Author name: Zhiliang Lin

Oct 2025: Rise and Shine for Jesus!

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LAV organised a 2D1N camp for the youth discipleship groups to come together and learn what it means to shine for Christ. Through Chin Mai’s sharing of Isaiah and Ephesians, the youths were reminded of how God redeemed them to do good works and bear His light to the world. 

We had the privilege of having two young adult volunteers, Dion and Sherlyn, work alongside us to facilitate the games and interact with the youths. May you be blessed by their reflections.

Dion

Thank you Jesus for giving me the privilege to experience the YDG camp in Cambodia. The camp was simple yet powerful. Simple worship songs, simple desire to know about Abba, simple sharing of the word. Yet, Abba can always use the simple things to do mighty works. Worship was one of the best memories I had. Most of the musicians leading worship were self taught and I had a chat with some of them and they mentioned they practiced really hard and watched YouTube videos to learn how to play the songs. Regardless, there was a strong anointing during worship and hearing all the youths singing from their hearts gave me a glimpse of heaven on Earth. 

We also had lessons on some passages in Ephesians and Isaiah. There were also activities and discussions during the lessons to allow the youths to digest the lessons better.

There were games after the lessons and the youths enjoyed themselves. There were games like tug of war, H2O, memory verses and many others. All of them were really competitive (in a good way) and it was nice to see and hear their joy and laughter. My favourite part of the games was when the game master started counting down, the screams and excitement immediately shot up as they tried to squeeze in a few more points.

There was also a segment where the youths had to give a short performance on what they’ve learnt during the bible lessons. The amount of creativity and thought into the performances were incredible. It was nice to see the youths giving their best and resonating with their performances. 

Overall the camp was an opportunity for the youths to know more about the Heavenly Father and I pray that as they go along their daily lives, they will remember that Abba loves them and has great things in store for them!

Sherlyn

This trip to Siem Reap really reminded me that nothing is too big or too small for the Lord to take care of.

Our main agenda was the youth camp. Many of the youths attending lived in villages far away from the city (and our campsite). On top of that, September is Cambodia’s rainy season. So we prayed, and God delivered. There was no rain when the youths were traveling to and from camp, and no rain during our games. Because of that, the youths could travel safely and fully enjoy all the activities we had prepared for them.

During the camp, we also met a girl named Panha (second from the back). She radiates so much positivity and joy! Yet, behind her smile, we learned that she was recently forced to leave home because her family did not want her to continue her education or serve in the church. She is only 18 years old. With her circumstances, she not only needed shelter but also financial support to continue schooling and to meet her daily needs. So she prayed, and God delivered again. One of our teammates immediately agreed to sponsor her for the next three years until she completes high school. Now, she no longer has to worry about her education and can continue serving God’s kingdom. Praise the Lord!

I came back from this trip deeply reminded that God cares for every detail of our lives. Whether it’s safe travels, good weather, or the future of one young girl, His faithfulness never fails.

If you are interested to sponsor our programmes that support the youths in their studies, email Janice (Janicetay23@hotmail.com) to find out more. 

Blessings,
LAV

Oct 2025: Rise and Shine for Jesus! Read More »

Sep 2025: Growing through the Storms

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It has been just over a month since the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was agreed upon. Though the lives of the brothers and sisters have been disrupted, they continue to meet together to worship and serve each other.

May these testimonies stir your faith to support our brothers and sisters in prayer and contributions.

Peam English School

The school was abuzz with joy as the graduating cohort anticipated their graduation ceremony on 3 September. The preparation was filled with smiles and joy as the teachers prepared the gift packs and the students tried their graduation gowns. It was a day to remember for the students, parents and staff as they celebrated the 4 years of growth the students had gone through.

The school also celebrated the opening of the new facilities in the school. Besides a new classroom, there was also a new toilets for the students to enjoy. We are thankful to Sweet Home LifePoint Church and the Gittins family for their support of the new facilities.

We believe that God will continue to use the school to be a blessing to the community and enrich the lives of the students and their families for many years to come.

Sunday Schools

In Peam, the students are enjoying their time of worship in the new classroom. With the rainy season, many of the students are down with malaria or dengue fever. Pray that they will recover and that those who are well will continue to stay strong and healthy.

In Kok Thmey, it was a joy to have a youth volunteer, Vicheka, leading games and worship. She was a former Sunday School student and now in the second generation of Youth Discipleship Group led by Sreyka. For the children, her presence is a role model for them to follow in faith.

Youth Discipleship Groups

The groups have been meeting regularly to build on each others’ lives and share struggles they face. Some are struggling with family disapproval and depression. Pray for healing and perseverance through these difficulties they face. Pray that the youths and leaders would be able to support each other in the tough times they face.

Peam YDG

Kok Thmey YDG

Run Ta Ek YDG

Despite the struggles faced, the youths have been stepping up in their faith and service. The youths in Kok Thmey are finally playing for worship after 4 months of training under teacher Saravuth and teacher Bun Reay.

Churches

On 9 August, we celebrated the birth of a new baby boy to one of our volunteers, Nai Von. Nai Von has been an instrumental volunteer in Skun church doing outreach. She would now focus on her time with her newborn while two youths, Thaiwan and Srey Leak, will take over her outreach ministry.

In Run Ta Ek, we are thankful for the healing and providence that God has brought to the members of the church. One of our Faithful Discipleship Group teachers, Bong Seang, had recently met with a traffic accident with her two children. They have since recovered and are able to resume their lives in work and school.

Bong Seang on the first day of the accident. She has since recovered and can walk.
Teacher Dook preaching to the adults in Run Ta Ek

God had also provided a preacher to assist Pastor Olyda in the weekly messages. Teacher Dook had stepped up to share God’s message to the church members. We are thankful for God’s compassion and wisdom that rest upon him.

In Kok Thmey, a new church member had shown faithfulness in her love for God. Veasna, a friend of Sreymom, recently believed in God after Pastor Ty faithfully shared with her about God from the bible. Though she stays 40km away from the church, the distance did not deter her from worshipping God. She is thankful to God that she is able to make it safely to church regularly.

Food of Love

The women in the Food of Love ministry have been faithfully meeting together to grow in their knowledge of God. Assisting Om Phallary in her work are Hav Kouy and Sokheng. For Sokheng, she has expressed a deep heart for the widows in the ministry. Despite her difficulty in reading, she is praying that God will give her wisdom to teach others and declare His words to them.

Pray that the widows would continue to be faithful in their gathering and that they may be able to afford gasoline to travel down to the ministry to learn about God.

May these testimonies uplift your spirit in the tough times you face and may you find God’s faithfulness amidst the storms in the same way our Cambodian brothers and sisters witness His hand carrying them through their storms.

Blessings,

LAV

Sep 2025: Growing through the Storms Read More »

Aug 2025: Reflections from Faith Methodist Church Mission Trippers

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A team of 13 mission trippers from Faith Methodist Church took time to serve the Lord and His people in Siem Reap from 5 to 10 June. It was a faith building experience for the team as they served alongside our Cambodian brothers and sisters to bless the villagers. Read more about their experience through their collective reflections below:

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As part of Faith Methodist Church’s M25 initiative, the team partnered with Love-A-Village to organize an introductory mission trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On June 5, our team—comprising 11 adults, 1 teenager, and 2 young children—set out with excitement and a measure of uncertainty. Many of us began the trip feeling unsure of what we could offer. Would we be able to make any meaningful contribution? What could we offer to the people who have already endured so much, with so little? These questions weighed on our hearts.

But as we started engaging and interacting with the Cambodians, observing and listening to their testimonies, our doubts turned into wonder. Despite limited resources, the believers radiated joy, passion, and unwavering hope—teaching us the power of spiritual richness. They embodied Paul’s message in Philippians 4:11–13 on finding contentment through Christ. Thanks be to God that the experience was deeply joyful and filled with gratitude. While we had hoped to be a blessing to others, it was us who were richly blessed through the people we interacted with and the experiences we had over the 5 days in Siem Reap.

With guidance from Janice, we were privileged to:

  • Visit relocated village families and learn about their daily challenges.
  • Enjoy warm hospitality and a home-cooked meal at Run Ta Ek Church, with the opportunity to worship alongside Pastor Da’s dynamic church family and bless about 60 village families with 20 kg rice pack each.
  • Engage with students at Thansure School and witness Principal Yoo’s inspiring vision for a new campus building.
  • Attend worship at Siem Reap Methodist Church, hear its early history from Pastor Sopheak, and connect with enthusiastic Sunday school children.

The village home visits were particularly poignant. At one of the home visits, we came across 2 sisters, Tear-ry and Sombra.

Tear-ry, the younger sister, is a believer who found hope and healing in Christ after a life-changing stroke at age 30 left her unable to walk and with impaired vision.

In her darkest moments, she searched for spiritual comfort—first in Buddhism, but her blurred vision made the texts unreadable. Miraculously, when she turned to the Bible, the words became clear, and she received healing for her eyes. This experience deepened her faith and brought her closer to God.

Despite her faith, life remains challenging for Tear-ry and her older sister Sombra. Sombra, who is not a Christian and has resisted Tear-ry’s beliefs, tends to their small vegetable garden, helping to put food on the table. The sisters survive on dwindling savings and the kindness of friends and neighbors who bring them meals.

One of their greatest daily struggles is the lack of having a toilet in their home. Also, their bathroom lacked a roof. Both sisters had to rely on their neighbors’ toilets which was a situation that is not only inconvenient but also undignified. Moved by their situation, the team and members of our Life group contributed to fund the building of a private toilet and bathroom with a roof.  Construction is now underway, offering Tear-ry and Sombra hope for improved living conditions and restored dignity.

Though we came to serve, we found ourselves continually blessed. 

