In northwestern Cambodia, there’s a province full of children who’ve faced devastation. Floods, loss and poverty have left many vulnerable, alone and in desperate need of hope.
But in this province, there’s also a pastor heeding God’s call to care for the least of these. Through the support of Compassion, she’s helping share the love of Christ — in word and action — to restore hope to these weary and fearful children.
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40, NIV
A Children’s Ministry Built From Devastation
Pastor Em Houn leads a church in the large province of Banteay Meanchey in Cambodia, near the Thailand border. If you were to visit the church on any given Sunday, you’d hear the giggles and sweet voices of children as they play and worship.
The children’s ministry began when devastating floods hit the area, destroying homes and stripping families of their livelihoods. Feeling overwhelming compassion for her neighbors, Pastor Houn and her sister worked together to rescue children and families who had lost everything, bringing them to safety and providing care.
For the children, Pastor Houn started a small Bible study group to share the hope of Jesus in the midst of tragedy. And as she shared the gospel, the small group began to grow.
In Cambodia, Survival Means Separation
Severe flooding isn’t the only challenge impoverished families face in Cambodia. Many parents can’t find work near home and must make the difficult choice to cross the border into Thailand, where they work in fields, markets and even construction sites to try and provide for their families.
Sadly, this forces parents to leave their children behind with little to no care or supervision. In some heartbreaking cases, teenagers are sent by their families to work across the border, placing them at risk of abuse, violence and harsh labor conditions with no one there to advocate for them.
The Moment That Sparked a Mission
Pastor Houn has witnessed this separation and desperation tear families apart. She remembers a time when a young girl from her ministry went missing. After a long search, Pastor Houn and her sister discovered that the girl had been sent by her parents to work across the border.
The thought of the young girl being alone in a foreign country searching for work devastated Pastor Houn. Driven by love, she and her sister traveled across the border to bring the young girl home. While they successfully brought her back to safety, the teen ultimately returned to the fields, determined to follow her parents’ wishes.
Deeply saddened by this experience, Pastor Houn felt an overwhelming ache to act. To do more. This one moment would fuel her mission to do whatever it took to protect and care for the children and families around her.
A Heart to Serve, but a Lack of Resources
“I did everything I could to help that young lady. I wanted so much to do more for the children and their families, but I didn’t have the resources and manpower.” — Pastor Houn
Pastor Houn’s heart to serve was held back by her lack of resources. Up until this point, she and her sister had simply used what little they had between them to care for children and their families. But as she looked into the eyes of the children in her community, she saw a need that was far too great for them to meet on their own.
The Partnership That Changed Everything
In 2023, Pastor Houn’s prayers for help were answered when Compassion International arrived in Banteay Meanchey and began a partnership with her church. With Compassion’s support, Pastor Houn was able to expand the children’s ministry, providing care to even more kids in need.
Now, every Sunday, over 100 people gather to worship at the church. Among them are the parents of youth and sponsored children the church cares for.
“Partnership with Compassion has provided me and our church with more opportunities to reach out to vulnerable families, especially children. Our children’s ministry is expanding rapidly, reaching more vulnerable children and communities than ever before.” — Pastor Houn
Sharing the Love of Christ in Word & Action
Together at the church, Pastor Houn, the children and their families sing, play, read Scripture and hear powerful testimonies of God’s compassion. And while they hear about God’s love every Sunday, they also see this love in action through the church’s practical care.
Every other Sunday, in partnership with Compassion, the church shares gifts like clothes, vegetables, soap, meat and fresh milk with the most vulnerable families. By sharing the love of Christ in word and action, Pastor Houn and her church have witnessed real life transformation.
“A number of children and teenagers have come to faith in Jesus Christ. It’s incredible to see how much God is moving in the lives of these young people. They are not just receiving material help — they are receiving hope, faith and a future.” — Pastor Houn
“We’re Just Getting Started”
Just like Pastor Houn’s heart continues to beat for the impoverished children and families of Banteay Meanchey, Compassion continues to support her church’s ministry, empowering her to reach even more of the least of these.
Pastor Houn is excited about the future and the even greater opportunities to serve with Compassion’s help. She and her church leaders are praying for a church building and learning area to better serve all the new families and children visiting the church each week.
“We’re just getting started! With Compassion’s continued support, we can reach even more children, help more families and share the love of Christ with those who need it most.” — Pastor Houn
Pastor Houn’s story is proof that just one yes can change the lives of many. Even in the darkest circumstances, hope is found in those who choose to serve the least of these. Let Pastor Houn’s story inspire you to serve the most vulnerable today.
