The Hourngs in Cambodia!

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...

Celebrating Khmer New Year with Family We spent Khmer New Year in Kampong Cham with Vandy’s family. It’s always a special time—lots of laughter, food, and catching up with relatives. David had a blast playing with his cousins, especially during the water fights right outside their house (which, by the way, is in the perfect spot—right by the Koh Penh bridge!). Vandy’s parents run small shops—his mom has a little store where neighbors stop by, and his dad has the only vulcanizing shop on their street. It’s amazing how these simple places become gathering spots for people. David even practiced his Khmer with customers and new friends! We also invited Vandy’s sisters and their families over for a spaghetti feast. Food has a way of bringing people together, and it’s one of the easiest ways we can show God’s love in small, tangible ways. Reflecting During Passion Week This month, we also took time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. I followed a prayer journal for Passion Week,...

👉 Get your  FREE Devotional ( 7-day prayer journal for the Passion week ) As the new week unfolds, our family eagerly anticipates two significant celebrations: Khmer New Year and the Passion Week . It’s a rare moment when these two events align, and this year, we are especially mindful of how we can embrace both. As followers of Christ, we hold the death and resurrection of Jesus at the center of our faith. Yet, as a family living in Cambodia, we also seek to honor and connect with our loved ones who celebrate Khmer New Year, a time deeply embedded in their cultural and religious traditions. This year, as we travel to my husband's hometown in Kampong Cham province, our hearts are drawn to Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” These words serve as a guiding light for us, especially as we step into an environment where Buddhist traditions run deep. How do we celebr...

Last Friday, something unexpected happened in Cambodia—a slight tremor shook Phnom Penh , sending people into panic. For a country known for its safe topography, free from natural disasters like earthquakes, this was a shocking and frightening experience.   As a lecturer, my first concern was my students. I saw the fear in their eyes as the building trembled. Some of them felt the movement, while others were just reacting to the commotion around them. Our classroom was on the 9th floor of a commercial building, and when the operations team instructed us to evacuate, I immediately guided my students to the stairs—no elevators, just calm but swift movement.   Coming from the Philippines, where earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions are common, I’ve been trained to expect emergencies. Even now, I keep flashlights and whistles in our bags, a habit ingrained in me since childhood. But for many Cambodians, this was a first—a sudden reminder that life is fragile, and...

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...

*oops! I actually made a typo error on the year of our wedding haha!  Vandy jokingly asked who did you marry in 2011??!  Our Wedding ceremony happened on the 30th of September 2009    **The 1st Dormitory: (The New Generation)** In 2011, two wonderful sisters, Roth and Chearta, established the first dormitory for university students from the provinces who wanted to study in the city but lacked housing. Inspired by their vision for a safe home for these female students, many of whom were unbelievers, we felt God directing us to support and help this important mission. By God's grace, we connected with individuals in the mission field who helped cover the rent for the dormitory. Soon, these students accepted Christ as their Savior and began being discipled by our dedicated sister, Roth, who lived with them. A weekly worship service commenced in the dormitory, and we were thrilled to see new believers actively participating in God’s work. We engaged deeply in Bible studi...

This month of November is extra special for us at PPC. Our hearts remain full of gratitude and joy as we reflect on God's amazing work during those two days of fellowship, worship, and commitment. Our retreat marked a special milestone for Phnom Penh Church (PPC). Held at the serene and picturesque coastline of Sihanoukville, it was more than just a getaway—it was a sacred opportunity to strengthen our bond as a church family, renew our commitment to the Lord, and celebrate life-changing decisions through water baptism. But before we dive into the highlights, let me first apologize for my absence on social media recently. Life got busy with looming work deadlines, and I also went through a season of illness that left me drained. Yet, in those challenging weeks, I was reminded of God’s promise of healing and restoration. Praise God for better health now, and I pray for His continuous strength and recovery as I resume sharing the goodness of His work in and through our lives. A Trib...