In the midst of our service, the following Bible verse came to mind: Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

អេសាយ ៥៨:១១ (Khmer Standard Version)
ព្រះអម្ចាស់ នឹងដឹកនាំអ្នកជានិច្ច ទោះបីអ្នកដើរនៅក្នុងវាលហួតហែងក្តី ក៏ព្រះអង្គប្រទានអាហារដ៏បរិបូណ៌អោយអ្នក និងប្រទានអោយអ្នកមានកម្លាំងមាំមួន។ អ្នកនឹងប្រៀបដូចជាសួនច្បារ ដែលសម្បូណ៌ទៅដោយទឹក ឬដូចជាប្រភពទឹកដែលមិនចេះរីង។

This wasn’t merely a trip — we returned with cherished experiences, new relationships, opened hearts, and broadened perspectives. Now that we are back in Singapore, we will continue to prayerfully consider how we can be a blessing—through financial contributions, future mission trips, or simply sharing the stories of God’s work in Siem Reap.

May the seeds planted from this trip blossom into a harvest beyond our imagination.

With love and blessings,
June 5-10 Siem Reap M25 Mission trippers,
Faith Methodist Church

If your church is looking for mission partnership opportunities, email Janice (Janicetay23@hotmail.com) to find out more.

Prayer Update: We are thankful that a ceasefire deal was agreed between both countries. Do continue to keep both countries in prayer that they may seek peace amidst their negotiations. Pray also for our brothers and sisters that they may be able to bless the villagers who are displaced, injured and brokenhearted.

Blessing,
LAV

Aug 2025: Reflections from Faith Methodist Church Mission Trippers Read More »

July 2025: Mission Trip Reflections by Pearl and Yinglin

Run Ta Ek Village /

Love-A-Village recently had the privilege of hosting two friends, Pearl and Yinglin. Though they are young in the faith, they stepped out of their comfort zones and helped to organise a 3-day children’s camp in Run Ta Ek to share the gospel with the children.

God honoured their commitment, working in and through them to bless the children. Through the three days, He demonstrated that with Him, all things are possible! May their reflection inspire you to be a blessing to others, regardless of your age or maturity in the faith.

Yinglin (in black) and Pearl (in red) squatting in front to demonstrate a game to be played

Pearl’s Reflection

Being back in Cambodia for the first time after 5 years reminded me of how it felt to be a part of Love A Village and do God’s work in Cambodia. Back then, I remember always playing the supporting role and just doing what I’m told every time I traveled to Cambodia with the team and volunteers. This time, however, I led and planned the camp games with Yinglin. Instead of receiving instructions, I was the one giving instructions. 

The team supporting the camp consisting of leaders from Run Ta Ek and LAV Mission team

As a somewhat extreme introvert, this was a new experience for me. Seeing the children enjoy the games made me feel glad that I did it. Despite there being no prizes for the games, the children always made sure to give their all as they played. This reassured Yinglin and I as we were initially worried that they wouldn’t enjoy the games.

Pearl helping the children in a game of wrapping and unwrapping Lazarus

Additionally, being young in my faith, I also learned a lot from the Bible lessons that were taught to the children. Before this trip, I didn’t know about the miracles performed by Jesus. In some sense, I felt like I also grew in my faith as we were helping the children take their first steps into knowing and learning about God. 

I am thankful for this opportunity as it has also helped me to grow and be better. If given a choice, I would definitely do this again!

Yinglin’s Reflection

This is my first time coming to Cambodia to help out in a Christian camp. 

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was the right person to organise the camp. I wasn’t strong in my faith, and I had doubts about Christianity. How could I lead people to know more about Christ when I was unsure myself? But then, I decided to just go and do some good deeds to contribute back to society. Just for once, I told myself to try since it’s about doing good, and I might not come back again too. 

Throughout the camp, I saw how the church in Cambodia was sincere in worshipping God. It reminded me of my passion for God when I was younger. The little children were singing loudly and attended every single day of the camp. I was very encouraged by the church, and I didn’t know sincere Christians could be found even in more remote parts of the world.

Janice sharing the account of Jesus turning water to wine with Rachana helping to translate

After the camp, Janice organised some meet ups with other Christians in Siem Reap town. One of the ladies I met was Thavy, a staff member in SONOKO (the student ministry shared in the previous post), and I was particularly touched by her testimony on how God transformed her life inside out. Initially, she was quite resistant to Christianity, but after many months, she decided to accept Jesus because she found peace, and her wounds were healed. I saw similarities in our stories and I’m just glad to know that lives were touched and transformed by God. 

During her testimony sharing, she sang the chorus of Take Me Deeper that touched her heart during her first church service and something about her voice just stirred within my heart. God touched me and I cried after hearing her story. It was a simple testimony, yet it was so beautiful.

Take me deeper
Deeper in love with You
Jesus hold me close
In Your embrace

Take me deeper
Deeper than I’ve ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

Take Me Deeper by Don Moen

This trip was very meaningful for me and maybe something in my heart shifted. If you ask me whether I would come back for future mission trips, I would. It doesn’t matter where I am, whether physically or spiritually, what matters most is He is always there.

