time to act is now.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Watch and Share
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Watch Vandy’s full sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkb3tsvBnO0
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Follow our ministry updates and stories: A Pastor's Wife in Cambodia
Let’s live because heaven is real.
Let’s give.
Let’s go.
Let’s disciple.
Serving in Cambodia,
The Hourngs 🙏👪
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