August Update 2026

Dear Praying Friend and Family,

Warm greetings from Anlong Veng. We trust you and your family are doing well. The rainy season in Cambodia continues at its peak, with heavy rain falling 2-3 times a day… Last month, we shared a few prayer requests with you. The stories below are testimonies of how God answered your prayers…

                                                                    Field Forum…

First of all, we had an amazing time in fellowship with other International Workers at our annual Field Forum in Kep Province. Due to transitions with every family, either returning to the States or Canada for home assignment or returning to the field after an extended leave, some families we had not seen in almost three years! It took us 14 hours to get there from Anlong Veng! Because of the distance, we stopped overnight in Kampong Thom Province. Although the long car rides to and from were a challenge, having a blessed time of fellowship with other workers was worth the trip. Sadly, shortly before and throughout the Field Forum, Syna was under the weather with cold-like symptoms that persisted for the next few weeks. As soon as Syna’s health was improving, it was Soeuth’s turn. We both still suffer dry, itchy coughs from time to time. (These symptoms seemed to spread among the local villagers). Other than that, we are doing okay, by the grace of God. Appreciate your prayers for our health.

Everyone enjoyed team building activities at Field Forum

More team building activities 

        Trauma Healing Workshops in Poipet…

August 11-13: In partnership with the Healing Distress Organization, a local nonprofit, we held a 2.5-day Christian-based trauma-healing workshop at the Living Water Alliance church in Poipet, attended by 37 church leaders. The workshops not only provided information on how to deal with emotional wounds, but they also allowed people opportunities to reflect on painful past experiences, revisit and identify hidden emotional wounds, and find ways to heal through sharing and trusting in the Word of God. The participants were taught how to be good listeners. After careful instructions, participants were encouraged to share their deep wounds with another trusted partner. As a result, there was not a dry eye in the room! It was evident that everyone suffered deep emotional wounds and longed for their stories to be heard, but they were not given the opportunity. For fear of losing face, going against cultural norms, and/or grappling with honor vs. shame, people, instead of expressing what had happened, kept bottling up their emotions and past wounds deep in their hearts and souls, becoming prisoners of their past… Overall, everyone who participated in the workshops expressed deep gratitude for these timely seminars.

37 people participated in the trauma healing workshops in Poipet

Trauma healing workshops in Poipet

        A Shocking Discovery...

Aug 13: Immediately after the Poipet workshops, we rushed back to Anlong Veng in order to get things ready for another workshop in Anlong Veng, the next day. Normally, there are a few 3-hour drive routes we can travel between Anlong Veng and Poipet. On this particular day, we decided to take the route through the border area, where intense battles took place during last year’s border conflicts. To our dismay, we were shocked to discover that the same road that was once busy with farmers and travelers had become a desolate place had become a ghost town! Instead of seeing farmers busy driving their tractors, trailers, wagons, and motorbikes as in the year before, there were hardly any people nearby this time. As we kept driving along the road, we noticed trenches and bunkers with armed Khmer soldiers standing guard. The bunkers with armed soldiers were set up along the road facing Thailand at intervals of 30-50 meters apart. As we kept driving onward, there was visible evidence of ruined homes, school buildings, Buddhist temples, gas stations, clinic buildings, bridges, and many, many valuable buildings that were either completely destroyed or severely damaged by the bombs! We also noticed Thai national flags planted and raised inside Cambodia, about 2 kilometers from the border! It was infuriating to see these foreign flags inappropriately erected inside Cambodia! Seeing these devastating sites, our hearts ached for the farmers who lost their precious homes and properties along these border towns. May God bring justice for the poor and the oppressed.

