The recent journey made by the DPM team to Ratanakiri province, a remote region bordering Laos and Vietnam, presented a unique set of challenges. While the journey was significantly shorter than the arduous two-day trek during my first visit, it still required an eight-hour drive over challenging terrain.
To maximize the impact of our ministry and support of the local church, we opted to stay at a tribal homestay. This allowed us to reallocate funds to support their outreach efforts within the community.
Equipping Pastors from Minority Groups
During our visit, we held a seminar attended by 40 pastors, predominantly from minority groups. We observed that many of them communicated in their native languages, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape of the region. Recognizing this, we strategically selected three core DPM teaching books: The Power of the Sacrifice, Authority and Power of God’s Word and Hear God’s Voice.
We were encouraged to observe how those who were unable to read on their own participated actively in the small group discussions, with others kindly reading aloud for their benefit. Despite limited formal education, their eagerness to learn and grow spiritually was evident.
This experience reinforced the importance of reaching pastors and communities who lack access to theological resources and support. We are deeply committed to providing these leaders with the necessary tools and resources to serve their communities effectively and faithfully.
Pastor Hy Rithy’s Testimony: A Life Transformed
Pastor Hay Rithy’s testimony is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of God’s Word. Derek’s book Hear God’s Voice proved to be a turning point in his spiritual journey.
He shared that before reading this book, he often struggled to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. But Hear God’s Voice provided him with a framework for recognizing God’s authentic guidance, distinguishing it from the voices of the world and the temptations of the enemy.
This newfound clarity has not only deepened his personal walk with God but also ignited a renewed passion for studying God’s Word. He now spends more time in the Scriptures, finding joy and nourishment in the truths they reveal.
Pastor Hay Rithy’s testimony is a testament to the power of God’s Word to transform lives and equip believers for ministry. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these resources and witness the Holy Spirit working through them to equip and empower God’s servants.
Bringing the Gospel to an Unreached Village
Our DPM team also had the privilege of partnering with local churches to reach the remote village of Tampuan in Ratanakiri. This outreach was both humbling and impactful, as we navigated challenging roads to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to a community in desperate need of spiritual illumination. The village chief allowed us to use their village hall, decorated with buffalo head skulls.
When we arrived at the village, we were struck by the sight of a disturbing ritual—villagers were preparing a pig and a black chicken for a fire sacrifice to appease an evil spirit, hoping it would cure the sickness of one of their own. The anguished cries of the pig as it burned alive were heartbreaking, a stark reminder of how desperately this village needed the revelation of Jesus Christ, who offers freedom from such bondage.
This was the first outreach held in this village and initially we had expected around 50 attendees at the event, but we were overwhelmed when 130 villagers (excluding children) showed up to hear the message of salvation. This overwhelming response is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, who can release them from the oppression of darkness.
Breaking the Curse and Nurturing New Believers
One of the more surprising moments of our visit came when I offered the villagers a traditional Cambodian dish—pumpkin noodles—but none of them would accept it. We learned that pumpkins are considered cursed in their tribe, believed to bring illness or even death. This belief was eye-opening, and it became clear that only Jesus Christ could break such curses.
Despite this cultural challenge, the sharing of the Gospel resonated with many. Ten individuals made the life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. While this may seem like a small step, it represents a significant breakthrough in a community that had never before heard the truth of Christ.
To help support the spiritual growth of these new believers, we provided local churches with DPM teaching materials, including What’s So Important About the Cross?, Will You Intercede?, Hear God’s Voice, Authority and Power of God’s Word, and The Power of the Sacrifice. These resources will be invaluable in nurturing the faith of those who have responded to the gospel.
Looking back on this experience, we are filled with gratitude for the chance to serve alongside dedicated pastors and witness the power of the Gospel to transform lives—even in some of the most remote and challenging environments. We are excited to see how God will continue to work in Ratanakiri and other parts of the world.
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