December Update 2024

Dear Faithful and Supporting Friends, 

Warm Christmas greetings from Cambodia! We trust you are experiencing the true meaning of the Christmas season this year.

Chhen’s Faith Journey…

Recently, my husband, Soeuth, and some church leaders braved the dusty road on their motorbikes to visit some new believers living in a remote village on the outskirts of Anlong Veng. As they kept driving about 5 kilometers away, they noticed that the fields on both sides of the roads were filled with red landmine signs! As they kept moving toward the destination, fields of landmines surrounded the village they were visiting! Fear and doubt caused them to wonder momentarily if it was worth it or wise for them to make such a risky trip. Promoted by the Holy Spirit and the desire to share the Good News of Jesus with lost people, they kept moving forward…

Fields and landmines

Upon arrival, Chhen, a 40-year-old father of three and a new believer, radiantly welcomed the visitors into his humble wooden home built on stilts. As the visitors were escorted to sit on a broken wooden bench underneath the house, they began to chat lively. Chhen was overjoyed and shouted repeatedly, “You came all this way to visit me! I am so blessed to have you in my house!” As the conversation deepened, Chhen was encouraged to share his faith journey…

In the spring of 2016, upon release from prison in Thailand, Chhen, along with hundreds of other former prisoners and illegal migrant workers, were brought back into Cambodia through the Poipet International Border by truckloads. “The officials just dumped us off at the border and let us find our way back home.” Having no money to buy food and no other way to contact his family in Anlong Veng, Chhen was desperate and hopeless. Chhen thought that if he could have money to buy food, he would be willing to walk over 200 kilometers away toward his hometown in Anlog Veng. But God had an even better purpose and plan for Chhen. He guided Chhen to a group of Alliance believers (*) who happened to be there to help the immigrants settle back into the country. “These Jesus people were so different from any other group I've ever met. They were unusually kind to me. The Jesus People gave me food and clothes and bought me bus tickets so I could come home to Anlong Veng.” As he reminisced his story, in tears of gratitude, Chhen went on to share, “They told me that it was because of the love of Jesus that compelled them to share what they had with me.” Shortly after that encounter, upon arriving safely home in Anlong Veng, Chhen announced to his family, “I must find the Jesus People.” 

Eight years went by, and Chhen continued to struggle to find work. He often wandered around from one town to another, looking for any job where he could earn money to feed his family. As he went about from place to place, he always asked if anyone knew about the Jesus People. Recently, Chhen met old acquaintances who happened to be members of the Firm Foundation Alliance Church in Toul Prich. Through their connections, Chhen was hired as a construction worker building a fence at the Anlong Veng Ministry Center. While working and fellowshipping with other church families, Chhen prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord in early November. Having received a Bible shortly after his conversion, Chhen began reading it nonstop. He even brought the Bible to work so he could read it during his lunch break! When asked about his favorite passages and why, Chhen quickly mentioned Matthew 25:35-40 because “that passage described me! I was hungry and desperate to find my way home, and the kind Jesus people from the Poipet border gave me food and sent me home. As long as I live, I will never forget their kindness.”

Chhen, in pink shirt, along with construction working buddies, attended a church service.

{* explained: In the spring of 2016, I, Syna, along with members of the Living Water Alliance church from Poipet, and in partnership with other like-minded- NGOs, in response to the needs, set up tents along the Poipet border and prepared care packages for handouts to hundreds of illegal immigrants who were brought back into Cambodia from Thailand. Their situations were dire and desperate. For those with immediate medical needs, we treated them on the spot or sent them to local clinics or referral government hospitals by ambulances. While some team members helped with legal paperwork, others contacted families and arranged for public transportation to help these immigrants safely return home. The whole situation was overwhelming and chaotic for everyone. They were desperate people in a time of great need. We, the volunteers, showed up to give help in whatever ways God inspired us to do at that moment and had no idea of what the outcome would be. But God is faithful. Nothing done in Jesus’s Name was in vain. The result of Chhen’s life story is an inspiration and a fresh reminder of Colossian 3:17, that ‘whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus’…}

Since his conversion, Chhen has been sharing his faith with his family and neighbors. At work, he is also sharing the reason for hope that can be found only in Jesus with other workers. As a result, other workers began to show interest in Christianity one by one and asked for their own Bible! This Christmas season, Chhen and some men from the construction working crews prepared a special song to be sung at the Christmas celebrations at Srae Nouy on Dec 29th and Firm Foundation Church on Dec. 31st. This is the first Christmas celebration for most of these working men. 

Construction workers attending church during Christmas season

Looking back on the dusty road trip, surrounded by “Danger” signs in fields of landmines, Soeuth was glad he did not follow his humanly fearful instinct but instead went on to visit Chhen’s home. It was a risky, dangerous road trip, but it was worth taking. 

Dates & Events needing your prayers…

1. At the time of this writing, we have already participated in six Christmas celebrations in various northwest regions. We still have more events to participate in before the end of the year. Pray for safe traveling and receptive hearts. 



Local villages are busy working at the Anlong Veng Ministry Center

2. Inspired by personal testimonies, such as Chhen's, other construction workers are interested in Christianity. They asked each other questions about life and faith. 
3. Pray for good health and continued strength and stamina as we are still in the middle of a busy Christmas season.

