The Hourngs in Cambodia!

We just came back from our much-awaited annual family retreat last week. It was refreshing and soul-lifting. I praise God for the chance to slow down, to laugh and talk and enjoy each other’s company without rushing. We made it a goal to set a time each year just for this to pause, reflect, and be reminded of God’s purpose in our family. David, our son, looks forward to this trip because he gets all our attention. We plan our retreat during school breaks and in the middle of the year, even if it costs quite a bit. It’s worth it. June is not just our family trip month, it’s also durian season and David’s birthday! It gets expensive transport, food, accommodation but we save up for it. My husband Vandy is a great planner. While I’m more of the spontaneous type (and yes, a spender!), he balances me out. We save for this retreat every month, so when the time comes, it’s not a burden. Vandy books early, during low season, for discounts. David and I just show up and enjoy the hard part, th...

👉 Get your FREE  Passion Week Devotional   Passion Week is the most important time of the year for us as Christians—a time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection. It’s the heart of our faith! While in the Philippines (and many Christian nations), that week is a big holiday filled with prayer and reflection, here in Cambodia—a Buddhist country—it’s just an ordinary week. But as a local church, we intentionally set aside this time to focus on Jesus. Even though life goes on as usual (work, school, Khmer New Year travels), we can still make this week special by slowing down, opening our hearts to God, and remembering what Jesus did for us. This year, Passion Week falls during  Khmer New Year (April 13-20) —a time when most Cambodians travel to visit family. Our family will also be in  Kampong Cham , Vandy’s hometown. But even in the middle of celebrations, we want to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus. For me, Passion Week has always been ...

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...

Kampot has always been one of our family's favorite places to visit. Just a few hours from Phnom Penh, it offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city. The stunning Durian hill landscapes, the cool breeze from the river, the stunning fireflies on a ferry ride, and the breathtaking sunset always make us pause and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. There is something about nature that brings us closer to Him, reminding us to rest in His presence and trust in His unfailing love. Our Kampot getaway won't be complete without visiting the Durian Farm and it's so happened the Kamchay Dam is located. The massive boulders surrounding the river and the force of the water released from the dam remind me of the verse in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Just like the unpredictable flow of water near the dam, life is filled with...

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...

Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, is more than just the heart of the nation—it’s also home to my family and the place where we serve in ministry. As a lecturer at a university in the city and alongside my Khmer husband, we disciple young couples, university students, and young professionals at Phnom Penh Church (PPC). Over the years, we've grown to love this city for its rich culture and vibrant history and the opportunities it offers to share the gospel and nurture new believers. Exploring Phnom Penh: A Journey Through History, Ministry, and Mission Opportunities In this blog, I want to invite you to journey through Phnom Penh with me, not just as a Filipino married to a Khmer pastor, but as someone with a heart for ministry. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a single person with a passion for missions, Phnom Penh has so much to offer. Let's dive into some of the city’s most notable tourist spots, affordable accommodations, and reflections from Scripture to...