The Hourngs in Cambodia!

At home, we love our own version of freshwater clams - cook with love by sister Kunthy As summer gently fades, so does the season of freshwater clams along Cambodia's majestic Mekong River. These humble clams, abundant and affordable, are more than just a popular snack; they are a cherished part of Cambodian life, enjoyed by young and old alike, often seasoned with a medley of spices that awaken the senses. Growing up in the Philippines, I recall similar clams being prepared, especially for new mothers. It was believed that combining these clams with malunggay leaves could boost milk production. When I gave birth to our son, David, my mother lovingly prepared this soup daily ( tinolang halaan widely called), hoping to help me nourish him. Despite her efforts, my milk supply remained modest. Yet, the memory of her care and the warm, comforting soup remains etched in my heart. Vandy's Riverbank Memories My husband, Vandy, shares fond memories of his childhood in Kampong Cham,...

👉 Get your FREE  Passion Week Devotional   Passion Week is the most important time of the year for us as Christians—a time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection. It’s the heart of our faith! While in the Philippines (and many Christian nations), that week is a big holiday filled with prayer and reflection, here in Cambodia—a Buddhist country—it’s just an ordinary week. But as a local church, we intentionally set aside this time to focus on Jesus. Even though life goes on as usual (work, school, Khmer New Year travels), we can still make this week special by slowing down, opening our hearts to God, and remembering what Jesus did for us. This year, Passion Week falls during  Khmer New Year (April 13-20) —a time when most Cambodians travel to visit family. Our family will also be in  Kampong Cham , Vandy’s hometown. But even in the middle of celebrations, we want to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus. For me, Passion Week has always been ...

Faith and Joy in the Mission Field There’s something uniquely beautiful about stepping into the unknown, trusting God’s promises, and watching Him work in ways we could never imagine. As a pastor’s wife, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside my husband, Vandy, in ministry—from the remote mission fields of Kratie province to the bustling city of Phnom Penh. Through it all, one truth has remained constant:  God is faithful, and His promises never fail.  Today, I want to encourage you with a message in  Isaiah 58:11 : “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” This verse has been our anchor in ministry, especially during seasons of uncertainty, limited resources, and overwhelming challenges. Whether you’re feeling called to missions, discipling young people, or simply sharing the gospel in your neighborhood, I want to r...

The Light of Jesus in Cambodia Last month, I had the privilege of joining our university students on a study trip to Kampong Chhnang. It was a full-day trip designed for them to conduct integrated fieldwork for their midterm projects. Though I had previously excused myself from such trips due to my MBA classes , this time, I was eager to observe their project work, particularly in my module on Communication Skills. The students were divided into groups to observe and document cultural and social practices in the countryside. Many of our students come from well-off families, known as Neak Mean in Khmer. Their backgrounds afford them a comfortable life, and some even admitted that this trip was their first real exposure to rural communities. They had never visited primary schools in the countryside, interacted with village children, or witnessed the realities of life outside the city. To make the experience more meaningful, our students participated in a small charity event, distributin...

Kampot has always been one of our family's favorite places to visit. Just a few hours from Phnom Penh, it offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city. The stunning Durian hill landscapes, the cool breeze from the river, the stunning fireflies on a ferry ride, and the breathtaking sunset always make us pause and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. There is something about nature that brings us closer to Him, reminding us to rest in His presence and trust in His unfailing love. Our Kampot getaway won't be complete without visiting the Durian Farm and it's so happened the Kamchay Dam is located. The massive boulders surrounding the river and the force of the water released from the dam remind me of the verse in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Just like the unpredictable flow of water near the dam, life is filled with...

A few Sundays ago, my husband concluded his sermon series on creating spiritual habits with a fundamental yet often challenging question: How do you know if you are saved? This simple question can either spark many answers or leave a person unsure. As believers—whether new or mature—this is an essential question to answer because it impacts our faith, our perspective on eternity, and how we live our lives daily. We had two new young men recently recruited to our dorm ministry. They moved from the provinces to Phnom Penh to study and work, and when they were asked this question, they were completely unsure how to respond. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with them. Though they heard the message from the pulpit that Sunday, we know that true understanding takes time. They need to learn who God is and why accepting Christ as their Savior is the most crucial decision they will ever make. Evident Repentance: A True Mark of Salvation One of the key points my husband emphas...