November Update 2025

 Dear Praying Friend & Family,

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1 NIV)

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we give thanks to God for His protection over our lives, especially during our weekly visits to churches. We are grateful for the ways He protected the Khmer people from harm during the past few months, when they faced uncertainties, especially those residing along the borders. We also appreciate the ways He protected those affected by the severe flood and how He came to their aid through the hands and feet of Jesus…

Updates on Border Tensions…

As shared with you about the border tensions that took place in July, many villagers residing along the northwestern regions of Cambodia had to be evacuated a few times for fear of their safety. Even at this writing, we learned that there were still shooting incidents in three remote villages, resulting in one person dying and three casualties. As a result, villagers missed out on the annual opportunity for planting crops (rice), especially during the rainy season (June, July, and August). Typically, November and December are rice harvesting seasons. However, due to the impact of the wars, some families have no crops to harvest this year. Villagers from the Anlong Veng and Preah Vihear regions are concerned about where to find food to feed their families. Some church members were forced to leave home to find work in distant provinces. Some families reluctantly sent their older children to attend school in the cities or in another province. As a result, church attendance dropped significantly. It is a hard time for all, especially a testing time for the new believers. Some have cried out, “What is God up to?” And "Where is God in all of this?” In the midst of uncertainties, however, we also take joy in learning that small groups continue to meet every week, despite limited attendance. In times of crisis, Christians continue to live a Christ-centered lifestyle by loving God and their neighbors in many tangible ways. Christians, also known as the “Jesus People,” were willing to share their food supplies and personal resources with the needy who live among them. As a result, villagers are curious and willingly coming to church every week to find out what’s going on in the house of God…

Home group meetings remain even in the midst of uncertainty

Church service in Anlong Veng

Villagers fled for safety

Youth fellowship at the Firm Foundation Library

Updates on the Flooding…

We are thankful for modern technologies, which enable us to stay in touch with our dear friends in Cambodia even while we are on home assignment ministry in the US. Even amidst the raging floods, families living among the floating villages are trying to resume their “normal” life, earning income from fishery work. We were thankful that no harm or drowning incident took place. According to the recent report, water levels remain high as expected for this time of the year…

Flood water resistant high...

 

Dates and events needing your prayers…

1. Even in the midst of uncertainty, churches along the borders are planning activities for the Christmas celebrations, trusting God for provision and protection.
2. Please continue to pray for the flood victims and the poor villagers residing along the border. Pray for peace, safety, protection, and provision for those in need.
3. We continue to be busy traveling to visit churches every week. It has been a busy but productive fall tour. We are grateful for the opportunities to share with supporting churches about what God is doing in Cambodia and around the world. At the time of writing, we have four more churches to visit before completing our fall tours. We look forward to having a few weeks of rest before the spring tour begins on January 7, 2026.
4. Since our immediate family is scattered around the world (Justin and family in the Middle East, Jonathan in Hawaii, Soeuth’s family in Cambodia, Syna’s family on the West Coast), we plan to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends in Long Island, NY. However, we are excited that our youngest son, Jonathan, will be joining us on the East Coast to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

We give thanks to God for you, dear friend, for your love and support in the growing Cambodian ministries. We are grateful for and appreciate your partnership in our efforts to bring All of Jesus to All the World through your prayers and financial support to the Alliance Great Commission Funds, which enables us to continue serving in Cambodia, bringing the message of Hope in Jesus to lost people. Please share with us what God is doing in your life.

 

With a grateful heart,

 Soeuth & Syna Lao