Khmer Water Festival 2025
It’s a long holiday week here in Cambodia the Bon Om Touk or Water Festival, one of the most celebrated national holidays. Usually, Phnom Penh becomes a lively place during this time. The streets fill with people from all over the country, and even visitors from other nations come to watch the boat races along the Tonle Sap River. Each province sends its own team to represent them, and everyone gathers in front of the Royal Palace to cheer for their favorites.
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However, this year feels different. The government announced that the festival would be cancelled for safety reasons. Cambodia is currently undergoing peace talks regarding border concerns with Thailand and is also managing a major crackdown on online scam operations happening across the country. With these situations at hand, large public gatherings have been postponed for everyone’s protection.
Though it’s a disappointment for many, we understand that safety comes first. And in a way, the cancellation has given many of us in the capital a chance to rest. It’s a rare opportunity for families to visit their loved ones in the provinces, especially since most people living in Phnom Penh are originally from the countryside. Some of our dorm students already packed up and traveled home right after our Sunday worship service. They were so excited to spend a few days with their parents and relatives.
As for our family, we decided to stay in the city this time. We had to be wise with our spending because we’re preparing for something big in the coming months. Staying home may sound simple, but it has actually brought us unexpected joy and peace.
A Simple Staycation Filled with Joy
We planned a few days of rest, fun, and family time without relying too much on gadgets. So, we brought out our box of board games that had been collecting dust on the shelf. You name it: chess, Scrabble, UNO (our family favorite), and even Monopoly! The house suddenly felt alive with laughter, playful teasing, and cheers of victory.
There were moments when our son David, with his bright and expressive eyes, would laugh so loudly after winning a round of UNO “no mercy.” He’s so full of joy when he plays. Those moments remind me how grateful I am to see him growing and learning in his own unique ways.
Aside from our game nights, we also spent time in the kitchen together. Baking has always been one of our favorite bonding activities. We experimented with new flavors brownies, cookies, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. The house smelled so wonderful that even our neighbors commented on it!
We didn’t go out or spend much money, but our home was full of laughter, sweet aromas, and the simple peace that comes from being together. It made me realize that joy isn’t always found in grand vacations or expensive outings it’s found in contentment, gratitude, and shared moments of love.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Faith
As the year slowly comes to an end, we find ourselves doing a lot of praying and reflecting. It’s November already only two months before we welcome another year. Time truly flies so fast.
Our family and ministry are in a season of transition. There are some big decisions we need to make for next year. We are praying for God’s guidance on how to continue serving Him faithfully in Cambodia especially in our dorm ministry, where we disciple young students who are far away from their families. We’ve seen how God has worked in their lives, transforming them little by little through the power of His Word.
We’ve been seeking God’s direction for the coming changes and challenges. There’s a sense of both excitement and uncertainty. But as we pray together, God continues to remind us that He is faithful. Even when we don’t see the full picture, we can trust that He is working behind the scenes.
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you might have noticed glimpses of what we’ve been praying for. But if you are new here, welcome! I hope you find encouragement through our stories and reflections about life and ministry in Cambodia. It’s our prayer that as you read along, you’ll experience God’s amazing grace and see how He leads ordinary families like ours in extraordinary ways.
Devotional Reflection: Justified by Faith
As I was reading my Bible this week, I was drawn to Romans 5:1–2, which says:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
This passage reminded me of one of the greatest truths of our Christian life that we are justified by faith.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote the letter to the Romans, explained what the gospel truly means. It’s not just a set of rules or traditions. It’s about the life-changing truth that salvation is by faith alone, through Jesus Christ. We don’t earn it by doing good deeds or following religious rituals. It’s not something we can achieve through human effort. It’s purely by God’s grace.
Before we came to know Christ, we were separated from God. We lived according to our own will, thinking we could manage life on our own. But no matter how hard we tried, we could never reach God’s standard of righteousness. We were spiritually lost.
Then Jesus came. He took our place on the cross and offered His life so that we might live. Through His sacrifice, we are made right before God not because we are perfect, but because He is.
