"I am a valuable child."

Meet Chanda*

I am Chanda*, a 14-year-old student from Pursat Province. I am the second child of four siblings, and like most kids, I prefer to spend time with friends rather than doing chores. But a lot has changed since I met teachers from Fountain of Hope (FOH). They introduced me to the Joy of Our Children Program, a turning point in my life, sparking my interest in learning and personal growth.

The program offers valuable lessons on health and hygiene through interactive games and activities. I was thrilled to participate in quizzes where I could win prizes and enjoyed watching cartoons that taught essential life lessons. The Buddy System seminar opened my eyes to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. It inspired me to see them as my spiritual brothers and sisters, instilling a sense of compassion and responsibility. Being there for others is a significant part of my spiritual journey.

A key moment came when I attended the New Believer Training conducted by FOH. The teachings about the creation of the world, the first sin, and the paths of life and baptism deeply moved me. It was then that I decided to believe in Jesus and was baptized. I am so grateful this decision changed my entire family’s life. My parents also found faith in God, bringing us closer as a family.  

Today, I am a changed person. I work hard in my studies, help my parents with their work, and take an active role in household chores. I’ve also become a guide for my younger siblings and peers, teaching them basic hygiene and self-care practices. I know that I am a valuable child in God’s sight and that God is with me. My journey with FOH has filled me with love and purpose. I am immensely thankful to the FOH teachers for their guidance and support. I pray for blessings upon the FOH staff, wishing them good health and wisdom in their noble mission.

“I know that I am a valuable child in God’s sight and that God is with me.”

*Name has been changed.

"I have observed real change."

Meet Mom Sophi

I am Mom Sophi, a 49-year-old village chief from the Tboung Khmum province. I am married with two daughters. In 2023, I participated in the Fountain of Hope Life with Value program. Through this program, I learned about safe migration, human trafficking, domestic violence, substance abuse, and other critical life skills. This training has enabled me to become a community volunteer, educating others on these vital topics. For instance, I have worked directly with families experiencing domestic violence, and recently, I have seen positive changes in their families.

This program is invaluable in addressing domestic violence and promoting safe migration practices. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and understand the potential consequences of their choices on their families. I have shared these lessons in my community. I have observed real change, particularly within families struggling with domestic violence.

“I have observed real change, particularly within families struggling with domestic violence.”

I look forward to sharing more essential lessons such as positive parenting, patience, utilizing local resources, and child protection with the broader community. The Life with Value program is crucial, and it has significantly aided me in my role as a village chief, especially in advising community members about migration.

I would urge FOH to continue providing this essential education within our community to improve the well-being and safety of all. Thank you for being so dedicated to our community. 

May your leadership team be blessed with health and success in all your endeavors.

Staff Highlight: Noem Channen

Life of Hope Program Director

Channen was born in the Kompong Chhnang province​ in 1985 and grew up with seven siblings. Her family farmed rice, and her father was the chief of their village. Channen heard the gospel when she was young, but because of differences in her family’s faith, she did not attend church or learn about God regularly.

​In 2000, she moved to Phnom Penh with her aunt, and nearby there was a church that hosted free English classes. Channen was passionate about learning English, and every Sunday she attended Bible classes. Soon, her faith was growing and she started serving in church. Her family did not support her faith in Jesus, yet Channen stood firm with God.

Through God’s love, Channen found peace, hope, and a new dream. God’s love generously transformed bitter struggles into blessed opportunities for growth. Channen graduated with her bachelor’s degree in management, from a local university in Phnom Penh in 2016, and she also completed many short courses locally and abroad in leadership and church planting. She worked with Transform Cambodia from 2007 to 2023 as a center manager; encouraging staff, students, and guardians to experience Jesus’s love. Channen is a senior church leader at Transform Life Church at the Chbar Ompov location.

She is truly thankful for God’s guidance in leading her to work with Fountain of Hope. In March 2024, she started to work with the Fountain of Hope as a Life of Hope Program Director. This has been a great source of purpose and fulfillment, and she is very grateful for the chance to develop a positive difference in others’ lives through this marvelous mission. She loves inspiring her colleagues to keep faith in Jesus. In addition, she is passionate about serving communities and sharing the gospel with the hopeless. Her goal is to see cell church members have a faithful relationship with God and experience spiritual growth by attending church regularly, sharing their testimonies, and generously giving to God. She hopes that Fountain of Hope will reach out to other provinces around Cambodia.

