The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Yesterday was an interesting day for us at church. As many of you know, Cambodia does not traditionally celebrate Valentines Day . It only became common when foreigners came and when the internet became widely used. In our culture here, it was never part of Khmer tradition . It was something influenced by outsiders. I have a previous post about this here 👉 Hearts Day in Cambodia So I was surprised when some of my Khmer colleagues told me that Christians were the ones who brought Valentines to Cambodia. I gently explained that not all foreigners who come to Cambodia are followers of Christ. And the love that Christians speak about is not romantic love centered on couples. The love we preach is the love of Christ for everyone. It is pure. It is sacrificial. It is unconditional. Because of that, our family does not really celebrate Valentines Day. Years ago, Cambodia even discouraged young people from celebrating it because it became associated with immorality. Some young women felt pres...

Love is one of the greatest gifts God has given us, yet it is also one of the hardest things to practice daily. In our homes, workplaces, schools, ministries, and even in our own churches, love is often tested. Some people are easy to love, while others require grace, patience, and understanding. But Scripture reminds us that love is the foundation of everything we do. Without love, even our best efforts lose their meaning.  We met a mother of two (fried Tarantula vendor in Suong) shared a story about her two daughters who will be planning to study in the universities in Phnom Penh next year. We shared to her we have Dormitory for ladies. We hope to be able to reserve spots for them at our dorm next year.   That is why I want to invite you to commit to a simple 10 day devotional journey based on 1 Corinthians 13 . Each day focuses on what real love looks like through God’s eyes. It is gentle, reflective, practical, and designed to help us not only understand love, but liv...

A few Sundays ago, our church gathered for something we had never done before. We officially sent off our missionary friends, Pastor Mark and sister Hyangsuk , to a new mission field in Kampot province. It was their new calling, and yet it felt like our calling too. They asked the church to pray for them, so we did. We laid our hands on them, prayed together, and cried together. It was simple, quiet, and deeply moving. Our dorm men and women stood there watching, some with tears, some holding hands, all feeling the weight and beauty of the moment. Commissioning Sunday for Pastor Mark & Sis HyangSuk This was our first time holding a commissioning service. There was no stage, no big program, no long speeches. Just people who loved God and loved one another, standing in faith. In that moment, I felt the truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 settle deep in my heart. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Pastor Mark and sister Hyangsuk were not walking toward comfort o...

This Christmas season, our hearts have been drawn again to the familiar yet powerful words from Luke 2:8 to 10 . When the shepherds were watching their flocks at night, the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were afraid. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” These words feel especially meaningful this season. In a world filled with uncertainty, tension, and unanswered questions, God’s first message was comfort. Do not be afraid. Jesus has come. And because He has come, we have joy, peace, love, and hope that cannot be taken away. Jesus is the reason for this season. He is not only part of our celebration, He is the source of our joy. Our peace. Our love. Our hope.  Displaced Communities in Cambodia Here in Cambodia, December has been both meaningful and heavy. While we celebrated Christmas worship and rejoiced in what God is doing among our students, we are also aware of the ongoing border tensions betw...

How did you prepare for Christmas this month? For us, Christmas did not begin with shopping lists or gift wrapping. It began with tired bodies, grateful hearts, and a simple joy that only God can give. Last week, we celebrated our Christmas worship at PPC. It was joyful, busy, tiring, and so worth it. We welcomed new faces, and once again, we were reminded why we serve. Not for programs or events, but for people. For souls. For the message of salvation that God wants everyone to hear. Vandy shared a heartfelt sermon on Luke 2:9-10, message of Jesus birth (purposeful reason), trusting God even in the midst of uncertainty we can have Joy, Hope, Love, & Peace.  We laughed. We were exhausted. We rejoiced. And most of all, we praised God for the chance to share His purpose of hope. I will share photos soon. I promise. Life has been full and busy, and I still do not have them ready. But even without photos, the moments are already deeply written in my heart.  Phnom Penh Church g...

Yesterday, my husband, Vandy, started a new sermon series in preparation for our Christmas celebration. The message was simple: How Can We Show God's Love?  Christ loved us, and we ought to share this love with others especially to the unbelievers. Christmas should never be separated from the purpose of Jesus coming into the world. He came so we can know God’s love and share this love with those around us. As Christians, we represent the Savior through our actions, our responses, our words, and even our character. Sometimes people will experience Jesus not through a sermon, not through a Bible study, but through a meal we share, a visit we make, or a simple act of kindness that reflects His heart. David's Brownies being sold at 66 Coffee Vandy shared a story that moved many of us. It was about a friend we knew many years ago, someone who owns a small coffee shop near our previous apartment. Back then, we would stop by her shop, order a drink, exchange smiles, talk about life in...

I have been a Communication lecturer for more than a decade now. Honestly, this was never in my plans. I had never pictured myself standing in front of a classroom, teaching young adults about public speaking, writing, and how to express themselves clearly. But here I am, and it’s only by God’s grace that I have not only coped but found joy in this unexpected journey. When I first took this path, I didn’t feel qualified. I was hesitant. I doubted myself. But deep inside, I knew God had placed me here for a reason. Over the years, He has shown me again and again that He equips those He calls. My husband has always reminded me: “You are placed here not just to teach Communication. You are here for your students, for your colleagues, for those who need light and guidance. This is your mission field.” That encouragement has shaped how I see my everyday work. Teaching in a university here in Cambodia, in an environment where open expressions of faith are not always welcomed, is challenging...