Please share with us what God is doing in your life. We appreciate your ongoing prayers and financial support for the Great Commission Fund, which enables us to continue serving in northern Cambodia and sharing the message of Hope in Jesus with lost people.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Soeuth & Syna

November Update 2024

Dear Faithful Supporting Friends and Family

Happy Thanksgiving! We have been extremely busy with ministry and family matters for the past few months. By the grace of God, things are beginning to “slow” down a bit. In case you were wondering, below is what has occurred since our last update… 

A Timely Visit...

Syna visiting her aging mother

From September 11 to 26, I (Syna) took two weeks off to visit my aging mother along with other family members in Washington State. My mother was battling a health crisis. Upon arrival, I was shocked to discover that other family issues needed immediate intervention. Only God knows. His timing for my visit was crucially necessary and meaningful. As of November 1, my mother and older sister have a reliable home health aide to assist with their daily basic needs. Praise God for his timely provisions.

Having a few extra days, I found discounted tickets and flew out to visit our youngest son, Jonathan, who lives with relatives in Palm Coast, Florida. Since his move from central New York to Florida in May of 2024, we assumed that Jonathan was settling well in his new location, living with relatives, and working at his new job. However, upon my arrival I was once again shocked to learn that Jonathan had struggled to adjust to his new environment. Desperate, I cried out to God for help and asked a few friends for prayers. And God sent help in various ways. I connected Jonathan to a few godly families from the area who understand third-culture kids (TCK). To this day, Jonathan regularly meets with these families for fellowship along with social and emotional support. Looking back, it was God who sent me out on a mission to help my family in Washington and then help our son in Florida. It was an emotionally stressful visit, but I was glad I went…

Enjoyed a meal with Jonathan

Meaningful, Impactful Presence

As soon as I returned, we hit the ground running. In addition to the long and detailed process of preparing for the library dedication and the KEC youth camp, we hosted three visiting teams from our partner churches in the US, one after another. Each team arrived between and during scheduled events. Each team brought their unique gifts and talents to work alongside us, making our presence meaningful and impactful within the local community. With the support of our visiting teams and the hospitality of the local school principals and village leaders, we had opportunities to conduct workshop seminars in three public schools! A team specializing in trauma care did sessions with students, helping them identify and deal with trauma-related issues. While a second team taught basic hygiene, the third team taught the “Danger of the Internet.” 

A visiting team teaching trauma care to students

In addition to teaching workshops at the public schools, each team had unique opportunities to interact with students and teachers in various capacities. Although meeting guests for the first time, students were noticeably comfortable working alongside the visitors when painting their classrooms, cleaning the inside buildings, cutting grass around the ground at the Anlong Veng Ministry Center, getting ready for the library dedication and for the youth camp, fellowshipping/gaming, and playing soccer at our newly build soccer field. We had opportunities to share the Good News briefly, even in public school settings! As a result, at the end of their visit, the teachers, students, and event village leaders invited the teams to “Please, come back again soon!” 

Teaching basic hygiene to public school students

Teaching "Danger of the Internet" at school

The Dedication of The Firm Foundation Library

Soeuth cutting ribbon at the library dedication

On the appointed day, early morning of November 8th, 300+ people showed up for the dedication of the Firm Foundation Library, including 150 students dressed in uniform from 4th-9th grade, their teachers, two village leaders, 80+ church leaders from around the country, and local official dignitaries. When it was time for the service, the Trapang Krasang village church kids beautifully performed a traditional “Blessing Dance” followed by five dignitary speakers. One of the key speakers was Rev. David Manfred, the Cambodian Field Director, who delivered a powerful 10-minute message about how Christians (also known by the locals as the “Jesus People”) responded to the “Loving God & Loving Their Neighbors" message and as a result, this library was birthed. One of the dignitary speakers, who was not a believer, rightly commented about the name chosen for the library. He said, “Since wisdom and knowledge can be obtained through reading, how fitting it is to have a library filled with books with a ‘Firm Foundation’ name attached.” 

Students with dignitaries at the library dedication

As I sat and listened to all the speakers, I could not help but reflect on a personal experience on April 17, 1975, when Anlong Veng was the headquarters for the Killing Field regime. In this three-and-a-half era, over two million Khmer people were killed just because they were educated. Today, by the grace of God, this once blood-soaked land is now filled with life where knowledge and wisdom are also added… At the end of the dedication service, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, everyone enjoyed a grand tour of the beautiful library currently opened to the public. A three-course meal was immediately served to all the adults and dignitary guests, while each student was sent home with a packed lunch box and care package of school supplies.

Local dignitaries toured the newly dedicated library

300- plus people attended the library dedication

The KEC Youth Camp…

Nov. 14-16: With growing anticiaption, the KEC annual youth camp dates were approaching fast. At the appointed time, church people, young and old, began to arrive at the campsite in one vehicle, one motor, and one bus after another. Finally, on Nov. 14 at 4:30pm, 630 people came and registered for the youth camp. Those who arrived early had an advantage in setting up their sleeping tents or camping gear, and they graciously offered helping hands to those who came later. About 150 tents were set up to accommodate enough sleeping spaces for all the campers. After the first dinner, which began at 5:30 pm, the evening service started at 7 pm. The Srae Nouy youth had the honor of opening the camping event with a traditional “Blessing Dance.” The camp consisted of five main events, five keynote speakers, and four seminar speakers. Each keynote speaker was to give a specific message that answered the camp theme: WHO AM I?