Bridges completely destroyed by bombs during the last year’s border conflict

Trenches, bunkers with armed soldiers along the border roads

    Trauma Healing Workshops in Anlong Veng…

August 14-15: The same Trauma healing team also conducted a 1.5-day workshop at the Firm Foundation Alliance church in Anlong Veng, with 52 people participating. Because the majority of participants were not yet believers, the workshops were designed accordingly with strong emphasis on working with children and teens dealing with their emotional wounds.  Among these attendees were an assistant district leader for Anlong Veng, 3 school principals, 37 school teachers, two village leaders, and 9 members from the Firm Foundation Alliance church. The entire workshop was resourceful, engaging, and informative, with a lively atmosphere. As was done in Poipet, every participant in Anlong Veng had the opportunity to find a trustworthy partner and take turns sharing their past wounds with another person. The sharing time was moving, and they all requested extra time for this session. As in Poipet, people longed for their stories to be heard, but they were not given the opportunity until this workshop. At the end of the workshop, after a few people shared their testimonies and expressed their appreciation and gratitude, Soeuth asked if he could pray for all the participants. They all agreed. Though most of them had not professed faith in Jesus, soft cries could be heard during the lengthy heartfelt prayers. Before everyone departed, we exchanged contact information with an invitation, “Come and give Jesus a try. See what He can do in your life…”

52 people participated in the trauma healing workshops in Anlong Veng

Trauma healing seminar amongst school teachers

School teachers and Anlong Veng’s official leaders prayed after the trauma healing workshops

Other dates and events needing your prayers…

1. On August 16, 4-6:30 pm: We had a monthly village kid fellowship at our house. Most of these children come from severely dysfunctional and abusive families. Many of them live with grandparents or extended family because their parents are divorced, remarried, and are busy caring for their new families, leaving their children from the first marriage, small as they are, under the care of close or extended relatives. As a result, most of the children coming to our monthly ship often feel neglected, unwanted, and uncared for by their own parents. Many preteens and teenagers were forced to take on the responsibility of caring for their younger siblings. During these monthly fellowships, we sought to create opportunities for kids to enjoy games and food fellowship while spending time with their peers. Syna spent the entire Sunday afternoon cooking sausage-and-egg fried rice and baking banana muffins for everyone. When the food was served, most kids returned for their second, third, and even fourth serving! Overall, 46 children, ages 2-16, joyfully participated in this monthly kids fellowship. 

   

   Children enjoying fried rice at the kids fellowship

   
   

   

   46 children participated in the monthly kids fellowship

   
   
   Two year old boys had fun with an arm wrestling match
   Children enjoying relay games at the recent fellowship
2. August 28: Pastors/wives workshop among church leaders in Poipet village.
3. August 10-11: The 12^th students took their end-of-the-year final exams. 9 young people from the Firm Foundation Alliance took the 12th-grade exams and are now eagerly and anxiously awaiting the results…
4. After the final exams, the students have a long summer break, mid- August to the end of October. Taking advantage of these long school breaks, church leaders and youth workers in the northwest region are planning various youth activities for young people to fellowship. Sept. 5: a youth rally in Siem Reap; Sept. 19: a youth rally and soccer fellowship in Koaspean village; Oct 1-3: A rally & cooking contest at Anlong Veng…
5. Sept 10: The Cambodian aXcess International Workers will meet in the city to discuss plans and strategies to help the Khmer Evangelical Church (KEC) thrive beyond missionaries exiting…
6. Sept 21: A Theological Education by Extension (TEE) workshop in Svey Sisophon.

7.     Through frequent communication with key church leaders, we learned that although refugees who fled their homes and have been residing in refugee camps were encouraged to return to their hometowns, many families are still hesitant to go back for fear of uncertainties. Using funds that some of you have generously donated toward the “Restoration Refugees in NW Cambodia” project, we were able to purchase rice, food supplies, large plastic sheets, medicines, and other household supplies to distribute among the refugee families. On behalf of these needy families, THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for your continual partnership in the growing Cambodian ministries. We are grateful for your prayers and your sacrificial financial donation toward the Alliance Great Commission Funds, which enable us to continue serving in northern Cambodia, sharing the message of Hope in Jesus to lost people in Cambodia and around the world. Please share with us what God is doing in your life.

