Our team completed a three-hour drive from Phnom Penh to Tbong Khmum province to meet with the leadership of the Provincial Pastors’ Council. During our planning session, the council chairman shared that 11 years ago an effort was made to show a Jesus film in the village, but no spiritual fruit resulted at that time.
Preparation and Spiritual Alignment
The Lord revealed that strongholds of witchcraft and spiritual resistance had long bound this community. To steward our resources wisely and save funds for the outreach, our team stayed overnight at a local church and prepared our own meals. We spent the evening in vibrant worship and intercession, asking God to break spiritual strongholds. The Lord blessed us with sweet, restorative rest throughout the night.
Arrival at the Remote Village
Early the next morning, we drove two hours along a bumpy, narrow village road deep into the remote countryside. To build friendly relationships, we brought food supplies for the community. The village chief met our team personally, setting a welcoming atmosphere. About 150 villagers—many carrying their babies—paused their daily work at home to meet us. To ensure their focus remained on the message, we refrained from distributing food immediately and first introduced our team and purpose.
Proclamation of the Word & The Holy Spirit’s Work
Prompted by the Holy Spirit, I began to share the story from the Gospels of the woman who suffered from a bleeding condition for 12 long years (Luke 8:43–48). A deep silence fell over the crowd. The villagers listened intently, their facial expressions reflecting genuine empathy for the woman’s 12-year ordeal. Several women actively engaged with the story, exclaiming:
"12 years is a very long time..."
"She must have been in so much pain..."
"She must have felt so lonely..."
We shared that Jesus met her in her isolation, healed her, and gave her a new life because He loved and cared for her deeply—and that He offers the exact same love and restoration to everyone today.
Salvation and Harvest
When asked if they wanted to receive new life and experience the love of Jesus, an overwhelming response followed. Most of the women immediately stood on their feet, and some men sitting at the back rose alongside them. I led the villagers in a heartfelt prayer of salvation, surrendering their lives to Christ, and introduced them to the leadership of the local Pastors’ Council for ongoing pastoral care.
Where there was once spiritual dryness 11 years ago, the Holy Spirit had gone before us to break the strongholds and prepare their hearts. Truly, the harvest was plentiful.
Impact and Next Steps
Approximately 150 Stieng villagers heard the Gospel, and many responded to the call of salvation. In partnership with the Tbong Khmum Provincial Pastors’ Council, we are establishing a regular Bible study to ground these new believers in the Word of God. We are specifically praying for the men of the village, that those who observed will fully surrender their lives to Christ and lead their families in faith.
Join Us in Prayer:
The long, bumpy road and physical fatigue were completely swallowed up by the immense joy of seeing the Stieng people come to Christ. We declare that the light of Jesus has broken the darkness in this village!
1. Protection and Growth: For the new believers in the Stieng village to grow deep roots in Christ and be protected from spiritual retaliation.
2. Local Leadership: For the Tbong Khmum Pastors’ Council as they lead weekly Bible studies and disciple the village.
3. Salvation of Men: That more men and village leaders will take a bold stand for Jesus Christ.
