June Update 2026

Dear Faithful Supporter and Friend,

Warm greetings from Cambodia! We are back in Anlong Veng and are still trying to readjust to the tropical climate and daily lifestyle. Seemed like it was just yesterday when we left the US, but so many things have happened between our last update and now...

Ezra Jayce Lao…

First of all, our 4th and youngest grandchild, Ezra Jayce Lao, was born on June 1st at 11:49 pm, weighing 8 pounds and 4 ounces. A few hours before leaving America, we were able to FaceTime with Justin and Katie and to watch Ezra on the screen. Unless God has another plan in mind, otherwise, we will wait until after June 2029 before we can meet and hold him…

Ezra Jayce Lao born at 11:49pm at 8lbs 4 ounces.

An Angel Behind The Check-in Counter…

At noon time on June 2nd, we loaded up six suitcases, two carry-on bags, and two knapsacks and headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. As a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East, we changed our return tickets three different times. The latest tickets allowed only two check-in bags per passenger, but we collected extra ministry supplies to bring back, which then exceeded the baggage allowance. We were prepared to pay for the extra baggage fees at the airport counter, but God sent us an angel in disguise. At the check-in counter, we met a very pleasant and kind-hearted young lady who was processing our tickets. After a few pleasantries and learning about our line of work and the reasons for our travels, she excused herself and went to the office, leaving us waiting at the counter. A short while later, she returned with a radiant smile, saying that all six of our bags would be delivered from Newark Airport to Cambodia, free of charge!

Loading up the suitcases and heading for the airport...

A Divine Opportunity at Seat #42H…

At 12:50 am on June 3rd, waiting by the gate in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for our second connecting flight to Taipei, we spotted an exhausted young mother, 35 years old, with her six-year-old daughter sitting on the bench across from us looking tired and weary. We were all anxious to get in the plane so we could sleep during the next 13-hour flight. Too exhausted to carry on a conversation, I (Syna) could only nod and exchange a weak smile with the young mother sitting across from us… 

At 6:30 am on June 4, sitting by the gate in Taiwan, waiting for yet another connecting flight to our final destination, Cambodia, we saw the same mother-daughter, the two weary travelers heading toward the same gate! Sensing a given opportunity, I initiated a friendly conversation and invited them to sit beside us. The little girl, Monica, spoke English fluently, but “Mary” the mother, felt more comfortable conversing in the Khmer language. Besides her carry-on bag, Mary was carrying a small bundle carefully wrapped in a red-and-white checkered Krama, a traditional Cambodian scarf. When Mary sat down next to me, she seemed to pay extra attention to the small bundle, placing it gently on her lap and holding it close to her heart. 

A divine opportunity: Meeting Mary and Monica at the airport

As the casual conversations continued, I sensed that something was troubling this young mom. “Lord, please give me words of wisdom on how to meet her need,” I whispered a prayer and then asked, “What is in the Krama you are holding?” Mary took her time before answering me, quietly and softly said, “It’s my late husband’s ashes.” With that, the tears of sorrow that she had been bottling up in her heart seemed to burst forth and flowed freely down her cheeks. Seeing her tears, I reached out and gave her a hug holding her still for a long time, letting her cry uncontrollably in my warm embrace... From what was shared, I learned that Mary, was in an arranged marriage to her husband, a Cambodian-American immigrant living in Missouri. After their traditional Cambodian wedding in March 2020, her husband returned to the States to work at a donut shop, while Mary remained in Cambodia, waiting for legal and travel documents. A short time later, Mary joined her husband and adjusted to her new life in a foreign land with the help of her husband. Sadly, in May 2024, her husband died suddenly of colon cancer, leaving behind a destitute widow, Mary, with a small child alone with no Cambodian community nearby, and no relatives to help… This was her first trip back to her homeland, bringing her late husband’s ashes to be buried at his birthplace… Listening to her sad story, I was able to share with Mary the hope in Jesus. Felt led by the Holy Spirit, I said, “Your story is very similar to that of a young woman mentioned in my Bible. Do you want to hear about it?” Mary nodded. At her agreement, I briefly told her the story of Ruth and Naomi. Before we parted, I asked if I could pray for her. She agreed… When it was time to board the plane, I sat in an aisle seat, Seat #42H. A few minutes later, there came Mary and Monica, sitting in seats 42J and 42K, leaving just an aisle space between Mary’s seat and my seat! After a moment of roaring laughter, I told Mary, “This was not just a coincidence. It was God’s arrangement for us to meet.” Mary agreed. Feeling more at ease, Mary asked, “Can you tell me more about that lady named Ruth?” I did. During the next 3 hours and 40 minutes flight, we talked off and on about life, faith, and God’s plans for our lives. Afterward, we exchanged contact information and parted ways at the baggage claim. Sadly, Mary did not make any decision about faith but promised to stay connected…

Dates & Events Needing Your Prayers…

1. On June 5th, while staying at the Alliance Family Home in Phnom, we had a meal fellowship with some young people and their families, whom we knew from our 13 years of ministries in Poipet between 2003 and 2016. Most of them came to us during their teenage years, between 14 and 19. They all went to Poipet to look for jobs at the casinos or border market, but ended up living in terrible conditions and unsafe places. In response to the needs, we began a youth ministry, soccer ministry, and beyond. We also opened our home as a dormitory to some at-risk girls. We became their surrogate and spiritual parents on the spot. As time went by, after they met their future spouses, we counseled and married them, and even dedicated their babies. Today, these young people are in their 30s and 40s, and many of them are still faithfully walking with and serving God in various capacities using their gifts and talents in their designated community. Those who live or work in the capital city came to welcome us with a Cambodian meal.  Altogether, 18 of them came! 

