The Hourngs in Cambodia!

  I have this disciple who has quietly and unexpectedly become one of the people God uses to keep me grounded. She and I rarely meet face to face. She works in the outskirts of Phnom Penh, which is technically already a province. The busyness of her schedule and the distance make it hard to sit down for coffee and talk. But every morning, as I ride my tuktuk on my way to teach at the university, I find myself sharing a devotional message to her on Telegram. It’s not a big production, just a simple sharing of what God showed me that morning during my quiet time. A verse that spoke to me, a prayer I whispered in the stillness, a thought that reminded me of His faithfulness. A Morning Routine That Keeps Me Grounded I’m deeply blessed by her life. Even though she’s still young in the faith, she’s hungry and eager to know Jesus more. She’s passionate, open, and intentional. And without her knowing it, she’s become my accountability partner. She keeps me mindful that what God impresses ...

Purify my Heart (Worship leading last Sunday at Enjoy Church) How’s your week? We’ve just come through an eventful one, full of ministry, full of joy, full of moments that once again reminded me why we are here in Cambodia. Our weekends are always packed with service, and yet I cannot help but be thankful. Because at the heart of it, this is what we are called to do to serve the body of Christ, to help strengthen the church in its mission to proclaim the gospel. Over the past month, God opened a new door for us: helping a pastor friend by leading English worship at least once a month. The service is at 3 p.m., so after our morning Khmer service at Phnom Penh Church (PPC), we go home for a quick lunch, then head over to volunteer at  Enjoy Church for their English worship service. And let me tell you what a privilege it has been. Standing Again Before the Lord Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to lead worship at Enjoy Church. By God’s grace, it was the first time I had stood up to...

There are days when James 1:19 feels like it was written just for me. Honestly.  😔😅 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19–20 Sometimes I find myself reading this verse and then sighing with a little bit of embarrassment because, if I’m being real, I still struggle with this more often than I’d like to admit. I want to be someone who listens more, speaks less, and doesn’t let anger take control of my heart or my words. I want to represent Jesus well not just in church or ministry but also at home, in the university where I teach, in our neighborhood, in the market, and even in those little day-to-day encounters that no one else may notice. I don’t want to come across as someone who’s just “religious” who talks about God but reacts to people harshly or impatiently. Instead, I want my actions, especially my respo...

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...

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...

This week, Cambodia is preparing for one of its grandest celebrations—Khmer New Year, known as Songkran. Across the country, schools, businesses, and establishments are gearing up for this vibrant and deeply cultural event. Streets will be adorned with colorful decorations, traditional games will bring communities together, and families will gather to share in the joy of the new year. As a university lecturer, I always look forward to how our students take part in this celebration. Every year, our foundation students lead a program that showcases Khmer culture, village life, and traditional games. This year, it will be a full-day event, with classes canceled to make way for the festivities. Small businesses and vendors—many of them student-led—will fill the campus, offering snacks, street food, photo booths, merchandise, and more. Fashion students will even present their creations on the runway, with models coming from different departments. I have been invited to give a speech before ...