Cambodia

Praise Points

Thank You, Father, for granting new freedom of worship in cities like Phnom Penh. May this freedom expand into every province so more souls may encounter Jesus Christ. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

Lord, we praise You for the boldness of young Cambodian believers who preach and serve faithfully. Empower them to lead the Church with wisdom and courage. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Prayer Points

Lord, comfort those who have lost homes and churches to violence. Bring justice to the oppressed and peace to those living in fear. May Your love break through hatred and persecution. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

God, expose corruption and discrimination against Your people. Grant leaders in Cambodia wisdom to uphold justice and protect every citizen’s right to worship freely. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” – Isaiah 1:17

Strengthen every believer who stands alone in faith. Remind them that You are their family and refuge when earthly relationships fail. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8

A Call to Salvation

Lord, unite the churches of Cambodia under the banner of truth and love. Let believers put away division and work together for Your Kingdom. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3

Father, raise local Cambodian pastors and teachers grounded in Your Word. Provide resources and wisdom so the Church may grow in strength and understanding. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Luke 10:2

Lord, help Christian parents and elders to teach their children faithfully. Let future generations of Cambodians never abandon the faith, but boldly carry the name of Jesus throughout the nation. “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation.” – Psalm 71:18

Cambodia, nestled in Southeast Asia, carries a long and painful history shaped by war, colonial rule, and genocide. Once a flourishing part of the Khmer Empire, it later became a French colony and endured the brutal Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), during which nearly two million people perished in acts of ethnic cleansing and ideological purging. Cambodian culture today is deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism, intertwined with ancestral traditions and community honor. These cultural values—while promoting respect and humility—often leave little space for religious diversity.

Christianity first entered Cambodia in the 16th century through Portuguese missionaries, but only gained visible presence through Roman Catholic and Protestant efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable leaders such as François Ponchaud, a French Catholic priest, and later Evangelical missionaries like Don Cormack, played vital roles in rebuilding faith communities after the Khmer Rouge decimated churches. After decades of suppression, Christianity reemerged in the 1990s as Cambodia reopened to the world, and the Church began to grow slowly across Phnom Penh and the rural provinces.

However, Cambodia’s Christian teenagers today face severe struggles. Many are ostracized by their Buddhist families, banned from attending church, or bullied in schools for refusing to join Buddhist rituals. New converts face social exclusion, loss of inheritance, or even expulsion from their homes. In some remote areas, Christian villages have been bombed, churches vandalized, and believers harassed by local authorities. The Church also suffers from a shortage of pastors and trained leaders, as most who survived the genocide era were killed or fled. Without proper discipleship, many youth drift away, pressured by a materialistic culture or lured by urban temptations.

The Church in Cambodia remains under threat from multiple directions: social rejection, legal obstacles, violent persecution, and deep cultural resistance. Christianity is often seen as a “foreign religion,” which makes evangelism dangerous in Buddhist-majority provinces. Moreover, spiritual immaturity and lack of unity among denominations have weakened the Christian witness.

To prevent Christianity from diminishing among Cambodian families, believers must return to biblical faithfulness—strengthening family discipleship (Deuteronomy 6:6–7), nurturing young leaders (2 Timothy 2:2), and showing love to their persecutors (Romans 12:14–21). The Cambodian Church must embrace humility, perseverance, and forgiveness while remaining anchored in Scripture, prayer, and unity. Only by embodying Christ’s compassion can the Church overcome cultural barriers and inspire the next generation to stand firm in faith.