630- plus people attended the KEC youth camp in Anlong Veng

In addition to the five main events and four workshop seminars, campers had opportunities to participate in relay games, soccer, and volleyball competitions, where awards and trophies were given to first, second, and third places. The Anlong Veng girls received first place in the girls soccer competition, and the Srae Nouy girls came in second place. Due to intense heat waves, some youth suffered various minor injuries, including a few heat strokes. 

Soccer teams prayed before a competition

There were a few highlights from this camping experience: We had many more volunteers than in any previous events. About 50-plus people, primarily the campers' parents, approached us and said, “Just tell me what to do.” With all the extra volunteers, the youth committees set up stalls to sell food, ice coffee, soft drinks, and snacks to all the campers, including the camp’s t-shirts. Overall, we raised almost $2,000 to help cover the cost. The dates which the camp took place coincided with a national holiday when many people would instead visit Siem Reap or Phnom Penh for a Water Festival holiday. November was a typically busy rice harvesting season, where every helping hand was needed at home. We didn’t anticipate many people would attend, but 630 of them came! After each main event, there were opportunities for altar calls. About 20% of the campers stood up to recommit their faith and allegiance to God.

Campers participated in workshop seminars

AV girls getting ready for a soccer match

Other Dates & Events needing your prayers…

1. Please for the many Christmas celebration events scheduled throughout the entire month of December. So far, Soeuth already accepted four Christmas speaking invitations. 
2. The Srae Nouy church will combine its Christmas celebration and a church dedication ceremony on December 29. The Firm Foundation Alliance church in Anlong Veng will have its celebration on Dec. 31.
3. Each celebration allows church families to invite their friends and relatives to church. Some of them will be hearing the Good News for the first time. Pray for receptive and responsive hearts.
4. With all our busy time hosting teams, running camps, and working in other ministries, Soeuth and I picked up the common cold, which seemed to linger longer than expected. Pray for complete healing before we embark on another season of a busy Christmas season.

Please share with us what God is in your midst. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer support and partnering with the Cambodian ministries. We are very grateful to God for you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Blessings,

Soeuth & Syna

Visiting the floating village

September Update 2024

 Dear Faithful Supporting Friend and Family,

Warm greetings from Anlong Veng. We trust that you are doing well.

“That’s the way my God works!”

Recently, while removing wooden planks from an old house, Savy, age 55, a member of the Firm Foundation Alliance Church, was miraculously spared from a dangerous accident. Just hours before this specific incident took place, Savy had been sharing his faith with one of the four workers of the same project. Savy shared about numerous ways that God came to his aide. God provided food and medical needs for his family, protected him from a near drowning accident, and healed his family members again and again. While Savy was passionately sharing his faith to one man working on the ground floor, three other men working on the second floor were listening intensely to their conversation. Suddenly, without warning, a large plank of wood, 12x 2 feet (4x0.8 meters) fell from the second floor directly on to where Savy was working. The three men above shouted in fear and quickly rushed down to the site, only to find Savy standing strong without any cut or even a small bruise. When they examined closely, a huge rusted nail (sized 3.2 “or 8 cm long) was still attached to that wooden plank, and that nail landed on Savy upper right back. The nail ripped off Savy’s shirt but not a cut was found on Savy’s back! (Please refer to picture below). Shocked and bewildered, yet feeling amazed and grateful for God’s protection, Savy exclaimed, “You see! That’s the way my God works!” Seeing how Jesus protected Savy, Chee, the young man whom Savy was sharing his faith with earnestly inquired, “Please tell me more about your God. I want to know him too." At his request, Savy was more than glad to tell Chee about Preah yea-sue…

Savy was wearing this shirt when the wooden plank with nail fell on him. Only the shirt was damaged.

Zorn’s Confession…

The last weekend of August, we had a leadership gathering at a remote village where 36 key presenting leaders from Alliance house churches around northern Cambodia areas. Soeuth shared a message from Nehemiah chapter 1 and reminded the leaders about the call and the burdens that God put in each leader’s heart concerning lost people. After a message, there were opportunities for the leaders to share about what God was doing in their designated regions of ministry responsibilities. One after another, a few leaders stood up to share ministry highlights, frustrations as well as challenges they were facing. When it was Zorn’s turn, he stood up and wept bitterly, but did not say any word.  His gentle falling tears suddenly burst into uncontrollably sobs. Seeing his convulsive gasps, other leaders stood up to give him support. When he finally controlled his emotions, Zorn looked up and said, “Everyone. I have a confession to make." He went to explain that because of personal greed and pride, Zorn not only left the fellowship of Srae Nouy church, he became the rink leader for “sheep stealing” using worldly materials to lure other church families, mostly new believers to join him; and together they formed a “new church” service, next door to the Srae Nouy church building. This group had maliciously and constantly spread gossip and slander about the Srae Nouy’s leadership causing hurt, distrust, and division among the remaining members. These evil practices went on for a few years that they became “thorns in the flesh” for Pastor Dy and the Srae Nouy church families. Instead of retaliating, however, Pastor Dy and the church members presented their requests to God in daily evening prayer services and monthly fasting. As a result, God stepped in and began a new work in Zorn’s life. 