Channen is married to Mr. Sok Veasna, a Deputy Principal at Beltei International School. Together, they have two children, Sok Kongvisoth, a 15-year-old son in ninth grade, and Sok Chanrinna, a 10-year-old daughter in fifth grade. They love serving together.

Extending Resources, Stories from 2024

Mrs. Soun Lon, 54 years old, lives in the Takeo Province. She has a daughter with a disability and a son. Soun Lon faced immense stress about her family’s basic needs for a long time. She relied entirely on her husband’s income, which was inconsistent and unstable due to his drinking problem. She was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to help provide for her family.

Then Soun Lon met Ms. Bat Soth, a Fountain of Hope staff member. Bat Soth gave Soun Lon the inspiration that she needed. In a year-long training through the Our Strong Village program, Soun Lon learned how to maximize the available resources around her.

Now motivated and equipped with the necessary skills, Soun Lon created several income-generating opportunities. She grew her own vegetable garden, raised chickens, participated in a savings group, and began making and selling soap.

Today, Soun Lon has significantly impacted her family’s financial stability. She has consistent income from her soap sales, with established channels through orders and local and home-based sales. Soun Lon raises chickens, providing food during shortages or trade opportunities. She contributes to a savings group as well. With her newfound financial independence, Soun Lon experienced confidence and happiness.

Through this journey, Soun Lon met Jesus Christ. She regularly attends cell church and experiences the happiness that hope in God brings.

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Chicken Banks

Cell churches and community groups learn how to efficiently raise and care for chickens. Poor families receive some of the chickens that are bred to begin raising their own. In this way, families are able to support themselves and have a way to build their income. Those who benefit from the program are encouraged to share their knowledge with others.

213 families are involved in the chicken bank program!

Soccer Skills and More

Soccer Teams for Teens

FOH organizes soccer teams for teens where they not only practice soccer skills, teamwork and build friendships, but learn health lessons and experience Jesus’s love.

Hello, my name is Phirun*. I am a 13-year-old student in the sixth grade. I joined Fountain of Hope’s Youth Football Program in September. At first, I was nervous to join the team, but now I am so glad I did!

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Meet Phirun*

My perspective changed when I joined the team and participated in practice sessions. The teacher introduced us not only to football but to important lessons. The lesson that stood out the most to me was about the effects of drugs. Through this lesson, I gained a deeper understanding of how drugs can negatively impact not just individuals but also families and society as a whole. I felt a strong responsibility to share this knowledge with my friends.

I encouraged my friends to join the football team. I told them, “Playing sports keeps us away from drugs; it helps our health, friendship, and wisdom.” I am grateful to Fountain of Hope and the dedicated teachers who have brought this valuable program to our village. Through the football team, I have learned important life lessons and am committed to sharing these lessons with others.

I hope that Fountain of Hope will continue its efforts to teach in my village, bringing positive change to more kids like me. Thank you for supporting programs like this that help us to make better choices and build a brighter future!

*Name has been changed.

Staff Highlight: Real Naleng

Communication and Sustainability Director

Naleng Real’s journey has been marked by hardship but also strength in faith through Jesus Christ. Naleng’s father left her family for government duty before she could call him “Pa”. In 1975, her mother, seven siblings, and she were captured and forced to leave Phnom Penh city. Naleng’s mother and five of her siblings died during the Pol Pot Regime due to disease and starvation. One of Naleng’s oldest sisters, sister’s husband, and four children fled to the Pursat province during the war.

In 1979, Cambodia was liberated from the Khmer Rouge. Naleng and her sister spent over three months walking from Battambang to Kandal province, passing by Phnom Penh city. During their journey, Naleng got measles and was very sick for three months. She suffered from the side effects of measles and did not recover well – her torso was deformed, and her body did not grow properly because there was no proper medical treatment available.