Yinglin and Pearl posing with SONOKO volunteers and staff. Thavy is standing on the right of Pearl

Pray with us

With tensions rising between Thailand and Cambodia, the Cambodians are concerned over their safety and future. Siem Reap is a 3-hour drive away from the Thailand-Cambodia border and the Cambodians in Siem Reap would be severely affected should matters escalate. The borders are currently closed, those who normally work in Thailand are left without a job.

Pray that the leaders from both countries would be able to reconcile and restore the peace between the countries.

Pray that the churches would be able to support their community through this tough time and that God will multiply their efforts to care for the villagers affected by the closure of the border.

Blessings,

LAV

July 2025: Mission Trip Reflections by Pearl and Yinglin Read More »

June 2025: Reaching the Youths

Skun Village /

In May, a team of volunteers from Salt and Light Society partnered with Love A Village to minister to the youths of Siem Reap. It was a fruitful trip as God brought the youths and LAV to a deeper commitment of faith towards Him. 

11-13 May: Workshop on Habits

Salt and Light Society conducted a workshop for the youths focussing on habits that would help them grow in responsibility and independence. It was an answered prayer for Pastor Villa and his wife, Rinat, as many of the youths in Skun were unwilling to improve themselves and had stopped studying. 

Through the activities, the team taught them four habits:

Habit 1:  Think about your goal before you start
    គិតអំពីគោលដៅរបស់អ្នកមុននឹងចាប់ផ្តើម

Habit 2:  You choose what to do, not just wait for things to happen
    អ្នកជ្រើសរើសអ្វីដែលត្រូវធ្វើ, មិនមែនរង់ចាំឲ្យរឿងកើតឡើងខ្លួនឯងទេ

Habit 3:   Do the most important things first
    ធ្វើរឿងដែលសំខាន់មុនគេ

Habit 4:  Take care of yourself and keep improving
    មើលថែខ្លួនឯង និងបន្តអភិវឌ្ឍខ្លួនឯង

Through the workshop, the youths created a vision board to capture their goals with various pictures and could articulate clearly what they needed to do to achieve the goals they had set. The workshop was well-received by the youths with four opting to join a class to improve their literacy in Khmer.

14 May: Dormitory Ministry 

After bidding farewell to the Salt and Light Society, the Love A Village team carried on their ministry to a group of students in a dormitory overseen by Vongsa.

Janice led the students through activities aimed at building teamwork and communication in the dormitory. The youths shared how they viewed the current state of their dormitory and by the session, they made a commitment to God to be proactive in the dormitory and improve how the group grows together. The students then prayed for each other and had a meaningful fellowship over lunch.

Describing their current state to a friend
Praying to God to help them with their commitments
Fellowship over lunch

For Janice, it was also a moment of thankfulness, realising the grace that God had provided her through Seow Chin:

“I was very thankful for Seow Chin’s support. It was a testament of Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. She covered my blind spots and weaknesses and helped to drive home the learning points from the activities.”

14 May: SONOKO Student Ministry Outreach 

In the afternoon, the team moved to SONOKO student ministry and conducted a workshop on self-care for the university students. Seow Chin used bible verses to anchor the principles behind self-care, helping the youths and young adults understand the relevance of the Bible in modern life. 

One activity the students particularly enjoyed was the shopping activity in which they were given $5 to purchase items from a minimart and explain how the item they purchased would enable them to take care of themselves. 

The team was thankful for the turnout. There were 2 non-Christians and 4 backslided Christians who attended, with some expressing their desire to turn to Jesus. 

For Seow Chin, it was a good time of reflection for her:

“The key verse also spoke deeply to me and applies to me. Please pray for me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus (Matt 16:24). Please also pray for me to love God more than the world.” 

15 May: LAV Staff and Volunteers Workshop

On the last day, Seow Chin conducted a workshop for LAV staff and volunteers, teaching them how to be a good and faithful servant based on two key principles: 

  1. Taking Initiative
  2. Reading the Bible Regularly

The staff and volunteers grew in their conviction to live by the Word and be proactive in their service. These are some of their reflections at the end of the workshop:

Sreyka: First is try to use our talents which God gave us. And the Second is don’t be lazy – read Bible and stay connected with God.

Dalin: It was a good lesson. The lessons reminded me to be a faithful servant.

Sriesros: I want to learn from Seow Chin’s life – to listen only to God’s voice and not other people’s voices.

Vichea: There are no problem people but people with problems. I need to be more understanding and love my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Janice: I need to learn to love God’s Word more. I need to spend more time in God’s Word daily and meditate on it. 

Pray with us

There is much to follow up at the end of the trip and God will continue to grow the seeds that were planted. 

Skun Youths: Please keep Pastor Villa and Rinat in your prayers as they continue to minister to the youths. Pray that the youths will find their purpose in God and be inspired by the Spirit to be faithful in their growth.

Dormitory Ministry: Pray for Vongsa, the dorm parent, for wisdom and alertness as he manages the dorm operations and the students. Please also pray for LAV to be aware of God’s leading as we journey with Vongsa for 4 months.