Zorn joining the prayer service at Srae Nouy church

At this particular meeting, in between sobs, Zorn went on to confess, “In my foolish anger, I wanted to hurt Pastor Dy who is also my uncle, but I ended up hurting myself and hurting those who followed me instead."  In the presence of other leaders, turning toward Pastor Dy, Zorn kneeled down and pleaded, “Uncle, I had wronged you. I sinned against God and against you. Please forgive my mistakes. I want to come back to your church!” After this, everyone in the room stood up, each one extended their hands toward Zorn in warm embrace and in prayers. 

Srae Nouy's night prayer service

Since this incident took place, Zorn has been fellowshipping with the Srae Nouy church and joyfully participated in every small group event. Other the families who had left the fellowship also returned to join the Srae Nouy church. As the result, the number of attendees doubled in size! The childrens ministry’s attendance was tripled in just few short weeks! 

Church attendees became doubled after a recent reconciliation among believers

Other dates and events needing your prayers…

1. Recently, a few church families in Anlong Veng experienced divine protection in various way. After each of these incidents, there were immediate opportunities for the believers to share Christ with their unbelieving relatives and friends who also were eye witnesses to these incidents. As a result, four people prayed to receive Jesus as their Lord! God still uses miracles to draw lost people into the kingdom. 

   

   Field trip day for the Anlong Veng youth

   
   
2. When it rains, it also pours. We are having too many big rains lately. The rain waters, although welcome, also destroyed roads and flooded and damaged crops. And there have been too many incidents where people had close encounters with poisonous snakes. Pray for protection for all.
3. Some of our church men earn their daily living from working at construction sites. Works are being postponed during heavy rains. No work means no money to buy food for their families. Overall, this is a season where many villagers are struggling just to find daily food supplies for their hungry families. We were grateful for a like-minded local NGO who recently donated eggs for our church families. In addition to the eggs, using ministry funds, we bought rice to distribute to 43 needy families. There is so much we can do and we cannot help everyone. Pray for daily wisdom and discernment as we face needy families each week, not knowing who, when, how to help so that we do not create dependency or a begging church environment. We were always looking for creative and practical ways for needy families to “earn” a living with dignity. For example, we hired local villagers or students to plant trees, clean, and do ground keeping at the church. In return, they receive small fees in exchange for their daily services.
4. The Firm Foundation Alliance church members including students and teachers from two nearby public schools, in addition to some members from the Srae Nouy church will have clean up days during the next couple weeks and months in preparation for two major events (see #5 and #6 below) to be held at the Anlong Veng Ministry Center. Pray for good fellowship and opportunity for witnessing especially with the unbelieving students and their teachers. 
5. The Firm Foundation Library will be officially dedicated on November 8, 7:30-11:30 am. We're expecting at least 200 attendees, most of whom are not yet believers. Our Field Director will give an evangelism message on that day. 

   

   Firm Foundation Library

   
   
6. The KEC annual youth camp, November 14-16, will be held in Anlong Veng this year. We are expecting 600 plus attendees.  A lot of work and preparation need to be done before these events take place: obtaining permissions from local authorities, invitations, food preparations, among many other things to be done beforehand... It will be done in an open space atmosphere. By then, it should be a dry season, but pray that we will have good weather including safety and protections and favors from local authorities... 

   

   Anlong Youth is getting excited about the coming youth camp

   
   
7. Please continue praying for safety on long road trips that we make 3-4 times/ week. Most roads and highways in Cambodia shared with stray dogs, cows, mechanical cows, trailers & wagons, wandering small children, students walking or riding bicycles or motorbikes, chickens, ducks, snakes, and many other things while we drive at a limited speed. This week while driving to a village ministry, Soeuth hit a dog, 3 chickens, and a snake!
8. Pray for Syna’s elderly mother, aged 93, who is battling with chronic renal issues. At this writing, Syna is on her way to visit the family in Tacoma, Washington. Syna's mother and her handicapped older sister are in need of a live-in home healthcare worker by Oct 1.

A young couple joined in the  Srae Nouy church's prayer service

Poipet's monthly leadership class

We are grateful for your partnership in the Cambodian ministry through your prayers and support. Your generous financial support toward the Alliance Great Commission Funds enables us to remain serving in northern Cambodia sharing the message of Hope in Jesus to Lost people in Cambodia and everywhere. 

Thank you!

Soeuth & Syna Lao

August Update 2024

 Dear Faithful Supporting Friend and Family,

Warm greetings from Cambodia! We trust you are doing well. 

We apologize for a delayed update. It has been a long season of losses and grieving along with personal family challenges for us. We still have a long journey ahead of us. By the grace of God, we are trotting through this dark season, one day and/or one week at a time.“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you (us) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phillipians 1:6).

