The Hourngs in Cambodia!

The university semester is ending soon, and we have had lots of activities in and out of our campus. Few weeks ago, we brought our students on our university’s annual study trip to Siem Reap. Every year, this trip feels like both a mountain climb and a mountain top. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and always filled with surprises. It is also one of those moments that stretches not just the students, but us lecturers as well. This year’s program was different from the past. We designed it with more intention, adding activities that went beyond the tourist attractions. Of course, we still visited the famous Angkor Wat, but we wanted the trip to be more than sightseeing. We wanted it to be an opportunity for students to see life with fresh eyes, to witness realities outside the walls of their classrooms, and to experience moments that would open their hearts to the needs of others.  Siemreap 2025 - Photos credit to Limkokwing University Discovering Life Beyond the City One of the hi...

The Joy of Giving from the Heart In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse isn't merely about financial generosity; it's about the posture of our hearts. Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, emphasizing that giving should stem from a willing and joyful heart, not from obligation or pressure. This principle resonates deeply with our experiences in the mission field of Cambodia, where we've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cheerful giving both in resources and in spirit. A Calling Rooted in Obedience After completing his theological studies in the Philippines, my husband, Vandy, felt a compelling call to return to his homeland, Cambodia, to plant a church in Kratie province . This region, about eight hours from Phnom Penh, was remote and largely unreached. He began by discipling a young...

It is always refreshing to end the week with a reminder from God’s Word that gently brings our hearts back to what truly matters. Life has a way of filling our minds with worries about finances, responsibilities, and the future. Yet in the middle of all these concerns, Scripture reminds us that our relationship with money is deeply connected to the condition of our hearts. Today’s devotion brings us to 2 Corinthians 9:7 , which says: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse has been quietly shaping the way our family thinks about finances, generosity, and contentment over the years. It also reminds us that living below our means is not simply a financial strategy. It is a spiritual practice. It teaches us trust. It cultivates gratitude. And it opens our hands so that we can bless others. As I reflect on this today, I find myself thinking about our own journey as a family servin...

Faith and finances are inseparable in a life of stewardship. Martin Luther’s observation about the “three conversions”—mind, heart, and wallet—highlights this truth. Faith isn’t just about belief; it involves how we think, feel, and act, including how we manage our resources. Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth to be generous was not about meeting quotas or gaining blessings in return. Instead, he emphasized giving for the sake of others, marked by joy and rooted in the understanding of God’s generosity toward us. As Rich Villodas (Narrow Path) properly puts it, “We cannot outgive God.” Reflecting on His love compels us to give freely, trusting that He will meet our needs. As a pastor’s wife serving in Cambodia, this verse resonates deeply with the realities of our ministry, family, and faith community. It challenges us to reflect on the connection between our faith and finances, reminding us that generosity stems from a joyful heart rooted in God’s abundant love. 1. Living B...

It’s been a beautiful and humbling season in our home lately. If you’re a parent, you know how long school breaks can feel especially when you’re trying to keep a young, energetic child busy and engaged. Our son David has been on a long break from school, over two months, and it hasn’t been easy to keep him fruitfully occupied. Yet, as I sit down to reflect, I’m amazed at how God answered our quiet prayers, even in little ways we never expected. Mark 11:24 has been on my heart as I write this: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."   This verse has taken on such a tender meaning for me, especially in this parenting season. We didn’t pray for anything extravagant. We just asked the Lord to guide us as we tried to guide David. To help us teach him not just to be “busy,” but to be fruitful. Not just to work, but to work with gratitude and faith. And the Lord truly answered. The Long Break and the Longing ...

How did you prepare for Christmas this month? For us, Christmas did not begin with shopping lists or gift wrapping. It began with tired bodies, grateful hearts, and a simple joy that only God can give. Last week, we celebrated our Christmas worship at PPC. It was joyful, busy, tiring, and so worth it. We welcomed new faces, and once again, we were reminded why we serve. Not for programs or events, but for people. For souls. For the message of salvation that God wants everyone to hear. Vandy shared a heartfelt sermon on Luke 2:9-10, message of Jesus birth (purposeful reason), trusting God even in the midst of uncertainty we can have Joy, Hope, Love, & Peace.  We laughed. We were exhausted. We rejoiced. And most of all, we praised God for the chance to share His purpose of hope. I will share photos soon. I promise. Life has been full and busy, and I still do not have them ready. But even without photos, the moments are already deeply written in my heart.  Phnom Penh Church g...