Without question, Cambodia is a spiritually needy country. What challenges do Cambodians face today?

The phrase ‘struggling to survive’ sums up the enormous challenges Cambodians face every day. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge has left the nation as one of the twenty poorest countries in the world. Poverty has caused severe health issues and malnutrition. Additionally, a lack of health education and awareness has caused havoc that will take many more generations to recover.

Apart from health issues, children are often left to carry the family burden. More than 70% of children are estimated to lack formal schooling. Corruption in the educational system results in many dropouts, unemployed youths vulnerable to AIDS, drugs and gangs. For many young women, trafficking is seen as a way to overcome poverty, domestic violence, rape and abuse. Also, many Cambodians have a worldview that fears and seeks to appease spirits.

What is TWR’s strategy for reaching the Khmer?

Our strategy to reach the majority of the Khmer people group is to divide them into specific groups such as children, youth, women, oral communities and Christians. We use media to teach God’s Word, and address their problems from a biblical perspective.

What are the biggest obstacles TWR faces when it comes to ministering in Cambodia?

The biggest obstacle is the use of US dollars as their local currency, which makes cost of living as well as operating cost quite high. Apart from currency, ministry funding is an on-going challenge.

Local transportation is another major obstacle because many roads aren’t developed. This is challenging for the team to get to remote areas.

How should people pray?

• Pray for unity and oneness among Cambodian Christians.
• Pray for the protection of children, youth and women who are vulnerable to social evils.
• Pray that God will break through the worldview barriers and that the Khmer people may come to know Him.
• Pray that the Lord will provide the resources needed to reach the unsaved.
• Pray for that God’s wisdom will guide the Cambodian leaders, and that they may transform the nation for the glory of God.