March 2026 Ministry Recap

By

Dormitory Ministries
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

There is something about the quiet moments of life that God often uses to speak the loudest. Living out our calling in Cambodia, being gently reminded that mission work is not about us. It is about Him. It is about showing up daily, even in the ordinary, and choosing to serve.

The Hourngs serving in Cambodia
A Season of Movement and Opportunity

In Cambodia, this time of the year feels very different from what many of us grew up with.

While other parts of the world prepare for Passion Week, Cambodia prepares for Khmer New Year. It is one of the biggest holidays in the country. Families travel back to their provinces. The city slowly empties. Phnom Penh becomes quiet. Almost like a pause.

Shops close. Streets are less crowded. Many people leave to reunite with loved ones. It is a time of joy, tradition, and deep cultural meaning.

For us, it is also a time of opportunity.

We would usually travel to Kampong Cham to visit Vandy’s family. Those visits are always special. Sitting together, sharing meals, catching up on life. And in those simple moments, we try to gently and faithfully share the love of Christ.

We carry this burden in our hearts especially for Vandy’s father. We continue to pray for him. We continue to trust that in God’s perfect time, his heart will open to Jesus.

This year may look a little different since we are planning a trip to the Philippines. But the mission remains the same. Whether in the city, in the province, or in another country, the call does not change.

We are called to serve.

Serving in the Small and the Seen

This coming Resurrection Sunday, we will have a simple celebration at church.

Nothing grand. Just a time of worship, a shared meal, and fellowship. Our young people will gather, laugh, and play traditional Khmer games. There will be joy. There will be connection.

And in the middle of it all, there will be seeds planted.

We are praying that our students will carry the love of Christ back to their families during the holiday. That what they have received will not stop with them. That they will become vessels of grace in their own homes.

Sometimes we think mission work only happens on a stage or in big events.

But here, it often looks like conversations over meals.
Prayers whispered quietly.
Friendships built over time.
Lives slowly being changed.

March in Review: God at Work

March was full. Not always easy, but full of God’s hand in every detail.

1. A Celebration in the Family

Our nephew Pisal got married this month. It was a joyful time for the family. Moments like this remind us how important relationships are. They open doors for connection, for presence, and for love.

2. A Life Preserved

Our new student in the men’s dorm, Neth, was in a road accident and needed surgery. It was a difficult time, but we thank God that he is now recovering in his hometown. We continue to pray for his full healing.

3. Faithfulness in Teaching

The semester has come to an end at the university where I teach communication. It has been a meaningful journey walking alongside students, not only in learning but also in life. Every classroom is a mission field.

4. A Nation in Challenge

Fuel prices in Cambodia have risen significantly. The country depends on imports, and many are feeling the weight of this situation. We are all learning to be more careful, to use less, and to trust God more in uncertain times.

Divine Treats: Brownies & Spaghetti
The Faith Project

One of the most humbling parts of our journey right now is what we call our Faith Project.

Divine Brownies.

If you had told us before that we would be baking and supplying brownies, we probably would have laughed. We are not business people. We did not plan this.

But God did.

We prayed for a way to help support the ministry and our family’s needs. And slowly, step by step, He opened this door.

Today, we are supplying 12 schools and baking around 400 brownies every day during weekdays.

Six months in, we are seeing how God is sustaining it. Not perfectly. Not without challenges. But faithfully.

This project is now helping support the ministry and David’s school needs. And we know deep in our hearts, this is not our doing. This is God teaching us to trust Him in new ways.

We are still praying for clarity for the next steps. We are still learning. Still depending. Still surrendering.

Ministry Life: Growing Together

Our weekly worship with the dorm students and young families continues to be a blessing.

Pastor Greg and Vandy have been taking turns in teaching. The messages have been centered on making wise choices and understanding that we are blessed so we can be a blessing to others.

It has been encouraging to see hearts responding. To see young people growing. To see families being strengthened.

We are also continuing to pray for a more permanent dormitory for men. A place that will not only house students but also serve as a center for worship and discipleship.

We believe God will provide in His perfect time.

Personal Prayer Needs

We would love for you to stand with us in prayer for these specific needs:

  • Healing and proper diagnosis for Vandy’s abdominal pain and provision for a capsule endoscopy in the Philippines

  • Our upcoming trip to the Philippines from April 13 to 27, especially for accommodation

  • Continued strength and wisdom in ministry and daily responsibilities

  • Open hearts in Vandy’s family and among those we are reaching

The Greatest Servant

Matthew 20:28 reminds us of something we often forget.

Jesus, the King of kings, chose to serve.

If anyone deserved to be honored, it was Him. If anyone had the right to be above others, it was Him.

Yet He washed feet. He stopped for the broken. He touched the sick. He welcomed those who were rejected. And in the end, He gave His life.

When I think about that, I am humbled.

Because if Jesus served like that, how can I not?

In ministry, it is easy to become tired. It is easy to feel unnoticed. It is easy to wonder if what we are doing even matters.

But then we remember.

We are not called to be seen. We are called to serve.

And every act of service, no matter how small, carries eternal value.

Praise Reports from Our Recent Blog Reflections

We are grateful to share how God continues to use the platform He has entrusted to us.