From A Scorching Drought to A Raging Flood…

In less than a two month-time, Cambodia changed from a scorching drought and dry season to a raging monsoon and flooding season! The heavy rains came down hard continuously almost everyday. In some communities, almost an entire village was completely underwater! Whatever crop was saved from the dry season, farmers (including many church families) were excited to welcome the first rains and began preparing their fields, then planting rice and other seeds. Then, the July down pouring rains had severely destroyed most of their precious crops. It saddened our hearts to see so much losses in such a short time. 

“See, How The Jesus People Care For Us!”

Recently, a young lady, “H” (age 14), who was the only believer in her family and member of the Firm Foundation Alliance church, had a motorbike accident resulting with a broken leg. In panic, she cried out, “Preah-yea-sue help me!” before passing out on the main road. When her family was notified, they attempted to take her to a Krue Khmer (a local witch doctor). But H awoke on time and shouted, “No! I am Kone Preah-yea-sue (a child of Jesus). Please, take me to the hospital.” When local church families aware of H’s accident, they rushed out to visit her home, each visitor gave small amount of money to help pay for a taxi ride to the Siem Reap’s Children Hospital. H had a surgery and is currently still in the hospital. Amazed by the love and concern and the generous support from the community of believers during their time of need, H’s family remarked, "See, how the Jesus people care for us!”

A Sunday service at Firm Foundation Alliance Church

“Jesus Was Never Too Busy To Answer My Prayers!”

During the “prayer & share” time at a recently Sunday church service, members from the Firm Foundation Alliance took turns sharing how God was at work in their lives. Excited and eager for her turn, sitting on a tiled floor and leaning against the wall for support, Noeu shouted, “I, also, have something to thank God for my life." She went on to share her amazement at the ways God deeply loved

Noeu shared about what God had done in her life

and cared for her life. Before accepting Jesus as her Lord, Noeu had spent all her financial resources to pay local witch doctors as well as for all her medical local clinics at various local clinic. Her many chronic diseases which include a heart disease and high blood pressure among many other illnesses. After she had a stroke in January that left her weak on the left side, Noeu met Jesus in a dream (please refer to Noeu’s extended stories found in March parts 1 & 2 update). At this particular church service prayer & share time, Noeu declared, “I had always been sick for a long time, and my family took me to see doctors almost every week. It was a heavy financial burden for my family, but since I believe in Jesus, I have not stepped one foot into the hospital building! Preah-yea sue not just healed, but he actually hears me when I prayed!” In her excitement, Noeu went on to share, “We all use our phones to call our loved ones in time of needs, but sometimes, the lines can be busy or the connections are not clear. But my prayers seemed to have a direct line straight to the throne of Jesus! And Jesus was never too busy to answer my prayers!” Through a kind believing neighbor, Noeu is being brought to church every week while she actively participating in a weekly Firm Foundation discipleship class that is being taught at her home. Noeu seemed bold and not ashamed to share her faith with her extended family. Since the day of her salvation, Noeu had already led four of her granddaughters to Jesus...

Dates & events needing your prayers…

1. Some unbelieving parents had recently forbidden their teens to attend church. As a result, some of these young people were getting worse in their behaviors, cutting class, and hanging out with the wrong crowds. At the same time, however, some youth brought their Bibles to read at school because they were not allowed to read it at home. Please pray that their faith would be rooted in Christ as these young believers endure persecutions at home and among their peers.
2. Resulting from the sudden floods, farmers who raise fish or livestock (chickens) for a living are experiencing a major loss of their goods. It seems that everywhere we turned, there were families that we know of who are affected severely by the floods. Pray for wisdom on how and who to help.
3. With raging flood water in every village, there were a number of drowning incidents among church families. So far, since the rainy season began, there have been four different drowning incidents, small children ages 2-5, from among the KEC church families in the northwest region. With the rainy and flooding season comes also snakes and diseases related to mosquito bites. Pray for protection among the church families. 
4. Pray for on-going health issues for Syna's extended family members from the States side. Pray also for peace in the midst of grieving and concerns for our extended unbelieving family members.
5. At this week’s meeting, the National KEC youth committees will finalize the location for the annual national youth camp which is scheduled for Nov. 14-16. Depending on the location, there will be a lot of preparations to be done before the conference/camp takes place. Pray for unity among the youth committees.

The Poipet's monthly leadership class

Thank you so much for your on-going prayers and financial support toward the Alliance Great Commission Fund. Your generous support enables us to remain serving in this part of the world shining the Light of Jesus and sharing the Message of Hope in Jesus to the Khmer people. We are grateful for your partnership in the Cambodian ministries. Please share with us what God is doing in your life.

Blessings,

Soeuth & Syna

June Update 2024

 Dear Faithful Supporting Friend and Family,

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” Romans 12:15

“I Have Decided to Follow Preah Yea-Sue…”

As shared in our last blog, Soeuth’s mother passed away to her eternal home on May 12th. While the grief was still deep and raw, the extended Lao family went through another major crisis, this time with Soeuth’s younger sister, Moum, who died on May 31st of pancreatic cancer. She was 57 years old. Although Moum had prayed to receive Jesus in the late evening of April 9th (the same day when she first received the shocking medical report about her sickness), we had no idea about how sincere her new found faith would be until we heard the testimonies shared by her own children and granddaughter at Moum’s funeral, a few weeks later…  A brief version of her story as told by her family was that shortly after accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior, Moum returned to Siem Reap. She began to settle down her house and family in order before going off to Thailand for further treatments. The night before she left for Bangkok, in a quiet family gathering, Moum told her three adult children and their spouses including her three granddaughters, “I have taken the faith of my brother (referring to Soeuth). I have decided to follow Preah Yea-Sue, just like my brother and his wife did. When I die, I will go straight to heaven. We can see each other again, but first, you must also believe in Jesus.”  That was her last testament and the last memory that the family had of her. Moum went straight from her hospital bed in Bangkok to her new mansion in heaven. At her request, the family did a Christian funeral which was well attended by many Christians from the northwest region. A few days after the funeral when we visited the grieving family, we had the honor of leading two members of Moum’s family to receive Jesus…

Christians showed support at a family funeral

“There is Power in That Name!”