   

   A reunion with the Poipet young people

   
   
2. On June 7th, we drove 9 hours from the capital city toward Anlong Veng. As we drove closer toward the border towns, we noticed that many homes and shops along the main roads were abandoned, with front doors and gates locked. Many people who fled their hometowns because of border tensions have not yet returned. Those who have the means have already uprooted their families to live in Siem Reap or other provinces far away from conflict zones. Because of the frequent evacuations, most homes were surrounded by overgrown tall grass and unkempt yards, and our place was included. We are grateful to be able to move into the same home, but the place needs a lot of cleaning and repairs.
3. On June 8th, after returning from grocery shopping at a local wet market, we noticed that a motorbike was following closely behind our truck. As soon as we pulled into the front gate, the same motorbike driver, who happened to be the chief of police, arrived as well! He said, “I saw your truck and wanted to stop by to see you. Welcome home! It is so nice to have you back in town.” After a few pleasantries, he updated us on what had taken place and what to expect. Afterward, he asked if we could contribute a color printing machine for use at the post office. We agreed. Culturally, at any event where the gift(s) were presented, local authorities often gave us a few minutes to address the recipients. Since they all know that we are “the Jesus People” (Christians), we were not ashamed to tell all the more about His Name… 

   

   Upon request, we donated a color printer at the Anlong Veng Police Post Office

   
   
4. On June 10th, we began making rounds to visit different church sites and homes, one village at a time. The first visit we made was to Koakspean village, in Sarmong City, Odar Meanchey province, about 90 kilometers away from Anlong Veng. This area was severely affected by the December Thailand-Cambodia war, where multiple bombs were dropped, resulting in a few damaged homes, a bridge, and some parts of a local school. We were able to stop by one of the refugee camps in Samrong. Their living conditions are very sad…
5. After visiting Koakspean, we drove an hour more toward Siem Reap province to visit a little girl whom we all love dearly, Sarah, who is fighting for her life at the Children's Hospital. On May 18th, 8-year-old Sarah showed breathing complications, and she was rushed to the children's hospital in Siem Reap for an enlarged heart. Even after an open-heart surgery on May 20th, Sarah’s prognosis was bleak. Since the major operation on that dreadful day, Sarah had been readmitted to the ICU repeatedly. Her family was told to prepare for the worst. Little Sarah, who loves Jesus dearly, knows that she will be with Him when she dies. Her mother, Pheap, and her older sister, Rosa, are strong believers and members of the Firm Foundation Alliance church in Toul Prich. Recently, Sarah told her father, Saron, “I know where I am going after I die. I will be in heaven with Preah Yea-sue. If you want to see me again, you must believe in God as I do.” Unless the Lord steps in and performs a miraculous healing in Sarah’s life, we anticipate holding the first Christian funeral in Anlong Veng for Little Sarah in the near future… 

   

   A reunion at the Koakspean church
   
   

   

   Visiting a refugee camp at Samrong

   
   
6. On Sunday June 14th, we attended a church service at the Firm Foundation Alliance church in Toul Prich. It was great to see our dear friends again. Knowing that we were back in town, many village kids waited by our front gate hoping to get a ride with us to church…

   

   14 village kids hopped into our truck for a ride to church!

   
   
7. On June 15th, we met with the principals from the three local schools with which we are partnering to discuss ministry opportunities that we can help their students thrive academically. The effects of border tensions/war had significantly impacted their ability to study. In response to the need, we are partnering with Healing Distress Organization to conduct a two-day workshop for teachers and local authorities, scheduled for August 14th to 15th. 

   

   Meeting with the school principals to discuss a future trauma healing worship

8. We are grateful for the opportunity to return to Anlong Veng for another three-year ministry, but coming home involved mixed feelings. Many of our dear friends went through so many hardships during our one-year absence. We rejoice for the families who chose to remain faithful and resilient in their spiritual journeys, trusting God even in difficult times. Our return to Anlong Veng brought encouragement and support to local believers. Please continue to pray for us for wisdom and daily discernment as we meet people where they are, in an effort to share the message of Hope in Jesus with those without hope.

Our first Sunday back in Anlong Veng

We are grateful for all your prayers and support. Thank you for your partnership in the Cambodian ministries. 

If you desire to support us financially, please click here. Under "Select Your Gift" type "Soeuth and Syna Lao." Your generous financial donation enables us to continue serving in Cambodia, sharing the message of Hope in Jesus with those who are lost there.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email us at jjsblaos@gmail.com or contact us via WhatsApp (Syna: +855 88 226 5013; Soeuth: +855 12 508 713).

With a grateful heart,

Soeuth & Syna