Dear Friends,
We had the honor of sharing dinner with Cambodia’s Secretary of Agriculture. As a member of the cabinet, the Prime Minister sent him to Sisophon—the capital of Banteay Meanchey Province, where we are serving—to provide full administrative support to the many people displaced throughout the province, which has become a battlefield (Banteay Meanchey borders Thailand).
While serving in a different refugee camp yesterday, we witnessed something very moving. Cambodian Christian volunteers were providing haircuts, hair washing, and fingernail trimming under a tent. Hundreds of children and adults were waiting patiently in chairs for their turn. These volunteers were wearing blue shirts donated by a Korean church. On the shirts was a logo with the words “Healing Fields.” When I saw those words, my heart was deeply touched as I reflected on Cambodia’s journey—from the Killing Fields, to Healing Fields, and now, once again, battlefields.
The Secretary of Agriculture, who was educated in France, was remarkably humble and down-to-earth. Fluent in English, he thanked us sincerely for visiting Cambodia during such a challenging time. He said, “When war breaks out, people usually flee the war zone, but you, American Christian people, flew into the war zone. Your sacrificial love deeply touched us, so treating you to dinner is the least I could do.”
He explained how the war began, how it is unfolding, and some of the behind-the-scenes political realities. Cambodia has only a ground army, while Thailand uses F-16 fighter jets and warships. He shared that although the United States is not actively involved in ceasefire initiatives, Thailand currently has no intention of entering peace talks and continues to pursue military action.
Though he is not a Christian, when we prayed for peace and stability, he said, “Amen.” With his permission, our team laid hands on him and prayed that God would protect him and use him to accomplish His purposes during and after the war.
This morning, the Governor of Banteay Meanchey invited us to breakfast at 6:30 a.m. It is now 5:22 a.m. The suffering people here are responding to Christ’s invitation with an openness that feels as though they have been waiting for it. Your prayers are vital for this ministry in Banteay Meanchey.
Thank you for standing with us.
David and the Team