SONOKO Student Ministry: Pray that the Word shared would grow in the hearts of the university students and that those who have turned to Jesus would grow deep roots into God’s Word and not be snatched away by the evil one. 

LAV Staff and Volunteers: Pray that they will continue to abide in Jesus as they serve the people under their care. 

May God continue to establish you in your faith as you pray alongside us. 

Blessings,

LAV

June 2025: Reaching the Youths Read More »

May 2025: Renewal for the New Year

Kok Thmey Village, Peam English School, Peam Village, Run Ta Ek Village, Skun Village /

សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី (Soursdey Chnam Thmey)! Happy Khmer New Year! April was a wonderful month of renewal for our Khmer brothers and sisters as they celebrated not just the new year but also remember the death and resurrection of our Lord on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Knowing the Lord makes all things new comforts and brings joy to us in so many ways. May these testimonies bring to your memory how God is similarly bringing renewal to your life.

Peam English School – Bringing New Colours to the School

The school had a fresh coat of paint thanks to Melissa Stock, regional director of Freedom Business Alliance. To celebrate International Women’s Day, Melissa chose to volunteer with her friends to paint the exterior walls of the school. The two-day project was a welcoming sight for both teachers and students. The beautiful flowers and soothing colours now greet all who enter the classroom, brightening up their day!

Kok Thmey and Skun – Welcoming newly baptised members to the family!

Church members from Kok Thmey and Skun publicly proclaimed their faith in the Lord and went through the waters of baptism in the river. Their decision to die to their old self and rise to a new life in Christ encouraged their fellow brothers and sister to continue abiding in Christ in all they do. The group, consisting of 23 youths and 7 adults, were filled with joy knowing that God will continue to work in their lives till they see Him face to face.

Lining up to get baptised in the river
Presenting our newly baptised members!

Kok Thmey, Peam, Run Ta Ek and Skun – Khmer New Year Celebrations

The churches organised celebrations and invited villagers to share in the joys of the festivities. It was a good opportunity to build bridges between the churches and villages. The church members, young and old, helped to decorate the venue and organised activities for all to enjoy. One encouraging sight to see was how the youths in Kok Thmey stepped up to prepare the booths and tent for the villagers to order food and dine together.

Peam – children playing their favourite activity: Tug of War
Skun – villagers coming together for a group photo after celebrations
Run Ta Ek – communal sharing of new year delicacies
Kok Thmey – youths setting up the booths for the celebration
Kok Thmey – villagers ordering food and drinks to enjoy together

Skun – Tearing Down Idols and Renewing Faith

During one of the outreaches to the villages, Pastor Villa visited a church member’s home and discovered an altar resting in the home. After prayer and worship, the family committed to burning the altar and dedicated their household to the Lord. This moment is a good time of reflection for many of us to consider the idols in our lives, tangible and intangible, and whether we can commit in a similar manner to our Lord and burn our idols. May the Lord give us a broken and contrite heart to repent.

Pastor Villa leading in prayer and worship
Altars burnt as members dedicate their lives to the Lord

Peam YDG – Learning New Ways to Teach

The youths went through a creative bible teaching workshop, learning how to create tools that bring across bible truths in tangible ways for others to understand. It was an eye-opening session for the youths who were mostly familiar with pen and paper bible study materials. They took turns to practice using the presented materials and at the end of the session, each group created their own tools that highlighted the key truths that help believers grow in their faith.

Demonstration on how to use tools to teach
Trying it out themselves
Showing the tools they had created themselves

Pray with us

Upcoming Mission Trips and Collaborations: We have three projects in the next two months. Pray that the volunteers would serve with joy overflowing and that the communities would welcome Jesus into their hearts through the interaction with the church.

LAV Mission Trips
10 to 14 May:Volunteers from Salt and Light Society
5 to 10 June:Members from Faith Methodist Church
Collaboration with Peam English School
19 to 25 May:Students from Bushnell University

YDGs: Keep the youths in prayer as they step up in their faith and service. Pray that they would continue to be faithful in their walk with the Lord, especially those who were recently baptised. Give thanks also for the recent release of favourable examination results. While most of the students had done well, pray that they may continue to be humble and keep in step with the Lord as they balance their studies and faith.

Sunday Schools and Churches: The recent celebrations brought new connections with villagers. Pray that these villagers would continue to stay connected with the members of the church and that opportunities to reap the harvest would come up with the leading of the Lord!

May God continue to bring about the renewal of your mind and faith as you dwell on His Word.

Blessings,

LAV

May 2025: Renewal for the New Year Read More »

Mar 2025: Love in the Centre of All We Do

Kok Thmey Village, Peam English School, Peam Village, Run Ta Ek Village, Skun Village, Uncategorized /

Love never fails. Paul reminds us that without love, all that we do and all that we are would be nothing. For our LAV team in Cambodia, love spurs them on to serve the children, improve themselves and bring the gospel to the community. While these accounts show the progress of the team, we pray that the underlying message of love in our actions would spur you on in your service to others.

