Greetings, my name is Mum. I am 42 years old and live in the Tbong Khmum province. I am married and have four children, three boys and one girl. I went to school only until grade two. I can read a little bit. I work as a traditional Khmer musician, along with my whole family.
I grew up practicing Buddhism. As a musician, I played a significant role in playing music for the Buddhist ceremonies. Every year I would play for the spirits of the ancestors. I was involved in many other ceremonies too. I performed so that I could ask for blessings. I believed that if I didn’t do these things, my family would become ill or experience other dangers. Because of this, I lived in fear and lost hope. My life was filled with unending weariness and anxiety. It got so bad that I figured I would not accept any more invitations to these ceremonies. My performance seemed unproductive and did not help my fears. However, I did not know of any other choice. It was tradition that told me what I should do or not do. All of my relatives and neighbors practiced these beliefs and I didn’t want to be disrespectful to my parents.
One day in August of 2018, I heard the gospel through a Fountain of Hope (FOH) staff member. She came to visit my aunt, who lived next door. Then, the teacher came to visit me. I had heard about the good news before, but didn’t know what it was all about. And I really didn’t
like Christians.
I praise the Lord that on September 17, 2018 the FOH teacher continued explaining God’s word to me. God has the power to help anyone living in fear. He is a deliverer for those who are in sorrow and hopelessness. In Matthew 11:28 I discovered that God gives us rest. In John 1:12, God has given us the power to become His children. In Luke 10:19, He has also given us the power to step on the head of the serpent; power over the enemy. God gives us power over what causes us pain. Once I understood the good news about Jesus, I made the decision to believe in the Lord. I accepted God to be my Savior over my life.
I desire to follow God’s ways from now on. I want to live under the power of God, because living under Satan was really difficult. I am really grateful that the Lord has forgiven me. He delivers me from the power of Satan; from bondage to freedom. I praise the Lord. I am glad that I can participate in the new believer training and receive water baptism. I praise the Lord that the foundational training has helped me to know God even more. The Lord is truly helping me to be free from fear.
Thank you Lord, for saving me and growing my faith in you more and more as I learn your word. Amen.