With a grateful heart,

Syna & Soeuth 

July Update 2026

Dear Praying Friend and Family,

Happy rainy season! Cambodia is at the peak of the rainy and monsoon season! Almost every day, we experience pouring rains accompanied by strong winds from all directions. Recently, we left home on an errand, forgot to close the windows, and got caught in a rainstorm. Upon arrival, we had a few inches of rainwater flooding inside the entire house! Praise God, besides a few wet items, nothing much was damaged… It has been over a month since we landed back in Anlong Veng. As we continued making rounds to visit villages and families affected by the December war, we learned about stories of how God provided and protected His children in many tangible ways. Here are a few of the stories…

More Than We Asked or Imagined…

Recently, while visiting a family on the outskirts of Anlong Veng, and after receiving and enjoying the warm hospitality of a home-cooked meal, we asked the head of the family, Mr. Oan, aged 63, to tell us more about his faith journey. Oan told us that in June 2019, while living in another province with his wife and six children, a friend shared the news about Jesus with him, but he was not excited and only showed mild interest thinking that Jesus was just another god. Although most Khmer people called themselves Buddhists, they often worship other idols or spirit beings; their rationale is “the more gods, the better." Mr. Oan was no exception to this mindset. Oan continued with a description of his living conditions: “My family was poor beyond description.” He often went into the fields to trap field rats and other wild animals to sell them for meat and money, so he could buy rice and other food supplies for his family. 

One day, even after spending all day in the thick forest, he didn’t catch anything. His family needed food. In desperation and humility, he mustered the courage to borrow a few cups of rice from his neighbor. The mean neighbors did not share their food with Oan. Instead, they mocked him for his poverty. Oan managed to gather wild roots, some green vegetation, and enough insects to nourish his family. In desperation, Oan cried out, “Preah Yea- Sue, if you are real, please help my family." The next day, he returned to the traps he set hidden in the forest, only to discover a huge king cobra was caught in one of his traps! The snake was caught by the head but was still alive. Oan managed to bring the snake back to sell at his village. The money from selling that king cobra was more than enough to buy 50 kilograms of rice, and he even had extra to buy other food and household supplies for his family. In desperation, “I looked to my neighbors in hopes of borrowing 1 kilogram of rice, but was denied,” Oan recalled with a sad memory and then continued, “But when I turned to God for help, He gave 50 times more than I asked.” Realizing that God sees his needs and hears his cries for help, Oan began to put his complete trust in Jesus. 

Oan and his wife recalling the way God provided for his family in times of need

Through his encouragement, Oan, his wife, and six adult children, along with 8 grandchildren, became faithful followers of Jesus. Oan and his family also led about 18 other extended family members and friends to Jesus, where Oan became a shepherd for this small congregation. In March 2025, with encouragement from his oldest daughter, Oan and his wife settled on the outskirts of Anlong Veng. They hadn’t met any Christians and didn’t know about the Firm Foundation Alliance church until recently by chance Oan met a family of believers who introduced him to a local Alliance church. It was during our second Sunday service with the local Alliance church that we met Oan and his family. For the past three consecutive weeks, Oan has been attending church along with his wife and four other family members. During our recent visit to his house, we discussed the possibility of starting a small-group Bible study there...

Oan recalling how God came to his aid in a time of need

Visiting A Refugee Camp…

On July 7, we traveled for three hours with four members to visit a refugee camp where some Khmer Evangelical Church (KEC) members were among those who fled their homes during the December Thailand-Cambodia war in search of safety. About 500 refugee families have been living in makeshift tents since early December 2025! The camp, arranged by the local government, was intended as a temporary settlement until border tensions cooled. Immediately after arrival, each family received a large sheet of taupe plastic for covering, a bag of rice, and some basic necessities. Each family then gathered their own wood, sticks, and bamboo to build their temporary homes because their village hometowns were still classified as an Orange Zone—unsafe to return to. However, seven months later, these families were still not able to return home. During our visit, we noticed that the same plastic sheets the government has received since December were mostly damaged by extreme heat during the dry season and now have cracks and holes, resulting in “leaking roofs” during the rainy season. 

To make matters worse, the food rations received from the local government were lower in amount and less frequent... Normally, farmers take advantage of the rainy season by repairing fields for planting. These refugee families, however, felt trapped inside the refugee camp, not able to return home, having no other options to move forward, and wondering where to find the next meal. Those who had the means left the camp to live with extended family in other provinces, but the majority of them still remain in the camp, waiting, hoping, and longing to return home… 

After seven months of fleeing away from homes, over 500 refugee families are still living in congested makeshift tents

Soeuth shared a message of hope in Jesus to refugee families

At our visit, we gathered some believing families for a time of fellowship, worship, and prayer. We also brought vitamins, over-the-counter medications, second-hand clothing, food supplies, and plastic sheets for some families of believers. The needs were overwhelming, and obviously we could not meet everyone’s expectations. When asked how we can pray for them, everyone said in unison, “We just want to go back to our home."