Peam English School – Sharing Love and Wisdom in the Classroom

As the academic year in Siem Reap comes to a close, the staff team have been setting aside time every Friday for the students to learn about God’s love and how to live wisely in everyday decisions. More than just developing character, these lessons serve as an outreach effort to expose students to the gospel. Bible passages are taught to them in interesting ways for them to remember.

Besides from frontal teaching, students learn in interesting ways through games and scaffolded activities.

Peam and Kok Thmey YDG – Celebrating God’s Love on Valentine’s Day

For the youths, relationships are important to them. Which is why Kok Thmey church organised a Valentine’s Day programme for the youths to remember what true love is and how Jesus is their valentine. The youths were treated to a skit showing how Jesus loves them. They also wrote love letters to God, expressing their love and heartfelt appreciation for all He has done to show His love. At the end, the youths shared a sumptuous dinner under the stars. It was certainly a night to remember. Thanks to be to God for the team of dedicated teachers and youth leaders who coordinated this event.

The staff and youth leaders who made this possible!

Kok Thmey Church – Reaching families with love

The church has started to reach the families of youths who worship at Kok Thmey. In the month of February, we are thankful for the six families who welcomed the church staff warmly into their homes. For some, they had responded to the gospel shared and received Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This is certainly a great start towards sharing the message of God’s love to the families.

The church is also thankful for the students who have stepped up to learn how to play the drums and guitar. We pray that the music they make would be borne out of a deep devotion and adoration towards God.

Run Ta Ek Church – Reaching in love through service

For the month of March, the church is planning an eye check-up clinic and a food pack distribution as part of their outreach effort to the villagers. Pray alongside us as the staff serve the villagers with love that flows from God. For the FDG, they have remained steadfast in their attendance despite the concerns over employment. Pray that the villagers would be able to secure employment and that they would continue to be faithful in all circumstances.

Skun Church – Sharing Bible Stories in the Evening

The villagers at Skun have been responding favourably to the sharing of bible stories in their evening outreach. Many of the children and youths would gather under the soft glow of a single light bulb to listen to the stories of God’s love and power shared by Nayvon. This group has been growing in size and we are hopeful that the seeds of the gospel would take root in their hearts and grow at the right time.

Pray with us

People in Siem Reap: The air quality in Siem Reap dipped due to smog. Pray for the air to clear up and for the Cambodians to have good health and stay safe from the air pollution.

Peam English School: The teachers are busy with the marking of the Grade 6 exams as well as preparing for the graduation ceremony. Pray that the team would be able to plan the graduation ceremony amidst the busyness and find a people to take pictures and print the banner.

YDGs in Peam, Kok Thmey and Skun: The youths in our YDGs are facing opposition from their parents. Pray that the youths would find favour in the eyes of their parents to worship and know God. Pray also that the youths would have wisdom to respond in love to their parents’ opposition.

Kok Thmey, Run Ta Ek and Skun Church: Pray for the families that they may respond to the gospel shared in the different outreach efforts.

May God’s love overflow in your life to those around you!

Blessings,

LAV

Mar 2025: Love in the Centre of All We Do Read More »

Feb 2025: Embracing Growth in Faith and Fellowship

Kok Thmey Sunday School, Kok Thmey Village, Peam English School, Peam Sunday School, Peam Village, Run Ta Ek Village, Skun Village /

Blessed Chinese New Year! To our beloved Chinese brothers and sisters, CNY is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring from which new growth begins. During our recent team meeting, we rejoiced when we heard inspiring stories of growth in faith and involvement. We give thanks to God for these blessings and pray that these testimonies encourage you in your own personal and corporate ministry.

Peam English School – A New Grade Opens!

We are excited to announce the opening of Grade 7 at our English School! We welcomed our first cohort of 16 eager students, with more expected to join. This milestone brings immense joy to our teachers, who are enthusiastic about building upon the strong foundations established in earlier grades. 

Our first cohort of Grade 7 students
A newly decorated classroom crafted by the children

Another thanksgiving was the providence of classroom furniture suitable for the teens. Many of them had outgrown the tables and chairs that saw them through Grade 3 to 6. We are grateful for the generous donation of classroom furniture from REECH Cambodia, providing suitable tables and chairs for our growing teens.

Peam Sunday School – New Sunday School teachers join to support more students!

This year, our Peam Sunday School is thrilled to register 100 students, welcoming children from Peam and neighboring villages of Kok Por and Kok Tnot. With the increased student population, the team was thankful for the addition of three new Sunday school teachers, Panha, Mesa and Marady, who will help nurture our students’ journey towards knowing God.

The children are excited to start a new year in Sunday School!
Our new Sunday School teachers: Panha, Mesa and Marady

Peam Faithful Discipleship Group (FDG) –  Strengthening Leadership!

The FDG in Peam consists of the leaders in the various ministries, Dalen from Run Ta Ek, Sreyka and Sreysros from Peam, and Vatey and Saodern from Kok Thmey. The group meets weekly to seek God through the study and pray for the villages under their care. It is the start of a gathering to share experiences and provide support for each other in the Lord’s work.

