The Hourngs in Cambodia!

  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...

Trusting God with Our Finances Weeks ago, my husband and I were reflecting on how God has been faithfully providing for our daily needs and moving His Kingdom forward in Cambodia. As we lead a small, independent church, financial provision is often a challenge. Most of our members are university students who may not yet have the financial capacity to give, but they offer their time, commitment, and talents to support the ministry. Despite the struggles, we rejoice in their willingness to give sacrificially, knowing that God looks at the heart rather than the amount given (2 Corinthians 9:7). God's Faithful Provision in Our Ministry Our church might not have regular financial support from outside sources, yet by God’s grace, we manage to pay for the rent of our dormitories and church space. It amazes us how God touches the hearts of believers, both near and far, to provide at just the right time. Philippians 4:19 reassures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to...

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...

Managing our Household and Finances  As a family of three serving in Cambodia, we understand the unique challenges and blessings of living a simple life. My husband and I are very intentional when it comes on managing our finances. It has been a conscientious effort that we should always practice living within or even under our means. It's clear to us that these resources are from God, and we are only given the opportunity to manage it. We should handle it right and model it well to our son. We don't keep or hold on to it much, because we know it is temporal and there is a possibility it could be taken away anytime. God is a faithful God! While our situation might be different from many, the biblical truths for managing our home and finances remain steadfast. Here are some learnings we have been applying to our family so far. We still have a long way to go actually, but with the grace of God we are adapting gradually. We know that all blessings flow and come from Him. We want t...

A Young Couple's Journey Vandy and I got married more than a decade now. As a pastor's wife married to a Khmer pastor in Cambodia, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible work God has done in our lives. Looking back to our early days as a young couple, I'm filled with gratitude for the lessons we've learned and the blessings we've received.  One verse that has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for our family is Matthew 6:33. This verse has been a cornerstone of our faith and has shaped our approach to life and ministry. In fact, it even became a banner of this blog! My husband and I were just starting out in our new ministry in the city. We were young, full of passion, and eager to make a difference in the world. However, we were also facing many challenges. We were living on a modest income, our living conditions were simple, and we often felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of ministry. After our mission work in Krati...

I want to share some thoughts that resounding in my mind lately. Confession time ready?! 💪  Tent Making My husband and I have always been praying to increase our income so we could help and support our ministries. It's been a conscious effort for us to share our mission heart to our friends and families, but we never fund raise. To be honest, there's always hesitation on us to ask anybody for help especially on financial support.  We strongly believe that this supplication is really God's part not ours. God is our sole provider. I have always been vocal to how God has provided for us through my teaching job in the university and through my husband's part time translating skills. God has proven His faithfulness in attending our needs and even rewarded us with some wants sometimes. 👍  Journey as a University Lecturer Please don't get me wrong when I mentioned about "fund raising" 😀 we do acknowledge this is also one of God's vessels to provide His wo...

Our lives can be made more comfortable by material belongings, such as the newest phones, larger homes, or cars. It's simple to assume that possessing more will also increase our happiness. However, the reality is that nothing we may purchase will stay forever. There is a time limit on everything we gather on this planet. Houses collapse, cars break down, and new phones age rapidly. We truly have no control over the affairs of this world in the long term. When Jesus invites us to focus on storing treasures in heaven, where things do not fade or vanish, He is essentially inviting us to a different way of living. He calls us to concentrate on heavenly things that will endure forever rather than accumulating material possessions.  Everything we own was actually given to us by God's grace, we are just the managers of these.  ** The passage advises not to store treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and thieves steal, but in heaven, where treasures are safe and secure. ...

Our monthly lunch date 👫💓😍 Happy tummy - happy Wife hehe 💝👩👍 Monthly dates with Vandy It is obviously a conscientious effort for us to still do lunch dates at least twice a month. We believe it is important for husband and wife to sincerely talk and just enjoy each other's company while eating together. It doesn't need to be in an expensive restaurant but if you have the budget go for it! hehe.. these dates are actually included in our monthly budget. We make it work intentionally, so we would enjoy our time together without feeling the guilt of spending. And we always stick on the budget - we can't get overboard. Whatever money left it will be carried over for the next month. This month is just becoming extra special, because we only dated once last month - so have extra budget to splurge on the steak (as seen on our photo above!) haha .. we could explore new resto and cafe in town. I do appreciate my husband for always taking the time to come and fetch me at work ...

My temporal happiness! When I was still working in a corporate world in Makati, my main goal was to work hard, get promoted and offered a higher salary, so I could support my siblings, to buy anything I like and eat everything I want.  These are just typical wants and dreams of a "newly graduate" me.  I was on fire chasing dreams after dreams! I felt happy for wanting more but then soon I realized these wants were just temporal happiness. I even became greedy for always wanting more and for not being contented - I get disappointed easily.  I got lost somehow. ENTANGLED In the process, I started to compare myself to others that were more successful than me.  I was in denial at first because my greediness seemed just silent desires not something big. And then it began to creep.. I wanted more validation, better status, and more comfort.  Somehow, I knew this was not a good place to be. I struggled. I felt ENTANGLED! I felt twisted and complicated inside ...