Visiting this refugee camp hit us hard to the core. It brought back a déjà vu memory, especially for Syna, who had lived inside refugee camps along the Thailand-Cambodia border for almost three years (Oct. 1979 to May 1982). Seeing tents made from blue plastic tarps brought back painful memories of her past. But God, in His redemptive plans over our lives, has made us, who were once refugees, now minister to refugees of another generation, sharing the message of hope in Jesus to those who are without hope…

A family trying to repair their tent from the rain

Dates & Events needing your prayers…

1. July 19: A commission Sunday service for a young couple, Chamroeun and Kim Houn, along with their two daughters, who are answering the Call to serve as a pastoring couple among the church families in Koakspean village. Please pray for their adjustment to life, especially for Kim Houn and their two little girls… 

   

   42 school-aged children joined in the Sunday worship service at Koakspean village

   
   

   

   Chamroeun and Kimhoun along with two daughters answering the call to serve at Koakspean village

   
   
2. July 20-25: We will travel 14 hours from Anlong Veng to join the rest of our International Worker teammates for an annual field forum. Pray for a time of refreshment and renewal in spirit as we receive messages from God. This is also a time when new members of Field Leadership Teams (FLT) will be voted in for a one-year term.
3. August 10-12: Trauma-healing workshop among 30-plus church leaders at Living Water Alliance church in Poipet, northwest Cambodia.
4. August 14-15: Trauma-healing workshop among local police, school teachers, and village leaders at Firm Foundation Alliance church in Anlong Veng, northern Cambodia.
5. August 28: Pastors/leaders and wives seminar among church leaders from northern Cambodia at Popel village.
6. Sept 2: Trauma-healing workshop among school-aged children at Koakspean village, Sorong province, northern Cambodia. 

   

   School-aged children participating in prayer service at Koakspean village

   
   
7. July 5th: We resumed monthly village kids fellowship at our house, where 42 kids participated in relay games, food, fun, and fellowship… 
    42 village children participate in a monthly kids fellowship
8. Please continue to pray for daily discernment as we continue making rounds to visit families in need, especially those who were affected by the border tensions... 

   

   A KEC leader with his wife inside their makeshift tent

   
   

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Your generous and sacrificial giving to support the Alliance Great Commission Funds enables us to continue serving among the Khmer people, sharing the message of hope in Jesus with those without hope. We appreciate your partnership in Anlong Veng ministries and beyond. Please share with us what God is doing in your life; we want to pray for you as well. 

Blessings,

Soeuth & Syna

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

May Update 2026

Dear Faithful Supporters,

As we wrap things up, this is the last update we're sending you from the States for this year. It has been an exciting and productive home assignment year. Altogether, we visited and spoke at 48 different churches during this furlough year, including 9 Cambodian Evangelical Churches (CEC) on the East and West coasts. Since June of 2025, we have gone to a different church almost every weekend and have had a great time reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends, and supporters. We were grateful for the many opportunities to share with church families about the amazing work God is doing in Cambodia and around the world. We look forward to returning to another three-year term serving God among the Khmer people in northern Cambodia.

                                                           An Unexpected Email…

Recently, after we had finished packing and lifting heavy bins of all our stuff up the stairs to the storage area for residents, we received an unexpected and shocking email notifying us that the storage area would be discontinued effective July 1! On such short notice, where would we find another place to store our things for the next three years? We were getting ready to visit our son and his family in Minnesota in a few days! After a few sleepless nights filled with concerns and prayers, God led us to one of our new friends, who happened to have an extra, unused shed, a spacious place available for storage… only 15 minutes away! Even in the pouring rain, with his help, we were able to move and store away all our things in less than two hours! Our God is a Way-Maker indeed!