Here are some highlights from this month’s reflections:

1. When Life Around Us Feels Uncertain 👈

This post speaks to those walking through fear and unknown seasons. It reminds us that even when life feels unstable, God remains steady and faithful.

2. Free 7 Day Challenge to Recharge Your Soul and Body 👌

A simple and practical guide encouraging rest, reflection, and intentional time with God. Many have found this helpful in resetting their daily rhythm.

3. Quiet Time Essentials 👍

A personal sharing of tools and habits that help deepen time with God. It has encouraged others to build their own quiet time in a simple and meaningful way.

4. Living Below Our Means

A reflection on choosing contentment and wise stewardship. It speaks to real life decisions and trusting God in our finances.

We praise God for the lives being encouraged through these writings. Thank you for reading, sharing, and journeying with us.

How You Can Be Part of the Mission

We cannot do this alone. And we are deeply grateful for those who choose to stand with us.

Here are simple ways you can take part:

Pray
Please pray regularly for our family, the dorm ministry, and the church community.

Read and Share
Visit our blog and share it with others who may need encouragement.

Support the Faith Project
If you are in Cambodia, you can support Divine Brownies through orders and recommendations.

Subscribe
Stay connected through our monthly newsletter updates.

Share Our Story
Tell your church or community about what God is doing in Cambodia.

Use Our Affiliate Links
You can support us through the resources we share. It comes at no extra cost to you but helps sustain the ministry.

In the coming months, we are also preparing devotionals and digital resources to further support this work.

If you are reading this and you feel a tug in your heart, that is not by accident.

Maybe God is calling you to serve in your own way. It may not look like mission work in another country. It may simply be in your home, your workplace, or your community.

But the call is the same.

To serve.

Just like Jesus did.

And as we continue here in Cambodia, we hold on to this truth. That every step of obedience, every quiet act of service, and every prayer whispered in faith matters more than we can see.

Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,
The Hourngs in Cambodia 👪💕🙏

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Connection Between Faith and Finances

By
Image
Faith and finances are inseparable in a life of stewardship. Martin Luther’s observation about the “three conversions”—mind, heart, and wallet—highlights this truth. Faith isn’t just about belief; it involves how we think, feel, and act, including how we manage our resources. Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth to be generous was not about meeting quotas or gaining blessings in return. Instead, he emphasized giving for the sake of others, marked by joy and rooted in the understanding of God’s generosity toward us. As Rich Villodas (Narrow Path) properly puts it, “We cannot outgive God.” Reflecting on His love compels us to give freely, trusting that He will meet our needs. As a pastor’s wife serving in Cambodia, this verse resonates deeply with the realities of our ministry, family, and faith community. It challenges us to reflect on the connection between our faith and finances, reminding us that generosity stems from a joyful heart rooted in God’s abundant love. 1. Living B...
Read more

How to Cook Khmer Nom banh chok?

By
Image
Last week, I blogged about a Filipino dish 👉 "Tinolang Manok" - my comfort food.  Today, I also would like to feature a special Khmer noodle that I have loved eating ever since I stepped my foot in Cambodia. Vandy and I have already tried several versions of this noodle dish. Each place/province or homes have their own take on making it. The ingredients and technique vary from household for sure. We love eating it in my husband's hometown Kampong Cham. My in-laws prepare it with love. This noodle is not only popular during the holidays and festivals, but also being served for important events in the country. I wish to be able to make it, but I believe it would be a long time for me to even replicate what my in-laws are making. I have watched and helped them make it but it's just too complicated for me haha! Kunthea, my sister-in-law who is living with us made Nom Banh Chok last month. Here's a recipe for how she made it. But I would want you to know some importa...
Read more

5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel

By
Image
My husband is praying to win another soul for Christ in our neighborhood. We are grateful to be living in a "Borey" (community in Khmer) where there is a Park. We love walking and exercising at our park. Vandy would be exercising in the early morning there, he would wait for the sun (natural Vitamin D!). It so happened that some new faces would come and exercise as well. On some weekends, my husband has had the opportunity to walk and talk to an elder man while walking on the park. Vandy is an introverted person, it's a struggle for him to even start a conversation, but one thing I like about him is that he is a good listener. And because of that, the elder man is so happy to have conversations with him. He found out that he was a government retiree. They have lots of topics as they walk in the park from politics, family down to health. Vandy is very persistent in listening and is waiting for the opportunity for him to speak. My husband knew it would take a while for the...
Read more

Do you Date with the intent to marry?

By
Image
I am grateful for a husband who not only cares for our family but also serves our church faithfully. Vandy is dependable to his friends and to the wider community. He may be quiet, but his life speaks loudly of faith in action. Our 16th anniversary reminded me again of the importance of marrying with intention. For the young people and singles we minister to, we often encourage them: date with the intent to marry. Marriage is not about fleeting feelings but about building a life together under God’s guidance. A few days ago, on September 30, my husband and I celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary. Sixteen years, it feels both long and short. Long because of all the stories, lessons, and memories we now carry together. Short because the days seem to have passed so quickly. This year, our celebration was simple but very meaningful. Vandy picked me up from the university after my morning classes, and we went on a lunch date. He brought me to a steak house, a rare treat for us since...
Read more

Hosting at home

By
Image
Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...
Read more

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

By
Image
Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...
Read more