Peace Day in Cambodia
Today is a holiday in Cambodia. It is Peace Day. This is actually a new holiday created just last year in 2024. When it was announced, many of us welcomed it with hope. A day meant to remind us that peace matters. A day to pause and reflect on unity, healing, and safety for our nation.
And yet, who would have thought that this year, a border dispute with Thailand would take place so close to this very day.
It feels ironic. Peace Day arrives while bombs have shaken border communities. Families have been displaced. Homes have been damaged. Fear has quietly entered places where children once played freely. For many, peace suddenly feels fragile and uncertain.
In moments like this, staying silent does not feel right.
As a family, and as part of a faith community, we felt a strong pull to do something. Even something small. We could not just watch from a distance and move on with our daily routines as if nothing was happening. These are not just headlines. These are real people. Mothers. Fathers. Children. Elderly. People who went to sleep one night in their homes and woke up the next day not knowing where they would find safety.
What has deeply moved us during these past days is the strong Khmer spirit of unity and generosity. Help has poured in from many directions. Institutions. NGOs. Schools. Volunteers. Churches. Ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of kindness. Food. Clothing. Medicine. Temporary shelters. Time. Energy. Prayers.
It is in moments of crisis that we see the true heart of a nation.
For the faith community, this season is also an opportunity. An opportunity not only to speak about love but to show it. Not only to pray but to act. Not only to gather inside church walls but to step out and serve those who are hurting.
At PPC, we encouraged everyone to take part in these efforts. Some joined fundraising drives. Others volunteered to pack essential goods. Some gave financially. Some gave their time. Some prayed faithfully. All of these matter.
God sees every act of love, no matter how small it may seem.
A Timely Opportunity to Serve
Last Friday, I was invited to be part of the committee for my university’s fundraising drive. It was a student led project, and I truly believe that made it even more meaningful. When students lead humanitarian efforts, they learn empathy, compassion, and responsibility in a way no classroom lecture can fully teach.
For one whole day, students came together to give. They donated what they could. They organized activities. They performed traditional dances to honor front liners who have been protecting civilians and serving in affected areas. It was a beautiful mix of culture, gratitude, and care.
Even though ceasefires have been announced before, many people remain cautious. Past experiences have shown that agreements are not always respected. We continue to hope and pray that this time, peace will truly be honored. Too many lives have already been affected. Too many families have already lost their sense of safety.
That same day, we were invited to join the event as vendors. Divine Treats and Divine Pastas were given twin booths. It was our second time to be invited to sell brownies at a university event. Some may remember the honesty booth we set up before. An unmanned booth where people paid honestly for what they took.
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| Vendors at Limkokwing Fundraising Event |
This time was different. The booths were manned. And it was also the first time David and Kunthy joined us fully in such an experience.
Preparation was short and intense. It was honestly tiring. We even skipped our annual Christmas lunch so we could bake brownies and banana bread. That decision alone already reminded us that serving often comes with sacrifice.
I am grateful that we were able to do this together as a family. But I will be honest. It was not smooth at all.
We were stressed. We argued. We had different ways of doing things. Our patience was tested. Even our relationship as husband and wife was tested. There were moments when emotions ran high and the pressure felt heavy.
But in the middle of that tension, God gently reminded us why we were doing this in the first place.
It was not about sales.
It was not about profit.
It was about people.
With limited time and energy, God intervened. He softened our hearts. He helped us pause, listen, and forgive quickly. By His grace, we were able to move forward together. And in the end, the fundraising mission was a success.
As a family, we made a clear decision. All the sales from our brownies and banana bread that day would be donated to the fundraising drive.
For a small and starting business like ours, that amount mattered. It could have helped us restock or prepare for future events. But when we looked at the bigger picture, we knew this was the right thing to do.
At the end of the day, we went home tired but smiling. There was a deep sense of peace inside us. We knew that our effort, small as it may be, would help someone else. And that was enough.
We also had to explain this decision to David. He baked most of the brownies himself. He worked hard. His hands were tired. His focus was strong. I explained to him why we chose to give everything that day.
I am deeply blessed to have a son who understood and accepted the reason behind it. That moment alone reminded me that seeds of compassion planted early will grow into something beautiful.
Do Not Be Afraid
In times of uncertainty, fear easily finds its way into our hearts. Fear of war. Fear of loss. Fear of the unknown. Fear for our children. Fear for the future.
That is why Isaiah 9:6 speaks so gently yet powerfully into moments like this.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This verse reminds us that peace is not just a political agreement. Peace is a person. And His name is Jesus.
Jesus Is Exactly Who We Need
We live in a broken world. Even good leaders fall short. Systems fail. Promises are broken. Borders shift. Conflicts rise. And people suffer.
Isaiah spoke of a King who would be different. A King who would not disappoint. A King who would carry the weight of the world with love and faithfulness.
Jesus is called the Wonderful Counselor.
He listens when we are confused.
He guides when we do not know what to do.
He comforts when our hearts are heavy.
Jesus is Mighty God.
He is not weak against darkness.
He is not shaken by fear.
He stands firm for what is right.
Jesus is Everlasting Father.
He does not abandon His children.
He cares deeply and personally.
He loves without conditions.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
He brings peace not just between nations but within hearts.
He restores broken relationships.
He invites us to live without fear.
Jesus was born not in comfort but in humility. Not in safety but in vulnerability. And yet, He brought hope to the world.
When fear whispers loudly around us, His voice gently says, Do not be afraid.
Five Simple Reflections
First Reflection
Peace begins in the heart.
Even when borders are tense, we can choose compassion over anger and prayer over panic.
Second Reflection
God uses ordinary people.
A family baking brownies. Students organizing events. Churches packing food. Small acts become powerful when done with love.
Third Reflection
Fear is real, but it does not have the final word.
Jesus stands with us in uncertainty and reminds us that we are not alone.
Fourth Reflection
Giving changes both the giver and the receiver.
When we give, our hearts become lighter, and hope spreads quietly.
Fifth Reflection
Children are watching.
What we model today teaches them how to respond tomorrow.
Practical Ways to Help
You may wonder what you can do. Here are simple and practical ways.
Pray daily for peace, protection, and wisdom for leaders and families affected.
Give what you can. Food, clothes, medicine, or financial support.
Volunteer your time if possible. Packing, sorting, or delivering help matters.
Teach children compassion by involving them in small acts of giving.
Speak hope. Avoid spreading fear or hate. Choose words that heal.
A Closing Prayer
Lord God,
You are our Prince of Peace.
In times of fear, remind us not to be afraid.
Comfort families who have been displaced.
Protect children and the elderly.
Guide leaders with wisdom and humility.
Use our small acts of love to bring healing.
Help us live out Your peace every day.
In Jesus name, Amen.
The Hourngs in Cambodia 💕🙏😌
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