Day 26
Cambodia
Cambodian deminers are among the most trained and experienced in the world as they have been working to clear the land mines that still are strewn across Cambodia after decades. They recently trained a group of 15 Ukrainian deminers who came to Cambodia to learn. 13 Ukrainian deminers have been killed and 64 more injured since the war began with Russia. Pray for Cambodia and Ukraine from these verses that remind us that as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him (The Bible, Psalm 103:13-14).
Source: Ukrainians Wrap Up Landmine Clearance Training In Cambodia (RFE)
Cambodia is notorious for the Khmer Rouge and landmines. That was 40 years ago, though, and the nation has enjoyed relative peace since then. Even so, the news still reports on frequently hidden landmine explosions that leave people limbless. This year, the former head of state of the Khmer Rouge appeared before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) appealing his 2018 conviction for genocide. The outcome is not yet known. Cambodia is a poor nation, and corruption runs rampant. The sex industry thrives. One-third of Cambodians live on less than one dollar per day, yet it is still one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the nation for 37 years, ruthlessly removing opposition. After 2018’s sham elections, the EU, USA, Australia, and Japan have all moved towards introducing sanctions of some kind. The small population of Christian Believers has also enjoyed relative peace, although mission work is scorned. Cambodia remains a non-militant Buddhist state.