Visiting the Cambodian Churches…

The Cambodian church leaders prayed for our return trip to Cambodia

Moving heavy bins to a storage place

As mentioned in our April updates, Soeuth accepted additional invitations to preach at two small Cambodian Alliance congregations in north and south Philadelphia. The two churches focus mainly on the first generation, where the Khmer language is spoken. As a result, hardly any youth or young adults were present. Praise God, a family of leaders from South Philadelphia is intentionally inviting youth from the local Cambodian community to have fellowship at their home. Pray that God raise up the next generation of the Cambodian churches. In his parting message for the congregations, Soeuth encouraged the Cambodian leaders “not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…”, (Galatians 6:9).  It was very touching when the leaders called us forward to lay hands over and prayed for us as we’ll return for another missionary term in Cambodia…’                    

                                                  A Family Reunion in Minnesota…

The family’s family- minus Jonathan

Putting things into the new storage place

After the Cambodian church service in South Philly, we left for an evening flight from Philadelphia to Minneapolis, arriving late at night on May 24. Sadly, a few days before we arrived, Katie’s 87-year-old grandmother passed away to be with Jesus. The house was full of family members coming for the funeral. As a result, we stayed with kind friends in another town about 20 minutes away. These friends not only opened their hearts and home to host us, but they also let us drive their vehicle back and forth so we could visit family during the day. On our first day of reunion, Justin drove his family to visit us. With great anticipation, we anxiously stood by the front door waiting for their arrival! It was a pure joy to finally hug our grandkids again! On our first day, after exchanging warm hugs and kisses, Soeuth and Justin took the kids to a local park while Syna chatted with Katie at home and prepared Cambodian dishes for everyone. For the rest of that first day, we strolled in the park, watched our grandkids happily climbing tree branches, and caught crawfish in a local stream! We found a stray turtle and spotted a wild turkey along the path! We spent the next few days visiting a zoo, playgrounds, and parks. We also went fishing at a nearby lake, visited an aquarium, enjoyed rides at the Mall of America, and feasted on yummy treats. We enjoyed watching the excitement in their eyes and the innocent joy and laughter from our precious little ones. We had hoped to meet the newest grandson, but God has other plans, and His timing is always perfect. We were grateful for the four precious full days we had with our grandchildren…

Enjoyed ice cream in 90 degree heat

Our precious grandchildren

Looking back, all these unexpected surprises did not happen by chance. It was God’s arrangements all along. Returning to the US a month early, Katie, our daughter-in-law, was able to see her dearly beloved grandmother, Nanna, one last time. With a house full of people at Fridley, MN, people who came for the funeral, God opened another home for us to enjoy our sweet family in Maple Grove, MN. In His lavish love upon us, He even added extra bonuses by sending us a stray turtle and a wild turkey on our path…

A nice surprise

Dates and Events needing your prayers…

1. When the time comes, pray for a smooth delivery for the new grandson.
2. For the next few days in New Jersey, we will be busy packing, putting things into storage, and cleaning up the house for the next family to move in by 4 pm on June 1st! On June 1st, we are moving from South Jersey and will stay overnight with another friend in a town closer to the airport. They will take us to the airport…
3. We will depart at 6:30pm from Newark Liberty International Airport on June 2nd. If all goes well, we will arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport by noon on June 4th.  Pray for a smooth journey and that all the suitcases will arrive safely.
4. June 5th, some young people (whom we discipled during our 13 years serving in Poipet and who are now living, working, or attending school in the capital city) are planning a welcome party for us at the Family Home by the C&MA Office in Phnom Penh. Hopefully, we can stay awake to greet everyone… And on June 7th, we plan to drive 9 hours toward Anlong Veng... Please pray for strength and stamina for what awaits us in the upcoming days ahead…

Thank you for all you have been very faithful in your prayers for and partnership with us in the growing Cambodian ministries. We appreciate all your love and support. We will keep you posted of what going on after we return to Cambodia. Meanwhile, please share with us what God is doing in your life.

