Cambodia
Rous Sarourn and his wife, Molika, lead the newly emerging Khmer Presbyterian Fellowship in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh where they live, this means reaching out to friends, family members, and neighbors. For Molika, this means teaching women about Jesus and how to follow him. It also means supporting her husband as he trains and shepherds new believers in their neighborhood and in the province of Kampong Spue. Caring for the sick, praying for rain, giving food to the poor, and transporting people to the hospital are some of the many ways Saroun and Molika demonstrate what it means to walk humbly with God. In performing these acts of kindness, they display God’s love and mercy.
Laos
For Christians living in Laos, justice is an elusive dream. Christian leaders are often put in jail without charges, believers are forbidden to meet for worship, some have their property confiscated, and some have been killed for their faith. In November 2007, twelve Christian leaders were in jail in Luang Prabang province alone. Ethnic minorities who identify themselves as Christians often suffer the most persecution.
“So how do Christians respond in the face of such injustice?” asks regional liaison Paul Friesen. “With humility and kindness,” he replies. To question the authorities generally results in prolonging a prisoner’s sentence. So instead, church members look for ways to serve. Visiting those in prison, bringing them food, and inquiring about their health and well-being are common first steps. By approaching governmental authorities with humility and by engaging in acts of kindness to those in prison, officials may be swayed to respond in kind.
Partners/Ministries
Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia
Church World Service (Cambodia)
Evangelical Church of Laos
Church World Service (Laos)
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Stephanie Morris, GAMC
Teri Morrison, FDN
God who hears us, we pray for religious freedom and justice for ethnic minorities living in Laos. We pray that you would continue to strengthen and encourage the people of the Khmer Presbyterian Fellowship in Cambodia, and we thank you for the perseverance of the faithful in both of these countries. Amen.
Ps. 54, 146 Ps. 28, 99
1 Kings 1:32–2:4 (5–46a) 46b
Acts 26:24–27:8; Mark 13:28–37
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