Naleng’s uncle is a very compassionate person and welcomed Naleng and her sister into the family. In 1980, her oldest sister, who had fled to Pursat province, found Naleng and her sister. She took them to live with her in Sihanoukville. In 1993, there was a mission family from Assemblies of God (AOG), who came to Sihanoukville and opened up an orphanage with an English class. There Naleng learned about God’s story in the Bible. The missionary witnessed to her, and she gave her life to Jesus in 1993. Naleng served in AOG for six years.

From 2004-2007, Naleng pursued a Master of Art in Intercultural Studies at the East Asia School of Theology in Singapore, and graduated in 2007. These educational foundations prepared her for a life of cross-cultural ministry and service to build God’s kingdom. After Bible school, Naleng served in various ministry roles in World Vision, as a Christian Formation Program Coordinator. Her involvement at Good News of Jesus Church is her weekend ministry—Worship Leader, Sunday School teacher, trainer, and Church Planter.

Currently, Naleng serves part-time in the Sustainability Project with Fountain of Hope (FOH) and is a student of Christian Counseling (online) at Covenant Theological Seminary, USA. Through this role, Naleng sees how Cambodian communities are eager for the gospel. FOH encourages staff and volunteers to demonstrate their faith through both words and actions in their community programs.

Naleng is grateful for a life of purposeful service, that inspires others to find strength in faith and purpose in serving through the gospel so that people can receive salvation and the love of God.

Extending Grace, Stories from 2024

From Magic Water to His Presence

Tak Yeang, a 31-year-old resident of the Tbong Khmum province, has a story of transformation that showcases the power of faith. Living with her family in poverty, Yeang worked as a construction worker while battling a chronic kidney disease. Her monthly medical expenses drained her resources, leaving her in a state of despair. “Before I came to believe in Jesus, I had a strong faith in magic and divination,” Yeang recalls, explaining how she sought healing through rituals and “magic water” but found no relief.  

Yeang’s journey to faith began indirectly through Fountain of Hope’s Our Strong Village and Life With Value program, where she participated in various activities. Despite her involvement, Yeang initially resisted the Life of Hope project, deterred by her aversion to the name of Jesus. However, a pivotal moment occurred when she reluctantly attended a Christmas Day program at the invitation of cell church members. Witnessing people praising God, dancing joyfully, and engaging in a drama about Jesus’ birth, Yeang experienced something unexpected. “As I listened to the message and experienced the love and joy of the people around me, I felt a deep sense of peace and understanding in my heart,” she shares.

“As I listened to the message and experienced the love and joy of the people around me, I felt a deep sense of peace and understanding in my heart.”

This profound encounter led Yeang to realize her need for God. The peace and love she experienced during the program marked a turning point. “I experienced His presence and His love in a way I had never known before,” she reflects, acknowledging that this newfound understanding revealed the true meaning of Christmas and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Yeang committed to deepening her faith and growing closer to God, believing wholeheartedly in God’s power to heal her. 

Despite the ongoing challenges of her illness, Tak remains steadfast in her trust in God’s love and grace. She is now filled with hope for both physical and spiritual healing, confident that her faith will lead to restoration. “I am filled with hope for the future,” Yeang asserts, illustrating a journey from skepticism to unwavering faith inspired by the transformative impact of the Life of Hope program. Her story is a testament to the enduring strength and hope that faith can bring into the life of an individual facing adversity.

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Contemplating Escape, Finding Healing

Ros Kimheng, a 47-year-old resident of the Takeo province, shares a compelling testimony of transformation through the Life of Hope program. Facing numerous hardships, Kimheng describes a life marked by poverty, debt, and domestic violence due to her husband’s alcoholism. “My life was in darkness, without hope or happiness,” she recalls. Her children felt unsafe at home, and Kimheng often thought about escaping. Still, she was bound by her responsibilities as a mother.

Amid the despair, Kimheng encountered Hem Lai Sim, a volunteer from the Fountain of Hope organization, who introduced her to the teachings of Jesus through a cell church in her community. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound change in Kimheng’s life. “The Word of God was so wonderful that it touched and healed my heart,” Kimheng shares. She was inspired to embrace the Bible, undergo leadership training, and was eventually baptized, all of which fortified her faith and patience.

“The Word of God was so wonderful that it touched and healed my heart,” Kimheng shares.

Kimheng’s journey is a testament to the power of prayer and perseverance. Despite her husband’s continued struggles with alcohol, Kimheng remained hopeful and prayed daily for a change. Her prayers were answered over time as her husband began to reduce his drinking, showed respect and love towards the family, and even participated in household chores. “Praise God, after I prayed for a few months, I saw my husband had changed,” Ros gratefully acknowledges.

Today, Kimheng is an active community member, contributing to cell church gatherings by leading worship, praying, and organizing weekly meetings. Her story is a vivid illustration of the transformative power of faith, not only for individuals but for families and communities. Kimheng is deeply thankful for the Fountain of Hope, stating, “I am truly filled with joy and praise to God who has changed all of our lives.” She dreams of the organization continuing its mission to bring hope and transformation to more communities.

Wells of Life

The two wells we worked on in the Battambang province are complete and fully operational! Thank you for your support for this project! These two new wells will provide clean and accessible water to the communities of Roung Village and Toul Svay, significantly improving their living conditions and overall health. This will directly impact the daily lives of countless families, especially women and children who are primarily responsible for water collection.

Jesus offered living water to the woman at the well, and we strive to provide the physical necessity of clean water to communities in need.  Fountain of Hope not only quenches the community’s thirst but also creates opportunities to share the life-giving hope found in Jesus Christ. We provide clean and accessible water to open doors for the message of Jesus and His offer of eternal life.

Fostering Resilience

In February 2025, this program made significant strides in supporting vulnerable families. In Kandal province, a collaborative meeting with local authorities and 20 community members (including 17 women) focused on providing crucial education and resources to combat violence and drug abuse. In Tbong Khmum province, 30 families impacted by HIV, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and child mistreatment benefited from support group meetings focused on holistic well-being, healthcare access, and improved communication. These impactful activities demonstrate the program's commitment to strengthening families, fostering community resilience, and creating lasting positive change.

Equipping Our Team

Fountain of Hope's leadership team recently honed their skills in a comprehensive 3-day MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) training this February. The training provided practical tools and insights for developing our 2025 logical framework, focusing on data-driven planning for effective program management and impact measurement. This hands-on approach will empower our executive team to strengthen their programs, demonstrate our accountability, and ensure we make a meaningful difference in the community.  

Spiritual Wealth

Nakri, a 16-year-old shares her inspiring journey of faith and resilience through the Fountain of Hope's Joy of Our Children program.

Living with her farming and factory worker parents, Nakri made the tough decision to leave school to support her family financially. However, she continued to engage with the local youth cell group. Nakri participated in the 90-day Joshua training, where she learned about Jesus' love and patience, despite her initial unfamiliarity with Him.

Through the training, Nakri discovered a newfound passion for community work, joining the Joy of Our Children program in her village to teach children about God's word and lead them in praise songs.

Her testimony reflects a profound transformation, as she expresses gratitude to Jesus and the FOH staff for bringing joy into her life, despite her family's financial challenges. Nakri’s story is a testament to the impact of faith-based programs and the support of donors, which enable young individuals like her to find purpose and happiness. "Despite the fact that my family is not wealthy, I find joy in God," she shares, highlighting the importance of spiritual fulfillment over material wealth.

Merry Christmas!

Reclaiming Her Life

Yourn's life was a harrowing tale of domestic violence, poverty, and despair. Her husband's alcoholism and abuse cast a dark shadow over her family. The weight of providing for her children, often working irregular hours and facing financial constraints, was a constant burden. But amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerged. 

Aunt Sopha, a compassionate soul, invited Yourn to join the Life with Value support group. This group became a sanctuary, where Yourn found solace, understanding, and strength. The members, like a family, listened to her troubles, offered comfort, and provided practical advice. Empowered by the support group, Yourn began to reclaim her life. She worked diligently, ensuring her children received a quality education. Her daughter's academic achievements became a source of immense pride. The group also played a crucial role in advocating for Yourn's rights, working with local authorities to address her situation. 

Yourn's transformation is a testament to the power of human connection and the impact of community-based initiatives. The Life with Value support group has not only provided a lifeline to vulnerable women like Yourn, but also empowers them to become agents of change in their lives and communities.

