Asia: Cambodia

Mission History

Cambodia is a small country in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand to the south.  Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM) began working in Cambodia in 2008 through an invitation from the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC).  CRWRC has been in Cambodia since 1998.

Cambodian History & Culture

Cambodia is still recovering from war and the horrific rule of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Of the total population of 13 million, it is estimated up to three million were killed by the Khmer Rouge. During this time much of the political, economic and social life of the country was destroyed. Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage including the powerful Khmer Kingdom of Angkor in the 9th century. Today it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Approximately 95% of the population are Buddhists. Although only 2% are Christian, the church has been growing rapidly over the last decade. There is an acute need for leadership training on all levels for the church in Cambodia.

Mission & Vision

God loves the people of Cambodia and wants them to rejoice in the blessing of His holy presence and His salvation.  Where God dwells, the broken is restored, the bereaved rejoice, and the barren bears fruit. These are not promises of instant health, quick wealth, or easy grace, but assurances that when God is present there is resurrection power: souls are redeemed, hearts are transformed, and lives are given hope and meaning.  We seek to follow after what God is already doing, to be heralds of Christ among the Cambodian people. 

It is the mission of CRWM in Cambodia to empower Christ-centered holistic ministry through leadership development and ministry coordination.  CRWM missionaries are working to create a kingdom ministry center with multiple partners, to develop the capacity of the national church to respond to the need for holistic ministries,  and to help develop church leadership in Cambodia.

Prayer & Support

The most important gift you can give missionaries is a daily prayer for their lives and work. At any given time Christian Reformed World Missions supports over 200 long-term and short-term missionaries located in over 20 countries around the world. Through partnerships, our work extends to over 30 countries. These people have been called, commissioned, and sent by Christian Reformed churches to represent our devotion to Jesus Christ, and to urge others to accept His offer of salvation.

Here’s a partial list of items to pray for on behalf of missionaries:

• emotional needs
• physical needs
• relationships with other missionaries
• relationships with nationals
• relationship with God
• effective ministry
• family life

Financial support is also crucial for the ongoing work of bringing the Good News around the world. Support can be given for specific missionaries, or specific projects can be found in the “Project Giving Guide” at your church or available from the World Missions offices in either the United States or Canada.

The Christian Reformed World Missions Team in Cambodia

Gil & Joyce Suh, Leadership Training/Church Development