The Hourngs in Cambodia!

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...

When God Says "Wait" "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" — Psalm 27:14 (ESV) A Message for the Waiting Heart This is for every single woman, mother, wife, young professional, or sister in faith who has ever whispered, “Lord, how much longer?” Waiting isn’t easy, especially in a world that rewards speed, instant gratification, and quick results. But there’s a beauty in tarrying—staying, seeking, and trusting even when nothing seems to be happening. This post is written straight from the heart, drawn from my personal journey of waiting, stumbling, growing, and trusting again. If you're in a season of waiting, know this: you are not alone. We minister to singles, young professionals, and young couples here in Cambodia. And one of the most common questions we hear is: “Why is God making me wait?” Or sometimes, “What if I miss out?” In our fast-paced culture—driven by likes, shares, and validation from people—it’s ha...

Our verse today in Psalm 42:11 reminds me of our compassionate God. He deals with and meets us even when we are downcast, upset, and angry.  When David was growing up, there were many times I would explode out of my anger due to frustrations. I thank God that He has met me when I needed Him the most.  By God’s grace, I’m still growing in the area of self-control. God is still in the process of building my character in the fruit of the Spirit . There are many times I would be caught off guard at the way I respond unlovingly toward my husband and son. Vandy would always remind me to consider people around us since my sister-in-law and her teenage son are now living with us. They are definitely seeing our lives daily. It's a challenge to respond with grace, practicing and putting into action the faith that is in us. How to reflect the goodness of God more practically? That even my son would emulate and copy. I praise God because, though we could still sin, He is faithful and...