Helping Little Ones Dream

My name is Nita and I live in Tbong Khmum province. I am one of the Joy of Our Children’s teen club members. I always saw other club members serve the little vulnerable children as Buddy companions. The changes I noticed in the little ones motivated me to want to do the same. 

The Buddy System training truly molded my heart. I was willing to help bring transformation into the lives of vulnerable kids whose parents migrated for work and left them behind with their grandparents. Nary is an orphan girl whose father returns home to visit her only once a year. She ate two meals a day, breakfast at 7 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. She skipped lunch every day. Her meals are mostly rice with fish paste or fermented fish. Her grandmother is sick and as a result, Nary was often absent from school. I decided to choose Nary from my village as my buddy companion. It took Nary a while to trust my care for her. We slowly became friends. I took her to the kid’s club with me and invited her to the teenager’s club when we had a buddy meeting. She has a dream of being a teacher.  I taught her mathematics and guided her with reading until she became an outstanding student in her class. 

I am thankful that the Joy of Our Children program brought me a good buddy companion, who taught me to take every opportunity to help and care for the vulnerable children in my village. I love Nary with the love of Jesus and desire to see her dream come true. I hope Nary will bring a lot of inspiration from this Buddy System to many children around her in the future. 

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Refreshment from Our Friends in the Netherlands!

We had four friends visit our work in the Pursat and Battambang provinces. A group of Christians organized by the Dutch FOH foundation and a Dutch church “Doorbrekers” helped us host a Ministry Day, a heartwarming gathering for 137 children in the Joy of Our children program and 128 Life with Value support group members. The kids loved the fun and games! The support group members enjoyed performances, gifts, and even skincare treatments. One special moment came when a woman tearfully shared, “My hands worked very hard to earn a living to support my family. I never experienced a smooth soft hand. But Jesus knows I need that too.” Even the smallest gestures bring immense joy and comfort to those in need.

Healing an Unloving Heart and a Snake Bite

Chetra, a 42-year-old resident of Pursat province, shares a transformational journey of faith and service through the Joshua training program. Before joining the Life of Hope program, Chetra describes himself as narrow-minded and unloving, facing frequent family conflicts.

However, everything changed when he attended the 90-day Joshua training, completing four courses: Life of Hope, Joy of Our Children, Life With Value, and Our Strong Village. This experience provided him with a fresh start, fostering love within his family and empowering him to share the gospel with his community. Chetra’s life became a testament to the power of faith as many in his village found belief through his influence. He also recounts miraculous healings, both from a snake bite and his son's dengue fever, attributing these to divine intervention.  He said, “I was bitten by a snake, but God healed me at that moment because there was no nearby doctor and no cure. My son had dengue fever. I prayed; God healed my son.”

Chetra expresses deep gratitude to God and the FOH organization for the opportunity to transform his life and contribute positively to his community.  He acknowledges the invaluable support from the donors and the programs provided by FOH, which have helped him, and others find a true sense of belief and purpose.  Chetra’s story is a powerful example of how faith and community support can change lives. "Thank you so much, and may God bless you!" he says, acknowledging the donors who have made these life-changing programs possible.

Looking Forward to Christmas Celebrations!

Each year, Fountain of Hope invites communities to their Christmas Celebrations! Many people attend who are unfamiliar with the gospel. The program includes a gospel presentation, performances, singing and a meal! These events are exciting opportunities for new believers and the Joshua leaders to invite their neighbors, families and friends to hear about Jesus. Last year over 900 people received Jesus as their Savior!

Our staff are looking forward to these events:

“The community will be delighted to join Jesus' birthday!” Khav Saroem

“Joshua leaders will participate in Christmas by performing, decorating, and inviting their neighbors.” Anan and Naleng

“Many people will hear the gospel and receive salvation.” Ea Sovann

“The local authorities would join Christmas celebration.” Ham Saing

“The program would go well, and the people would be thrilled by the nativity hymns, the words of Jesus' birth, and the communal meal.” Sun Sarith

“Community will hear sounds of praising God in commemoration of the birth of Jesus. Bread, noodles and curry are the favorite foods of the community during the celebration of Christmas in the community.” Monophal

“Children are happy, together praising God during the Christmas ceremony.” Chum Prajn

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Please pray for these celebrations happening in many villages across Cambodia that people will experience the love of Jesus!

