By Joe Kong, an Alliance international worker who serves in Cambodia
“I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jews, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).
This spring, my wife, Kay, and I took a short-term team from San Jose (California) Christian Alliance Church to visit Koh Nkek, the most remote, unchurched district in the province. A new Khmer Evangelical church* was planted there recently.
In 2008 Mr. Chon, a believer from the Bunong tribe, moved with his family from the Numpang Chivit (Bread of Life) church in Busra to a village in Koh Nhek, more than 90 miles away. Mr. Chon was burdened to share the gospel with his fellow tribesmen as well as other tribes, such as the Kraol.
It took seven years for Mr. Chon and leaders of the Bunong churches to evangelize this village. Month after month would pass before they saw any converts.
One of the converts is from the Kraol tribe, in an area heavily controlled by spirits of the land and forest. Another new believer, Mr. Tourn, is a member of the Bunong tribe.
Before Mr. Tourn came to Christ, he was often possessed by evil spirits. When under their influence, he became violent, running around the village and trying to harm himself and others. His family had no option but to chain him to a pole near the house, where he remained day after day.
One day when Mr. Tourn was not possessed, Pastor Chen Than from Bread of Life visited him and shared the gospel with him and his family. They joyfully received Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Mr. Tourn told us that during his sleep, devils sometimes came to him in his dreams, begging him to forsake his Jesus and rejoin Satan’s company. Mr. Tourn answered them with a resounding “no.” As he prayed daily, he no longer feared them because Christ dwells in his heart.
Not only has Mr. Tourn been active in the new church plant in Koh Nkek, but he also donated land for a building or shelter so the congregation will have a place to worship. Currently, the believers gather under a mango tree. It is difficult for them to meet together when it rains.
*The Khmer Evangelical Church is the C&MA national church in Cambodia.
Pray
Please pray that the Lord will provide adequate funds so construction can start before the rainy season. Also, ask God for provision to dig a well as water is scarce in this area, especially during dry periods.
Join the Alliance family in interceding for our workers in Cambodia and worldwide as they proclaim Christ’s liberty to captives of the kingdom of darkness. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.