Peam and Kok Thmey Youth Discipleship Group (YDG) –  Welcoming the Second Generation!

The youths from both YDGs met together for 2025 to enable more interactions between the youths to build on each others’ faith. It was a great time of knowing each other and praying that 2025 would bring fruits to their faith. The first generation of youths from Peam and Kok Thmey also welcomed the second generation and it was a joyous occasion to see the youths earnestly seeking God and build up their understanding of Him.

The first generation meeting the second generation of youths

Kok Thmey Church – Welcoming the Youth!

The Kok Thmey Church recently witnessed an increase in attendance as youths joined the Sunday service, doubling the congregation from 15 to 30! Pharim, a youth member, shared her uplifting testimony about receiving her parents’ blessings to attend church and worship God freely, which encouraged our community to continue to pray for the children in the Sunday school and YDGs.

Can you spot the youths?
Pharim sharing her testimony to the church

Skun Church – A New Ministry for Fellowship and Outreach!

Recognizing a shared passion for soccer among all ages, Skun Church started a weekly soccer game to enhance community bonds between the church, YDGs and Sunday school. The members are praying that this initiative will foster connections and strengthen ties among the members while providing outreach opportunities to the community around them.

Skun adults, youth and children enjoying a game together

Run Ta Ek Church – A Growing Community!

Run Ta Ek celebrated nearly doubling its attendance, jumping from from an average of 25 worshippers in 2024 to 40 in January 2025. The fruits from the outreach efforts in 2024 were very evident with testimonies of God’s work being shared. One of the new worshippers was a husband who used to persecute his wife for attending the church in 2024.  Through the persistent prayer and outreach efforts, the husband is now worshipping God with his wife. All praise to God!

What a crowd of worshippers!
The husband attending church for the first time with his wife

Run Ta Ek YDG and FDG – The first generation in Run Ta Ek

Exciting times are ahead as seven youths form the first generation of YDG in Run Ta Ek, guided by Dalen, who has been instrumental in their spiritual development when they were in Sunday school.

The seven youths who stepped up for the first YDG in Run Ta Ek

Equally committed, 18 adults have formed two study groups led by Pastor Olyda and Sean. The latter group, though illiterate, is utilizing the Waha app to facilitate their Bible studies, demonstrating that faith can grow regardless of literacy levels.

Sean’s FDG
Pastor Olyda’s FDG

Pray with Us!

FDG:
Pray for wisdom for members to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading as they grow in their faithfulness through their service in the ministries and live as an example for others to follow after. 

YDG:
Pray that the youths will grow deeper in their relationship with God and they may rise up to serve and build each other up in their faith.

Peam English School:
As the teachers teach the new cohort of grade 7 students, pray for them to be able to guide the students in their learning and that all students from grade 3 to 7 will be open to learning and put their lessons into practice. 

Sunday Schools:
Keep the children in prayer that they may be able to continue attending Sunday School. Pray that their parents would be supportive of their faith and that their parents would also come to know and worship God deeply through the children.

Churches:
Particularly for Kok Thmey Church, pray for an upcoming outreach to 8 families, of which 6 have already agreed to attend. Pray for the remaining 2 families to respond favourably and that the families will come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. 

Particularly for Skun Church, as the church congregation consists mostly of youths, pray that they will rise up to serve in various capacities from setting up the AV equipment to leading the soccer ministry as a means of outreach and fellowship. 

Food of Love:
Pray for Om Phallary and her team as they continue their work on the streets reaching out to people and bringing healing to their lives. 

May God continue to work in your lives as richly as He does in the lives of the Cambodians.

Blessings,

LAV

Feb 2025: Embracing Growth in Faith and Fellowship Read More »

Mission Trip Reflections: What our Youths Experienced in Nov-Dec 2024

Go with Us, Skun Village /

Happy 2025! LAV is excited for the opportunities that God will bring this new year and we are ever thankful for your partnership with us. One such partnership came about at the end of 2024 when a team of three Singaporean families went on a four-day mission trip to our villages.

They worked alongside our Cambodian volunteers to host a two-day Vacation Bible School and organised an outreach for the parents in Skun. It was an eye-opening experience, especially for the children who experienced God’s working through the team to bless the villagers. Two of the girls, Janelle and Hannah, share their experiences with us:

Reflection on Siem Reap Mission Trip ~~ Janelle, 11

When my mother told me that I would be going on this mission trip, I was excited as it would be my first mission trip and was also the first time I was going to Cambodia. However, I was also nervous as I did not know that there would be translators, so I thought that the language barrier would be a problem.

The people in Skun village (and the people in Cambodia generally) were very friendly and hospitable, despite the hardships that they face in their daily lives. I feel that we have a lot to learn from them, just like how they have a lot to learn from us, in different ways.