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Power in the Name of Jesus

My name is Rachny and I am 33 years old. I am a rubber plantation farmer in the Tbong Khmum province and have one son. My husband is a factory security guard in Phnom Penh. Most people in my village are farmers. When someone is sick, we first seek help from the fortune tellers who tell us what evil spirit to make an offering to. We always pray to those evil spirits for peace and happiness for our family because we don’t have a true god to rely on.

In 2020, I accidentally met a Fountain of Hope staff while he was preaching the good news of Jesus. He shared scripture from John 3:16 and John 1:12 about the love of Jesus, His power to forgive sinners, and how He accepted them to be His children. I felt personal conviction that those who practice witchcraft and magic, worship idols and evil spirits sinned against God. I am one of them. Only Jesus can redeem me and give me salvation. I accepted Jesus to be my Lord and Savior that day. The teacher introduced me to a cell church in my village.

After I accepted Jesus, I completed a new believer training and afterward was baptized. I no longer practice my previous beliefs. I stopped seeking help from fortune tellers or preparing offerings for evil spirits. When I face problems or illness, I first seek Jesus in my prayer for healing. When I face difficulty, I encourage myself to pray more to Jesus. He relieved my burdens, healed my sickness, and renewed my hope. I believe there is power in the name of Jesus. He always makes himself available, listens to my prayers, and sends timely help.

I thank Jesus for sending the Fountain of Hope teacher to preach the gospel. Without God sending him I would not have the chance to hear the gospel and become a child of God. Please remember me in your prayers and pray for salvation for the families in my village. They need Jesus to redeem them.

My Parents Appreciate My Transformation

My name is Dara, and I am 15 years old and live in the Takeo province. I am the second child in a family of two boys. My father works in a factory, and my mother is a housewife and weaver. In my free time, I help with housework and prepare the weaving machine for my mother.

In 2022, I joined the Joy of Our Children program after a teacher invited me and other kids in my village to watch puppet shows. I was excited to learn about the Kid’s Club, where I gained knowledge about self-prevention from dengue fever, diarrhea, dental hygiene, children’s rights, and personal health care.

Later that year, I attended the Buddy System training, which taught me how to identify and support vulnerable children. I chose to help a lonely boy in my village who often skips school and lacks care, and is often sick when his parents are away for work and his grandparents are busy with their business. I encourage him to study, practice hygiene, and join the Kid’s Club with me.

Through my faith in Jesus, I completed the new believer training and accepted water baptism. I am currently taking leadership training with my teacher, who has shown me God’s love and helped me grow. My parents appreciate my transformation.

I am really grateful to Jesus for loving me and transforming my attitude. I thank my teachers for loving me, teaching me, and helping many children in my village. Their good example influences my desire to live out Jesus’ love. Their teaching shaped my character to pick the right choices, especially making the decision to accept Jesus to be my Lord and Savior through seeing Jesus. I now volunteer to help gather children from my village to join the Kid’s Club and other events. I hope my volunteer service will help prevent kids from drugs.

Please pray that the Lord will bless my efforts to finish high school, get a good job and good health for everyone in my family.

Seeing Spiritual Needs

Vanny, an 18-year-old, shares her journey from following local traditions to becoming a dedicated Joshua Leader. Initially unaware of her spiritual needs, Vanny participated in traditional practices until Fountain of Hope staff introduced her to the gospel. Although her initial exposure was limited due to school commitments, she embraced the message in 2022 when Ms. Im Vanna taught teens about God's word. Realizing her need for salvation, Vanny accepted Jesus as her Savior and subsequently attended training courses.

In 2024, Vanny seized the opportunity to join the 90-day Joshua Training, which equipped her with a deeper understanding of God's word and health awareness. She is now committed to using this knowledge to improve her life and positively influence her community.

Vanny’s story underscores the transformative power of faith-based education and the crucial role of donor support in providing such opportunities. She expresses her gratitude to Fountain of Hope for the life-changing training, which has empowered her to make a difference in her village.

