The Hourngs in Cambodia!

The Joy of Giving from the Heart In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse isn't merely about financial generosity; it's about the posture of our hearts. Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, emphasizing that giving should stem from a willing and joyful heart, not from obligation or pressure. This principle resonates deeply with our experiences in the mission field of Cambodia, where we've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cheerful giving both in resources and in spirit. A Calling Rooted in Obedience After completing his theological studies in the Philippines, my husband, Vandy, felt a compelling call to return to his homeland, Cambodia, to plant a church in Kratie province . This region, about eight hours from Phnom Penh, was remote and largely unreached. He began by discipling a young...

Still in Father's Day high celebration. I can't help but think about my own Papa as well. I am writing this blog post today in loving memory of my papa, Rolly.  He passed away when I was just 22 years old. To this day, I still miss him deeply. His absence is felt in the everyday moments, the family gatherings, the memories we wish we could still make. And while he is no longer with us here on earth, the legacy he left behind continues to live on in our lives and in the lives of those he served. Papa Rolly was a man of God. He had a deep passion for the lost and a heart for the gospel. He intentionally planted a church in my mother’s hometown in Isabela (the Philippines). By the grace of God, that church is still thriving today. Many of mama ’s relatives were saved, baptized, and are now active in the ministry. One of them, my niece Cielo, was even called into full-time ministry and is now the pastor of that same church. Papa saw my calling for missions early on. I know he would...

Yesterday was a special day for our church. We celebrated two meaningful events: Father’s Day and the 12th anniversary of Phnom Penh Church (PPC).  It was more than just a day of celebration; it was a reflection of God's faithfulness, both to our individual families and to our church family. As I sat quietly in the back of the room, watching our young fathers smile, our children giggle at the video, and our church community come together with grateful hearts, I was moved beyond words. "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." — Psalm 103:13 (ESV) Sermon Shared by Pastor Vandy During worship, my husband Vandy encouraged the fathers in our church both young and old, to show God’s love to their families. He reminded them that love is not just expressed through big actions or special occasions but through the daily and often unnoticed things. The way we speak, the way we listen, the way we respond these are reflections...

  Vandy's English Preaching Exactly five years ago, before the world came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic, my husband, Vandy, was invited to speak at my home church (Fort Bonifacio Wesleyan Church) in the Philippines. It was his first time to preach fully in English, and I vividly remember how nervous and prayerful he was. He gently asked me to intercede for him throughout the message, knowing that this was more than just a sermon, it was a testimony, a mission reminder, and a challenge for all of us. Behind the pulpit, he shared not only a message but a calling rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:1–7 , where Paul highlights the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches. Despite their severe trials and deep poverty, the Macedonians gave joyfully and beyond their ability to support fellow believers and the work of the gospel. They weren’t wealthy, but they were willing. Paul uses their example to challenge the Corinthian church and us to excel in the grace of giving as part of...

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 ...

It’s rainy season now in Cambodia. And almost mid-year already! The skies may be gloomy at times, but I’m reminded of God’s mercies that fall fresh every morning like the rain. As I sit here reflecting, I can only praise God for His steady faithfulness in our lives. Truly, it is only by His grace that we breathe, move, and live each day. This past month of May has been fruitful physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. And our verse today, Matthew 25:34, is a strong and beautiful reminder that there is a reward waiting for all who live faithfully for Him. It’s a reminder not just to endure but to obey and walk with Him every single day. The verse speaks of our inheritance something we did not and cannot earn. It is prepared. It is promised. It is ours because of Jesus. Are We Living Our Purpose? The King will say, "Come... take your inheritance." What a powerful moment to anticipate! But before that moment arrives, we have this short life this one life to re...

It was just another ordinary weekend. Nothing fancy, no big plans. Just a simple family errand: we promised David, our almost-12-year-old, that he could finally buy the UNO card game he's been saving up for. He earned the money by reading Khmer books, selling homemade chocolate crinkles, and consistently taking sermon notes every Sunday. We were proud of him. So, off to the mall we went. I’ve always appreciated that David isn’t drawn to gadgets . Instead, he’s into board games, puzzles, and card games. It’s his way of unwinding, and we see his creativity and joy through it. After finding the perfect UNO card set and making the purchase, we decided to linger a bit longer. I needed to reach my daily 10,000 steps goal , and walking around the mall seemed like a fun way to finish it. As we strolled down to the ground floor, we passed by a sports store (Decathlon) . They had an open table tennis area where anyone could try the equipment. Naturally, it caught the boys’ attention. David w...

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 ...