The terrible genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil wars have devastated the people. There are many widows and orphans and many families were decimated. The land is strewn with mines and many people are maimed physically and emotionally. Pray for a lasting peace with full political and religious freedom.
Pray that God may raise up honourable leaders for the nation, who will alleviate the sufferings of the people.
For centuries Cambodia has been in spiritual darkness. There is strong opposition towards any ideological rival to Buddhism, many spirit shrines and hatred generated by 20 years of war.
The Church needs prayer:
- For freedom from government manipulation and interference, and wisdom in knowing how to relate to the authorities.
- For trained and effective leaders. There is one interdenominational Bible school in Phnom Penh, plus several other small schools.
- For effective Christian families in a nation where family cohesion, trust and love have been severely impaired.
- For ministry to emotional and spiritual needs of both believers and non-Christians, and vision for evangelism.
Christian ministry to physical needs:
- Returning refugees from the Thai camps.
- Most Cambodians with skills or an education were killed during the war, so expatriate input has been essential.
The less reached:
- The Buddhist majority.
- The Vietnamese: some are coming to Christ in Cambodia.
- The Cham Muslims: several believers but no known churches.
- Tribal peoples: pray for church-planting work to begin.
Written teaching materials are desperately needed. False teachings and cults spread as the doors open wider; few of the believers have the background knowledge of Scripture to combat such error. Radio ministries are important.