On May 28th, we were invited by Pheap, a believing lady from Firm Foundation Alliance church, to visit one of her sick relatives, who was suddenly diagnosed with a terminal liver cancer. The patient was an elderly man, a prominent figure who was well known and respected by the community. Feeling devastated by the shocking discovery of his sickness, his anxious family, following their Buddhist traditions, spent most of their savings seeking helps from modern medicines as well as from traditional local witch doctors, but to no avail. The purpose of this visit was to give support and encouragement to the grieving family. Standing by their front door on the appointed day, we heard strange commotions and screaming noises from inside the house! 

As we entered the house, there were a dozen of people including a Buddhist priest and two Buddhist nuns already sitting by the patient bedside performing some strange religious rituals-- chanting and sprinkling some strange liquid on the patient. Feeling awkward, we reluctantly entered the house and sat quietly in the back while watching the strange practices being done onto this dying man. Suddenly, the man arose violently and screamed loudly “Help! Help! They are coming after me!” Everyone was bewildered. The room suddenly was filled with chaotic and confusion as the chanting got louder and the sprinkling of water kept going on. Not sure how to respond, we began praying silently for the man. From previous visits, Pheap had shared the Gospel to this man before, but he had never made any decision. At this visit, however, as the screams got louder, the volume of the chanting also increased. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Pheap shouted, “In the Name of Preah Yea-Sue, I command you, evil spirits, to come out of my uncle!” Suddenly, the man stopped screaming. Conscious of what was going on, panic and fear were visibly evidenced on his face. The man turned his face toward our direction and pleaded, “Please help me! I don’t want to go to hell. I believe in Preah Yea-Sue now. Please show me the way to Him." At his request, Pheap took the honor of leading her uncle to Jesus, in the hearing of all those religious people in the who were presence in the house. Afterward, there were soft whispers among the other visitors saying, “There is Power in that Name!” 

Sadly, a few days after that home visit, the man died peacefully in his sleep. When we visited the family during a religious Buddhist funeral a week later, his wife assured us, “I want you to know that my husband believed in your Preah Yea-sue until his last breath."

Pheap and Soeuth praying for a dying man

Other dates and events needing your prayers…

1. May 21, we had a leadership workshop in Sen Chey village where 43 people participated. In addition to the workshop, there were opportunities for people to share what people had seen God at work in their lives. One man shared, “After 38 years of trying to quit smoking on my own terms, I was completely defeated. But when I fully surrendered my life to Preah Yea-Sue, He helped me. I have not smoked a single cigarette for the past three months!”  

   

   43 people participated in a recently leadership workshop

   
   
2. The result of prolonged drought had significantly damaged crops and added financial stresses to the church families. There were few sprinkles of rains here and there but not enough water to restore the damaged crops. The church leaders are anticipating a severe food shortage this year. May God have mercy on the poor and need. Pray for wisdom as we seek ways to help meets some of their needs. 

   

   Damaged crops resulted from prolonged drought

   
   
3. June 28-30, we will be traveling with three members of the National Youth Committees to Rattanakiri province for a regional youth conference. It’s a 9-hour driving each way. Pray for safety on road trips and for a good outcome of the conference.
4. July 10: there will be a regrouping meeting among the key church leaders for the northern region.  Pray for our church leaders to have a passionate heart of Jesus to seek and to serve those who are lost and without hope.
5. In the past few months, our family experienced a long season of losses and grieves. We were grateful for the love and support that the Body of Christ lovingly demonstrated to us in so many tangible ways. We grieved but with an assurance hope that we will see our loved ones again-- because of Jesus.

With a grateful heart,

Soeuth & Syna

May Update 2024

 Dear Faithful Supporters, 

We apologize for the delayed updates. A lot has happened since our last updates. Below are a few events taking place…

Regional Conference…

March 28-29: The Peyope (the northwest) District had their regional conference at Svey Sisophon where 180 people participated. During the business session, a number of church leaders gave encouraging ministry reports showing they were on the right track for becoming healthy churches. Seven new members were elected for Regional Church Committees (RCC) at this conference, followed by a joyful celebration for five newly ordained Alliance pastors for the region.

Seven newly elected members of the Regional Church Committees (RCC)

Khmer New Year & Easter Celebration…

April 7: Since the holidays happened so close to one another, we invited the Toul Prich village church families and the construction workers (workers for the library) for a BBQ cook out in a traditional celebration for Khmer New Year and Easter celebration. Before the meal, Soeuth shared a brief evangelism message (his specific target audience was for the workers who were mostly not yet believers) about our hope in the Resurrected Christ. At the end of the day, two workers prayed to receive Jesus!

