The Hourngs in Cambodia!

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 ...

A Safe Haven:  The BAC II Khmer National Exam is a significant milestone for every 12th grader in Cambodia. It is the gateway to higher education, determining whether a student can pursue a university degree. For many, passing this exam is just the beginning of an even greater challenge—finding the means to study in the city. The Challenges of Higher Education in Cambodia Higher education opportunities in Cambodia’s provinces are limited, pushing many students to migrate to Phnom Penh, the capital, where better universities and job prospects await. However, life in the city is tough, especially for students from rural areas. The cost of tuition, housing, food, and transportation can be overwhelming, even with scholarships. More than financial struggles, there are dangers as well. Many young students, especially girls, are vulnerable to human trafficking , prostitution, and other crimes. Because of these risks, many parents are hesitant to send their children to Phnom Penh. However...

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...

I'm grateful to Limkokwing University Cambodia for granting me this scholarship to finish my MBA and     hone my skills and expertise to contribute  to Cambodia's nation-building program in the education sector.                  As I reflect on my journey of completing my MBA in Communications and Public Relations, this scripture resonates deeply. My experience, marked by purpose, challenges, perseverance, and ultimate victory, testifies to God’s grace and faithfulness. A Clear Purpose Pursuing an MBA was not merely a career decision for me; I press on it is also a calling. As a university lecturer, I sought to recalibrate my skills, expertise, and competence to better serve my students and peers. But more than that, I desired to honor God by modeling excellence in academics. The decision was rooted in a deep conviction that my life, including my professional journey, should reflect God’s glory. I wanted to demonstrat...