Day 26
Cambodia
A recent survey conducted by Pew Research in Asia focused on exploring the relationship between religion and identity. The survey found that Singapore, which has a diverse religious landscape with no dominant religion, experienced the highest number of conversions from one religion to another. On the other hand, countries like Cambodia, where one religion is dominant, most survey participants said that religion was an essential part of their cultural identity. In fact, 97% of participants agreed that “being Buddhist is important to being truly part of their nation.” Let us pray that Cambodians will have the courage to break free from this mindset as they encounter Jesus Christ. We also pray that the Church will be strengthened and encouraged, despite the overwhelming bias against changing religion. (The Bible, Job 4:4).
Source: Do Christians Belong in Southeast Asia? Pew Polled Buddhists and Muslims (CT)
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 frequently reports on hidden landmine explosions that leave people limbless. Last 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, however, the court finally upheld his conviction and sentence of life in prison, closing the court case that began in 1997. Cambodia is a poor nation; corruption runs rampant and human trafficking and the sex industry thrive. 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 38 years, ruthlessly removing opposition, and again won this year’s elections. The small population of Christian Believers has also enjoyed relative peace, although mission work is scorned. Cambodia remains a non-militant Buddhist state.