Two construction workers received Jesus on Khmer New Year and Easter celebrations

                                                            A Reason for Hope…

April 9th, late in the evening, we received a call from family members urging us to visit and comfort Moum, Soeuth’s sister, who had just received a shocking medical report that she had pancreatic cancer. After long hours of sitting in silence, Syna felt led to share the reason for hope in Jesus, not just to Moum specifically, but also in the hearing of seven other family members. Around 11:30 pm, Moum prayed to receive Jesus as her LORD and Savior! The next morning before she left for Thailand for further medical evaluation, Syna gave Moum a copy of the New Testament with an instruction on where to begin reading…

Moum's grand daughter received Jesus at the funeral

            Visiting Churches on the West Coast…

On April 10, we left for America as planned to visit and speak at church conferences on the west coast. We also had a brief family reunion with our youngest son, Jonathan, and with some of Syna’s relatives. Our plan was to spend a few days of quality time with Syna’s family in Washington State before returning to Cambodia. However, due to a family emergency at the homeland, our time was abruptly cut short. In a haste, we made traveling plans via a different route back to Cambodia on April 24; we left ten days early.  God’s timing was good. Soeuth was able to spend quality time with his dying mother in Batthambang province before she went home to be with Jesus on May 12th…

A brief family reunion with Jonathan

Brief family reunion in Washington State

Seeds Planted at the Funeral…

On May 12th at 5 am., we received a call from the family that Soeuth’s mother, aged 87, went to her eternal home with Jesus. Because we live six hours-drive away, and most of Soeuth’s immediate family were not believers, we contacted a few key church leaders of the area to start making funeral arrangements until we arrived. By the time we arrived after 1:30 pm, at least 80 members of local Alliance church families came to support Soeuth’s family. Upon the family’s requests, we had a four-day funeral with two services for each day, a total of 8 evangelism messages spoken by local pastors. This was the second Christian funeral ever done in the village. (The first Christian funeral was in July 1998-- for Soeuth’s father). 

Seeds were planted at a family funeral

The Body of Christ demonstrated love and support at a family funeral

Local unbelieving villagers and relatives were speculating and wondering what a Christian funeral would be like. To everyone’s amazement, the Body of Christ demonstrated their tremendous love and support for the grieving family. Every Khmer traditional hymnal song sang and every evangelical message spoken by different Alliance pastors were being broadcasted loudly in the hearing of the entire community. Every service was well attended by the local believers. Many believers went “the extra mile” to show their love and support for the family… By the end of the funeral, two of Soeuth’s nieces prayed to receive Jesus and a number of his extended relatives asked deep and insightful questions about Jesus, one of them was a Buddhist priest! We’d already made appointments with these individuals for follow-up visits. The seed was planted.

Other Events needing your prayers…

1. Between May 11-14th: there were so many tragic incidents that happened among local villagers where we live (most of whom were not believers). Recently, a young couple was recently struck by lightning and died instantly, leaving behind three small children, aged 2 and 9; another family lost 8 adult cows to the same lightning incident. Two days later, another lost their 17 years old son to a tragic motorbike accident. The young man was at the top of his class for grade 12. He was a beloved friend to our church youth. During these dark times, the Light of Jesus showed its best through the love and support from local Christians who attended the funeral and demonstrated love to their neighbors in many tangible ways…
2. Although we were grateful for a few sprinkles of rain showers here and there (which also lower down the heat), the prolonged droughts and prolonged heat waves continue to put heavy tolls on local farmers whose livelihood as plantation and rice farmers depend entirely on rain waters. Most farmers grow fields of cassavas (potato like roots) for a living. Upon harvest time recently, many farmers were shocked to discover their cassavas were completely baked and destroyed underneath the hot soil. Some farmers lost thousands of cashew trees, orange trees, and other fruit trees because of the extreme heat in the last few months. These trees took 5-7 years before they produced fruits; farmers were expecting to harvest their first fruits when the droughts came…
3.  Lately, we have heard of and witnessed too many tragic incidents and deaths resulting from traffic accidents, especially among local students. In response to the needs, in partnership with three local public schools, we donated some funds for purchasing supplies while the teachers donated their time and built barricade items to block off traffic which would allow students to cross the streets safely. In a small tangible way, thanks to your financial generous support to the Alliance Mission, we are making a meaningful and impactful presence among the local community. 

   

   A meaningful impact full presence within the community
   
   

Please share with us what God is doing in your life. As always, thank you for your partnership in the northern Cambodian ministry. Because of your support in prayers and through finance, we are able to continue serving among the Khmer community sharing the message of hope to lost people in this dark part of the world.

With a grateful heart,

Soeuth & Syna Lao

March Update (Part 2) 2024

Dear Friend and Family,

Christ is Risen! 