When God's Love Touches Your Heart

Meet Kem Mom

My name is Kem Mom. I live in the Kandal province. I am a cell church leader in the Life of Hope program through Fountain of Hope. I have 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters.

I took full responsibility for raising my children after my husband died. I labored to cut grass and did whatever available work to earn money to support my family. I lived a helpless and hopeless life. I often sat in a quiet place and cried alone. Sometimes, I felt chest pain. I spoke less and less. I felt like I couldn't breathe sometimes because of my hopeless situation and the people around me couldn’t help. I could only cry to release the pain from my heart.

One day, I learned about God’s word from a teacher in the Life of Hope program. I heard him mention that Jesus is the only God who can help you, healer of your pain and brokenness, and the comforter to a weak widow like me. If you accept Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, He will renew your hope. He will be with you and always be there to be your good friend. He will never leave you, nor forsake you, especially a widow like you. He cares for your suffering and understands your problems. After I heard this, I felt very encouraged. I realized that Jesus is full of love and forgiveness for all people. I felt that something was touching my heart. It gave me joy and strength. Then, I decided to give my life to Jesus. That teacher led me to pray the sinner’s prayer. In that prayer, I heard that my name is registered in God's book of life in heaven and God is in me and my life since that moment. I now have a new life, full of joy and hope from Jesus. He is a miraculous God to a widow like me who found hope in him alone. He filled my heart with joy, wiped away my tears, and comforted me with His love and mercy.

Finally, I would like to thank Fountain of Hope for coming to my village to preach the gospel of Jesus, visit me at my home, and teach me how to experience God’s love and tell others about Jesus.

Finding Peace and Purpose

Meet Phan

Hello, my name is Phan. I am 51 years old and live in the Pursat province, where I work as a farmer. I have four children, and while one is married, the other three are still under my care. My education is limited, as I only finished grade three.

Life was incredibly tough for us before I joined the Our Strong Village program by Fountain of Hope. We lived in constant hardship, facing food insecurity due to floods destroying our rice plantations almost every year. Despite my limited resources, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to stop my youngest daughter’s education due to safety concerns. This decision weighed heavily on my heart.

In 2019, I encountered the FOH activities in my village and was drawn to the Joy of Our Children program, which not only taught children about health and hygiene but also introduced me to the teachings of Jesus. I accepted Jesus through the program and became involved in a cell church in my village. Through training and guidance, I learned about a family vegetable garden, which helped supplement our food supply.

During a particularly difficult time when our area was flooded, the FOH staff visited me, shared the love of Jesus, and prayed for God’s provision. Their support and prayers gave me strength and reassurance during those challenging times.

In 2022, I participated in the Cow Bank training, which provided opportunities for a better livelihood. Despite facing persecution and challenges from neighbors and relatives due to my newfound faith, I found peace and purpose in serving the Lord. My family and I became active in church activities, and I even started a literacy class for illiterate members of our community.

Through hard work and God’s blessings, our livelihood improved. We now raise goats and chickens alongside rice cultivation. I also save money from selling animals and contribute to a Savings group. I am grateful for the prosperity we have experienced and pray that others in my village will come to believe in Jesus and experience similar blessings.

I am thankful for the journey the Lord has led me on and the opportunity to serve Him and my community. It has strengthened my faith and given me confidence in His plans.

Goat banks are organized by an established local committee to address the needs of impoverished families or widows within a community. Widows learn how to raise and care for a goat, eventually receiving offspring from the goat. They are able to support themselves and raise their status in the community by raising the goats and the offspring the goats produce.

18 Families have received a goat!

An Unexpected Gift

I was unsure what to expect since this was my first visit to Southeast Asia. But I arrived with our small team from Walnut Hill Community Church full of expectation of what God could do. Our introduction to the Fountain of Hope ministry was visiting their work in the provinces. We observed the staff working with adults attending the rice bank, women being supported who had experienced violence from their husbands, and children watching a puppet show to learn about flu symptoms. The next day our team would minister to the staff at their retreat, and I wondered what on earth I had to offer these amazing staff members. But Jesus knew what was needed and as we leaned into him, we connected with the staff team and had a powerful time. Fountain of Hope is impacting lives in such incredible and meaningful ways. This trip was an unexpected gift, a time of being blessed when the expectation was to solely go and bless the team.