When we were there, we held a 2-day Vacation Bible School programme for them. The program was held on 29 and 30 November, a Friday and a Saturday. There were Bible lessons, worship time, games and crafts. During Bible lessons, we taught the children about the creation of the world as most of them are not believers. The teaching was split into four lessons. During worship, we did two songs– He’s got the whole world in His hands [English]/Jesus loves me [Khmer]. One of the translators wanted the children to learn their local worship songs, so there was time for her to teach them another song in Khmer. There were also games and crafts that were related to each Bible lesson, like a recap for the children.

I helped during the worship section by teaching the children the actions to both songs and helped during games by showing how to play them, alongside with the children from the Singapore team.

My most memorable experience was when several of the children prayed to receive Christ, although the pastor still had to follow up with them, but we were there just to plant the seed and let God water and nurture the plant.

Through this trip, I felt that God was telling me that I am very fortunate, as most of the people in Cambodia are less fortunate, and do not get opportunities for education; most of them grow up on farms to make a living. We should treasure what we have, and not take things for granted.

I also learnt that when spreading the gospel, our role is not to persuade others to become Christians, but just to nudge them a bit, and let God do the rest. I am most thankful for the translators; without them, we would not have been able to communicate with the team in Cambodia, let alone the children.

Janelle and Hannah with the children in the playground

Reflection on Siem Reap Mission Trip ~~ Hannah, 11

When my parents told me that our family was going on a mission trip to Skun, I felt so happy! I was excited to serve God and have a memorable time with everyone.

When we arrived at Skun village, I noticed that the pastor there was super friendly and welcoming. The kids in the village were really attentive and listened well to the leaders.Our team spent three days running a program for the kids about the seven days of creation from Genesis. I helped by demonstrating the games and making sure the kids were organized and seated in neat rows.

The most memorable part of the trip for me was definitely the kids. They were so friendly, and I even made friends with a few of the girls!

Through this trip, I felt that God was telling me how blessed I am and that I shouldn’t take things for granted.

I learned that people from Cambodia are very friendly and kind. I’m most thankful that everyone stayed safe throughout the entire trip.

If their sharing has encouraged your heart and you are interested to join us in blessing the villagers, we have good news for you! We are planning a Children’s Camp at Run Ta Ek in May 2025! Drop us an email (Janicetay23@hotmail.com) to indicate your interest and we would update you once details are confirmed.

Join us in May 2025

Mission Trip Reflections: What our Youths Experienced in Nov-Dec 2024 Read More »

Nov 2024: Our Inaugural Youth Camp!

Kok Thmey Village, Peam Village, Phnom Krom, Skun Village /

On 15 and 16 Nov, our youths gathered for their first ever youth camp at the AOG church. 40 excited youths were from the different Youth Discipleship Groups in Peam, Skun, Kok Thmey and Phnom Krom came together as one to worship God and build each other up. The youths grew stronger in their faith and conviction of the good work that God is bringing about in and through them.

Deborah, a friend of Janice, shares her experience in leading an activity with the youths:

This would be my third trip to Siem Reap with Janice. This time, I was invited to facilitate activities with the LAV youth for their very first Youth Discipleship Group camp. Janice shared that the camp participants came from different villages and she wanted some bonding activities to get them to connect. The main camp committee also felt it would be good if there was space for the youth to share their hurts and struggles and to connect them to their faith.

I was tentative about what I could bring to the table. I can do fun and games anytime and I also had some ideas of using creative arts as a different medium for the youth to process and articulate their thoughts. However, as I’m not a believer, I wasn’t sure how to connect it to the Christian faith. I was also worried about how the youth would engage with the activities. I had some worries going into the YDG camp; I hoped that the planned activities would achieve the intended goals. 

In one of our activities, the camp participants created their ‘Bowl of Light’ and shared about the ‘stones’ (personal struggles and pains) that blocked their light. They also expressed how Jesus can be the light for them (which was symbolised by a little glow stick). During this activity, I saw tears, prayers, comfort, and connection. Witnessing the process reminded me of the phrase, “trust the process”. All my anxieties had gone away; the camp participants could connect with the activity and express their voice.  I also have to thank my new friend Sa, who interpreted wonderfully for me and created the magic of the story of the ‘Bowl of Light’ to the participants in Khmer. Rather than an interpreter, he really stepped up to be more of a co-facilitator with me to engage the participants. 

In this short 2 days and 1 night camp, I saw the camp participants having so much fun during the treasure hunt, campfire and games, and being reflective during their Bible lessons and devotion time. More importantly, connections were formed all around and it was heartwarming to see the camp participants affirming one another and sharing kind and encouraging words during our final closing activity.

I felt an emotionally interesting feeling of contentment with a tinge of sadness as we bade farewell to each other on the last day of camp. It was the same feeling I get every time I leave Siem Reap. To me, it meant, “Goodbye, see you again!”

By Deborah

Deborah had also prepared a short video showing the highlights of the camp. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the hearts of the youths and bring the truth of the gospel through their lives and into the villages!

May this sharing bless your heart and may the blessings overflow to those around you this Christmas!

Nov 2024: Our Inaugural Youth Camp! Read More »

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