October 2025 Ministry Recap

We are grateful to end the month of October with prayerful hearts. It has been a beautiful sight to see our family, our dorm students, and our Khmer church community united in prayer. Throughout the month, we have intentionally set aside time to praise God for His faithfulness and to lay before Him the burdens we cannot carry alone. 

There are things in life that we simply cannot control. We try our best, but we soon realize that we are limited. Our energy, time, and resources can only go so far. And yet, in those very moments, we experience how faithful our God is. He fills the gaps we cannot fill. He restores what we lose. He provides when we lack.

As our pastor shared in last Sunday’s sermon, sometimes we must learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord, especially when no one else can. Ministry can be tiring. There are days when we feel exhausted in the vineyard when the results are not what we expected, or the funds are not enough to sustain both ministry and family needs. But in all these, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength. He is the One who holds everything together.

God Our Refuge and Fortress

Our devotion for today is based on Psalm 91:1-2:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

These two verses are powerful reminders for anyone living and serving in the mission field or simply walking through life’s challenges.

To “dwell in the secret place” means staying close to God, not just when everything feels right, but especially when things are uncertain. It means learning to rest in His presence, trusting that His shadow will cover us even when the world feels heavy.

The psalmist calls God both a refuge and a fortress. A refuge is a safe place to hide, a shelter from the storm. A fortress is a stronghold solid, unshakable, and secure. Together, these two words give us a complete picture of God’s protection. He is the One we can run to when life feels too much. He shields us from the storms and strengthens us to keep standing.

This month, I have seen how true that is.

Finding Refuge in His Presence

Serving in Cambodia can be both rewarding and challenging. There are weeks when we witness God’s hand move powerfully through people’s lives, and there are days when we are simply called to wait and trust.

There were moments this month when we felt weary juggling teaching at the university, ministry responsibilities, and family life. Yet in prayer, we found peace. Each time we sat quietly before God, we were reminded that we don’t have to carry everything. The Lord simply asks us to dwell to stay close and trust Him.

Prayer has become our resting place. As a family, we gathered often to pray at night not just for our needs but for our church, our dorm students, and our community. We thanked God for answered prayers and lifted up the challenges we still face.

One of the things we learned is that God’s refuge isn’t always a physical escape from our troubles. Sometimes, His refuge is His peace that calms our hearts in the middle of the storm.

Fortress of Strength in the Mission Field

There were moments this month when we honestly felt weak. Funds were tight, plans were delayed, and ministry demands seemed endless. Yet, God never failed to provide.

We experienced His provision in unexpected ways through friends, church members, and even through our students who continue to encourage us. God reminded us that our work in the mission field is not sustained by our efforts, but by His grace.

He is our fortress when we face uncertainty. When we are overwhelmed by the challenges of living cross-culturally, God remains steady. His strength does not run out.

October Highlights and Reflections

As we look back on this month, we have many reasons to praise God. Here are a few highlights and reflections from our ministry:

1. A Willing Heart – We reflected on how God uses ordinary people who simply say “yes” to Him. Just like Gideon, God calls us not because we are capable, but because He is faithful. This truth encouraged us to keep serving with open hearts even when we feel weak.
   (Read more: “Do You Have a Willing Heart?”)

2. The Truth About Life and Death – We were reminded that our time on earth is temporary. What truly matters is living each day with purpose and hope in Christ, sharing His love with others while we still have the chance.
   (Read more: “The Truth About Life and Death”)

3. The Fruits of the Spirit – We meditated on how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should flow naturally in our lives when we walk closely with God. The fruits are the visible signs of His presence in us.
   (Read more: “Fruits of the Spirit”)

4. Dating with Intent to Marry – It's always our desire to be able to help out our young people to grow and to recognize their wise response to the principles of love and marriage. We encouraged singles and dating couples to pursue relationships centered on Christ and guided by His Word.
   (Read more: “Do You Date with Intent to Marry?”)

5. New Dorm Students – We welcomed three new university students: Nareth, Roath, and Raneth. One is a pastor’s child, while the other two are hearing about Christ more clearly for the first time. Please pray that their hearts will be open to understand God’s salvation and that they will join discipleship groups soon.

Though we will not have a church retreat this year, our dorm men and women are already preparing for the Christmas celebration. It’s heartwarming to see their excitement and teamwork, even in the middle of their busy schedules.

Each highlight, big or small, shows God’s faithfulness and how He continues to build His kingdom here in Cambodia.

When We Struggle to Forgive and Trust

Psalm 91 also reminds us that God’s presence heals the wounds we cannot fix on our own.

Many times, those who serve in ministry also carry silent hurts words that cut deeply, misunderstandings, or disappointments. Forgiveness can be difficult when the pain feels fresh or when we don’t see change.

But when we choose to dwell in God’s presence, we begin to see things differently. His shadow covers our bitterness with grace. His fortress shelters our hearts until we can let go.

True forgiveness is not something we do by our own strength it is something that flows when we remember how much we have been forgiven. God, our refuge, teaches us to trust again, to love again, and to keep serving even after being hurt.

Living Under the Shadow of the Almighty

When the psalmist says we “abide under the shadow of the Almighty,” it paints a picture of intimacy. To stay under someone’s shadow means to walk close beside them.

That’s what God wants to be close enough that His shadow covers our fears, doubts, and insecurities. He does not promise that we will never face problems. Instead, He promises His presence through them.

In this month’s challenges and blessings, I saw how God’s shadow truly covers those who trust in Him. Whether it was financial uncertainty, ministry fatigue, or personal battles, His peace carried us through.

When we abide under His shadow, our hearts find rest.

Praise and Prayer Points

As we enter a new month, we continue to trust God for His direction and provision. Here are five praise and prayer points from our family and ministry:

1. Praise – For God’s sustaining grace throughout October. We thank Him for the answered prayers, new ministry opportunities, and the unity in prayer among our church members and dorm students.

2. Praise – For the successful start of our Christmas preparations and the excitement of our dorm youth. May this celebration become a way to share the gospel and draw more students closer to Christ.

3. Prayer – For our new dorm students—Nareth, Roath, and Raneth. Pray that they will come to know Jesus personally and grow in faith through discipleship.

4. Prayer – For renewed strength and provision for our ministry. Pray for wisdom as we continue to balance university work, church service, and family life, trusting God to provide for every need.

5. Prayer – For David’s direction and provision. Pray that God will continue to guide us in managing his tuition fees, help him stay focused at school, and give him the perseverance to face his high school challenges with faith and confidence.

Closing Reflection and Prayer

Psalm 91:1-2 is more than a verse of comfort; it is a promise of relationship. It reminds us that we can face anything when we are close to God. His presence is our refuge when life hurts, and His faithfulness is our fortress when we feel weak.

To those serving in the mission field, to families facing uncertainty, and to anyone struggling to forgive or to keep believing remember that God is near. Dwell in His presence. Abide in His shadow. Trust that He will protect, restore, and strengthen you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being our refuge and fortress. When life feels uncertain, remind us that You are faithful. Teach us to dwell in Your presence daily and to find peace under Your shadow. Strengthen those who are weary, heal hearts that are hurting, and provide for every need of Your servants in the field. May we continue to walk in faith, share Your love, and rest in Your promises. 
In Jesus name, Amen!

As we close October, we do so with gratitude, knowing that the God who has been our refuge this month will remain our fortress in the months to come. 

Serving in Cambodia, 

The Hourngs!
 Vandy, Tess, & David 💕🙏

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