 

With a grateful heart,

Soeuth & Syna Lao

April Update 2026

Dear Supportive Friend and Family,

Throughout the weeks from mid-March to early April, we have been enjoying warm summer weather (mid-80s to low-90s F), so we have put away all our winter clothes. Then this week, we had to take them out because the weather dropped to the mid-30s! Very unusual climate we have…

They Arrived…

Justin and family at Minneapolis Airport

Our prescious grandkids after Easter egg hunt adventure

Many of you have been praying for Justin and his family as they travel from the Middle East. Thank you! Despite missing their flight in Chicago and having to stay an extra night, they arrived safely in Minnesota. Katie’s family met and welcomed them at the Minneapolis International Airport. The young family is staying with Katie’s relative until they can move to their designated home on June 1st. We rejoiced in the ways God has taken care of them. All 15 check-in suitcases and 5 carry-on bags have arrived safely. Please continue to pray for them as they transition to life in America and adjust to a new environment and schools for the grandkids, ages 3-7. Pray also for a safe and possibly early delivery (due date: May 26) for Katie and the baby boy… 

Visiting Friends and Family…

As shared in our last updates, during our two weeks off from visiting churches, we visited old friends in Atlanta, GA, some of whom we had not seen in over 16 years! It was refreshing to reconnect and meet their extended family members… 

While with another family of dear friends in Atlanta, we enjoyed long walks, amazing times of catching up, and even opportunities to meet new friends, which led to meaningful, impactful conversations… 

Soeuth & Syna exploring beautiful scenery of Atlanta

We also visited Syna’s family in Tacoma, WA. For the first few days in Tacoma, Syna devoted her time to cleaning and organizing the house. Since the dreadful accident six years ago, Nay, Syna’s older sister, aged 73, became paralyzed below the waist. She was confined to a power wheelchair and remained on the first floor of the house. Although other family members and friends helped out as much as they could here and there, there was always work to be done in the house. Besides cleaning and organizing the house, Syna also cooked and prepared frozen food for her Mom and sister, while Soeuth helped with yard work and chopped firewood. Please pray for a reliable, trustworthy home caregiver who is willing to help Nay for a few hours each morning and a few hours in the evening…

Syna's family at Tacoma, WA

Syna and her mom (middle)

Date & Events Needing Your Prayers…

1. On April 9th, we celebrated Jonathan's 24th birthday from afar. We rejoice at how God has worked in Jonathan’s life and how He has healed his emotional wounds. We are grateful that Jonathan is thriving and is surrounded by caring, concerned friends and church families from Kapahu Bible Church. Please continue to pray for God’s direction and leading over Jonathan’s future…

   

   Jonathan's 24th birthday

2. For two weeks in April, we enjoyed having opportunities to visit and speak at Alliance churches in the western PA district. And God opened the way for us to establish meaningful relationships with two new churches, including a Hmong church! In most of the churches we visited, we had opportunities to share how God rescued us from the Killing Fields, then sent us back to Cambodia to the Living Field, as Alliance workers, to bring the message of hope in Jesus to people in Cambodia. Lately, after meeting the Hmong Alliance church in Lancaster, PA, we shared a sense of connection, partly because they, too, had similar refugee experiences to ours. Although we met for the first time, we developed an instant strong relationship…
3. As we prepared to head back to the field in June, please pray for wisdom on how to resume or begin new ministry opportunities immediately upon arrival. As you have followed the Cambodia-Thailand war, there are still 80,000 Cambodian people who are still without a home to go to, because their homes, properties, and livelihoods were destroyed or taken away, resulting from the December border war. The families who returned home are still feeling unsettled due to ongoing tensions and rumors of potential more wars. Pray for peace as believers practice forgiveness of those who persecute them…  
4. At this writing, we still have three more churches to visit before completing this year's home assignment ministry. Pray that we remain engaged and finish well. Officially, our last speaking engagement for the home assignment is on May 10. But, Soeuth reluctantly accepted two preaching invitations for two Cambodian churches in Philadelphia on May 17th and 24th…
5. In light of the Iran war, our return tickets were changed three times. The new tickets will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ, on June 2nd at 6:30 pm. If all goes well, we will arrive in Cambodia on June 4th at 11:30 am. With changes to ticketing, our check-in bag allowance was reduced from 6 to 4…
6. May 24th-29th: We will visit Justin and family in Minnesota one last time before heading back to Cambodia.  The last time we were together was in March 2025 in Jordan… 

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 visit www.cmalliance.org/give. Select “A Worker You Love”, then write “Soeuth & Syna Lao,” then proceed with the required information. Recently, we also have an approved special project to help Cambodian refugees who are resettling. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, please select “A Project You Love,” then type in “Restoration for Refugees in NW Cambodia.” Your generous financial donation enables us to continue serving in Cambodia, sharing the message of Hope in Jesus with lost people 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