To be “justified” means to be declared righteous, even though we were once guilty. Imagine standing in a courtroom where every sin and mistake you’ve ever done is laid out before you. The Judge looks at you, and instead of pronouncing you guilty, He declares, “You are free.” Not because of what you’ve done, but because someone else—Jesus paid the price for you.
That’s the beauty of the gospel. Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer condemned. We are children of God, fully accepted, fully loved.
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Paul says that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This kind of peace is different from the temporary peace the world offers. It’s not the absence of problems, but the presence of God’s assurance that we are safe in His hands.
Even in seasons of uncertainty like when plans change, finances are tight, or decisions weigh heavily on us this peace remains. It’s the kind of peace that gives rest to our hearts even when the world feels unstable.
In our own family, this truth has been a constant source of comfort. As we pray for God’s leading in our ministry, we sometimes feel the pressure of responsibilities and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. But when we remember that our standing before God isn’t based on our performance, but on Christ’s finished work, we can breathe again.
It’s not about how strong our faith is, but about Who our faith is in.
God’s Grace in Our Everyday Life
Faith doesn’t just justify us it transforms the way we live every day. It changes how we see people, how we face challenges, and how we view the future.
When we truly understand God’s grace, we stop striving to impress Him or others. Instead, we begin to live in gratitude. We become more patient with people, more loving toward those who misunderstand us, and more forgiving even when it’s hard.
Here in Cambodia, life isn’t always easy. There are times when we face discouragement in ministry, moments of homesickness, and practical needs that stretch our faith. Yet in all these, we’ve seen how God’s grace sustains us.
There were times when we didn’t know how to cover certain expenses, but God provided through unexpected ways through a friend’s help, a small donation, or even through simple blessings like a meal shared by someone who cared. Each moment reminds us that our God sees, knows, and provides.
Living Out Our Faith
Being justified by faith is not just a spiritual truth to memorize—it’s a lifestyle to live out. It means trusting God not only for our salvation but also for our daily needs, decisions, and direction.
When we face uncertainties, faith calls us to rest in God’s promises. When we fail or stumble, faith reminds us that Jesus has already paid for our sins. When we are tempted to give up, faith whispers that God is not done with us yet.
For many of our students at the dorm, this has been a real struggle. Some of them come from non-Christian families. They are the first believers in their homes, and sometimes they feel isolated or misunderstood. Yet, week after week, we see them growing in faith reading the Bible, asking questions, and praying together. Their desire to follow Jesus encourages us deeply.
That’s what faith does it draws us closer to God and gives us hope even in the smallest steps of obedience.
A Reminder for All of Us
As you read this, maybe you’re going through a season of waiting or transition, just like we are. Maybe you feel uncertain about your future, or you’re struggling to make sense of your situation. I want to remind you today that you are loved, you are seen, and through faith in Jesus, you are made right with God.
Nothing you’ve done can separate you from His love. No mistake is too big for His grace to cover. The same God who justified you by faith is the same God who walks with you every day.
Take a moment today to thank God for His mercy and grace. Reflect on what it means to be part of His family. And if you haven’t yet made that decision to trust Jesus, I pray that this message opens your heart to receive His love and forgiveness.
A Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for justifying us by faith. Thank You for giving us peace that the world cannot offer. When we feel uncertain or afraid, remind us that our security is not found in our circumstances, but in Your finished work on the cross.Help us to walk each day in faith trusting Your plans, surrendering our worries, and reflecting Your love to others.
For those who are seeking You for the first time, open their hearts to see the beauty of Your grace. May we all live in the joy of being called Your children.
In Your precious name,
Amen.
As we continue to journey through this quiet Water Festival week, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We may not have fireworks lighting up the night sky, but we have something far greater the light of God’s grace shining in our hearts.
May this reminder encourage you wherever you are today:
Through faith, we have peace with God. Through grace, we stand firm. And through His love, we live with hope.
The Hourngs! 💕🙏
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