While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Cambodia, some of the economic impacts of the virus were made worse by severe drought, followed by heavy flooding. The Church of the Nazarene has been able to work through it though, and continues to grow.

In May, a severe drought caused many church families to lose their rice crops. When the rains finally did come last month, they came in such force that many families lost their second rice crop to massive flooding. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries was able to intervene and provide assistance to many of those families.

“We are so thankful for the support of those who sacrificially give to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM),” said Kevin Campbell-White, superintendent of the Cambodia District. “In both May and October, NCM has provided much-needed assistance with food, seed, and even two water wells, which has blessed over 700 families.”

Amid much hardship, disappointment, and difficulty, the Nazarene pastors are standing firm. At the last District Advisory Board meeting, Campbell-White asked the question, “What obstacles are keeping us from fulfilling our mission to make disciples and serve our communities, and what can we do to overcome these obstacles?” 

The pastors’ response brought tears to his eyes. They began to list the difficulties they have faced but quickly stated: “There are many things that keep us from meeting together and sharing the Gospel and helping others. But none of that matters because, with God, all things are possible, so we just keep meeting, sharing the Gospel, and helping anyway.”

In the past six months, the church in Cambodia has begun new works in 11 unreached villages. They will continue to disciple the villagers until there is an established church in each village and then send them out to reach more unreached villages. 

To celebrate the growth, several Cambodian pastors traveled for three days to different areas, baptizing, teaching, and worshipping with the villagers.

Because of the extensive flooding in one village, residents had to wade through knee-deep muddy water to get to a place where they could baptize 20 people. All the believers were filled with joy as they shared a meal afterward. Because of the generosity of donors, each new believer was given their very own Bible, a gift for which they were very thankful.

“We are so thankful for our local team of missionaries who continue to live the truth of this Scripture as they serve alongside our pastors and the people of God in Cambodia amid these difficult times,” Campbell-White said. “Together, we fix our eyes on the glorious future that God has prepared for us all.”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific