Dear supporting friends and family,
We delayed giving you updates because we were hoping to gain a better understanding about the situations in Cambodia.
First of all, thank you so much for your prayers!
Below is an update of what took based on the information we gathered from our friends in Cambodia.
- As the fighting escalated, the commune leaders in the entire Anlong Veng district recommended that the people leave Anlong Veng as soon as possible, especially the children, women, and elderly. By the evening of July 25, about 90% of the people from villages surrounding the Anlong Veng regions left town. Some people went to settle with relatives in nearby provinces, while the majority of villagers (over 200 of them, some believers, but most of them were not yet Christians) found refuge at the Srae Nouy Alliance Church. Pastor Dee and church families made sleeping arrangements with mosquito nets, folded mats, tents, hammocks, and other necessary sleeping gears. However, with so many people suddenly residing in one place, there was a shortage of water, food supplies, and bathroom facilities. In response to the needs, many people, especially local believers, sent funds, water bottles, and food supplies to shelter areas where these refugees were temporarily settled.
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| Food distribution among the fleeing villagers at Srae Nouy church |
- On Sunday, during church service hours, the Alliance church leaders at Srae Nouy and Poipet gathered the people for a time of worship and prayer. Everyone prayed for the peace of Cambodia. It was an excellent opportunity for the unbelievers to witness the "hands & feet of Jesus" at work as the Body of Christ came together, in a time of great need, to pour out love and support to all people.
- Although the ceasefire has been ordered, many people were reportedly still afraid to return home. Some brave men have already returned to Anlong Veng to care for the animals they left behind. Hopefully, as the tensions continue to calm down, people will return home and to carrying on their everyday lives again.
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| Nearly 200 villagers from Anlong Veng found refuge at Srae Nouy church |
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| Village children received food at the church |
- We are grateful to learn that, while a majority of people had fled Anlong Veng, Poipet, and other villages along the borders of Thailand, many of the KEC (Alliance) church families, leaders, and pastors remained in towns to welcome and to offer comfort to the frightened and weary souls. Even amidst the "ghost town" atmospheres in the Anlong Veng and Poipet regions, there were church services this past Sunday, July 27!
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| A time of worship in the midst of border tensions |
Thank you for standing in the gap with us through your vigilant prayers and support.
With a grateful heart,
Soeuth & Syna