Lucy Houghton, Director of Care Ministries, Walnut Hill Community Church

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Thank you to Lucy and all our partners for your prayers and support in God’s work here in Cambodia!

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Meet Sareth

Hello, my name is Sareth, and I’m delighted to share my story with you. I’m 69 years old, married, and a farmer living in the Kandal province. I have nine children, three of whom have passed away, and the remaining six are with me.

My journey with Jesus began on December 19, 2023, during a Christmas celebration with a cell church in my village. The simplicity of Jesus’ birth in a humble stable touched my heart deeply. As I listened to the preacher share the gospel, I felt God’s word resonate within me. Despite being burdened with illness and worries, I had always strived to do good deeds, yet, I still felt uncertain about my eternal destination. Learning about Jesus’ promise of forgiveness and salvation ignited a desire in me to follow Him wholeheartedly.

After accepting Jesus into my life, I was warmly welcomed into the cell church by its leader and members. They embraced me like family, and I eagerly attended bible studies, fellowship gatherings, and prayer sessions with them. Their support and encouragement strengthened my faith as a new believer.

I am immensely grateful to Jesus for choosing me, loving me, and filling my life with joy and hope. He has become my guiding light and source of comfort. As I continue to walk in faith, I pray for my family and children to experience peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

10,015 children...

….learned about health, hygiene and God's love for them, all while having a fun time through songs and puppet shows in 2023!

Meet Sophea

Hello, I’m Sophea*, and I want to share my story with you. I live in the Takeo province with my parents and three siblings. I had to stop going to school in grade 8 because my family was struggling financially, and I needed to take care of my niece while her parents went to work in Thailand to repay their debts. It was a tough decision, and I felt really sad that I couldn’t continue my education and pursue my dreams for the future.

But then, something amazing happened. I got the chance to join the Fountain of Hope program, and it changed everything for me. At first, I was shy and unsure if I could participate, but my friend and teacher encouraged me to give it a try. I felt like it was a sign from God that this was where I was meant to be.

I found my passion in the Buddy System training. Taking care of my niece had already taught me a lot about caring for children, and this training helped me learn even more about identifying and meeting the needs of vulnerable kids in my community.

After completing the training, I felt a stronger connection to my faith and a renewed sense of purpose. I decided to take on the 90 Days of Joshua training, which helped me grow as a leader and motivated me to serve others with the gifts I’ve been given.

Now, I have a little buddy named Sitha*, who is in a similar situation to what I experienced. Her parents are working in Thailand, and she’s living with her grandmother. I understand how she feels, and I want to make sure she doesn’t have to give up on her education like I did. I spend time with her, teach her, and share the love of Jesus
with her.

I pray that one day her parents will come back to be with her and that they’ll find warmth and strength in their faith, just like I have.

*Names changed.

There were 357 buddies through the Joy of Our Children mentoring program in 2023!

Testifying About Jesus

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

May the joy of the Lord always be with you. We thank the Lord for his great love and that you embrace us in your prayers.

We are grateful for the faithfulness of our cell church members who testified about Jesus during the Pchum Ben ceremony, a ghost month in which people bring tribute to the ancestor spirits and transfer merits to the spirits. Their faithfulness brought glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This month, the Lord added 22 graduate volunteers from the Joshua training program. These volunteers and staff members brought 13 people to Jesus through home visits and sharing the gospel in public. We pray they grow stronger in faith and service to the Lord through our continued discipleship. 

The lifestyles of our cell church members continue to draw people to Jesus. We greeted 95 visitors in our cell churches. Praise the Lord that 51 visitors accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We thank God for a new cell church!

We thank God for your love for the people of Cambodia! We ask that you continue to pray for the new believers, their freedom to worship God, and their commitment to their new faith. Please pray for protection, motivation, courage, and opportunities for our staff and volunteers to share the gospel of Jesus. Moreover, please pray for Fountain of Hope to continue to influence the community through word and deed, accomplishing our mission to bring hope and transformation to the communities we serve. Amen!

– The Fountain of Hope Team