We trust that all is well with you. Cambodia is at the peak of a hot season with an average daily temperature of 98.6 F or 37 C and 70%-80% humidity. In addition to the extreme heat waves, we also face ongoing threats of wild fire. For some reason, local farmers burned off the dry grass from rice paddies as they wait for the rainy season (early May) and in preparation for the next rice planting season (July & August). The heat is intense, but it is the best time for mouth-watering, juicy, and yummy sweet mangoes. The hotter the season is, the tastier the mangoes are…

Enjoying a season of juicy mangoes

Our pet, Candy, enjoying a cool bath

Poipet’s Leadership Class…

With all the busy schedules we had, Poipet’s monthly leadership classes were postponed a few times and had just resumed on March 16. On the appointed time, 37 representatives from eight other Alliance churches from Poipet areas showed for class! Everyone was excited not just to study the Word of God, but also to fellowship with other believers. One of the main reasons for this monthly class is to allow opportunities for church members and lay-leaders to come together in fellowship, be supportive, and be an encouragement to one another. On a weekly basis, everyone does his or her own ministry at his or her various assigned ministry responsibilities. During these monthly gatherings, we often had opportunities to learn about and help church leaders to find solutions for various church issues. Recently, resulting from miscommunications and misunderstanding, some members were leaving the fellowship. Please pray for unity among the church families in Poipet. Pray also for discernment on our part as facilitators/ advisors for the northwest regional KEC churches. 

37 people showed for Poipet's monthly class

Anlong Veng (AV) Team’s Prayer Retreat…

March 7-9: After a long exhausting busy season (November to March) of ministries, the AV team enjoyed a few days of fun activities and relaxing times visiting various places in Siem Reap. To stay on budget and maximize our time, we left Anlong Veng early on a Thursday morning, drove two hours to Kulen Water Fall in Siem Reap Province, enjoyed a delicious pack- from- home lunch picnic in a rented gazebo, and played board games. After a fun afternoon of swimming in the cool waterfall, we continued to spend two nights in Siem Reap. While in Siem Reap, we visited and swam in the Barai Lake, rode in rented boat around the lake, and visited a Bontey Srey (meaning Women’s temple) we were heading back home to Anlong Veng. Everyone had a wonderful time…

Heng's daughters had fun at the AV's prayer retreat

Anlong Veng team's prayer retreat

The KEC National Women Conference in Poipet…

Every two year, the KEC/ National Alliance Women hold a two-day women retreat at various locations. On the average, about 450 women participated the conference, because it was one of the most anticipated events for the KEC church. However, with the interruption of Covid- 19 pandemic, most of the large group gatherings had been postponed. This year, the women conference resumed and the Living Water Alliance Church in Poipet was the chosen location. As days approached, the women committees anticipated that only 550 people would attend, based on the responses received from the participants. On the appointed day, however, nearly 900 people (including children, drivers of buses, and vehicles) showed up! It was chaotic and stressful time for the committees as they struggled to find enough food to feed everyone including finding tents, hotel rooms and other accommodations. Praise God, in the end. God provided all the details of our needs; and everyone had an amazing time fellowshipping with one another…

Village ladies traveling to the women conference

874 ladies participated in KEC National Women Conference!

Dates & Events needing your prayers…

1. In our last blog, we shared about Noeu’s new found faith in Christ. She continues to trust Him in spite of battling with ongoing sickness. She has a tremendous love for God and LOVES to pray! During a weekly small-group Bible studies, everyone was amazed at her boldness and sense of maturity in her faith as she presented her requests to the Living God. Those in the group seemed to agree, “She was having a deep conversation with God, like no one else was in the room!” Although she is a new believer, Noeu’s faith is an inspiration to everyone at church. 

   

   Noeu, seating in the middle, front row, praying at church.

   
   
2. Please pray for rains. Some families already ran out of water supplies. It was expected for this time of the year, but lately the heat was unbearable at time. Everything around us is scorching and dry.
3. March 28-30: The Peoyope (northwest) regional district conference will be held in Svey Sisophon. Soeuth will be one of the key note speakers for the conference. There will be an election/appointment for a new district leader and for new church committee leaders at this conference. Pray for unity among the leaders. Pray also that God will raise up Godly leaders to oversee the churches in the region.
4. April 5-6: The National KEC youth committees will have the next quarterly meeting in Phnom Penh. Pray for wisdom and visions for the youth workers to see the big picture for the National KEC youth ministry.
5. April 10-May 2: We will be visiting three Alliance churches in the west coast for mission conferences and speaking events. Pray that our messages will be presented clearly, meaningful, and impactful for the expansion of the kingdom of God in Cambodia and around the world. We hope to have some quality family time.
6. Rithy and Kristie Ty, and their two small children, our teammates in Anlong Veng, have been battling with health crisis, one sickness after another, since early February. 
7. Our Anlong Veng team has been busy getting bookshelves and books for our newly built library. We received some donated books (mostly in English) and a few laptops stocked up for the students, while the ordered Khmer books are expected to arrive at the end of March. Everyone is very excited about this brand-new library, the only library in Anlong Veng! As students come to read books in the library, pray that we will have the opportunity to share the reason for our faith with and to them. 

   

   Anlong Veng's brand new library is now open to the public!

THANK YOU for your faithful prayers and your support for the Anlong Veng and for northern Cambodia. Because of your partnership through financial support and through prayers, we are able to continue serving more effectively reaching lost people for Christ. Christ came, died on the cross, and rose again on the third day to give us life through faith in Him.

Because He lives,

Soeuth & Syna