My name is Kann and I am 46 years old. My wife is named Mao and we have two children. Both of us are poor farmers. We sell sugarcane (liquid) throughout the villages. Sometimes, we build pieces of drains and toilets, so that we could sell them. We also grow vegetables as a way to support our daily needs and for some income. Even with all these odd jobs, my family was still struggling. We still did not have enough. Yet strange things began to happen; my family was restless. We were troubled by constant quarrels and fights. Because of the fights and misery, I grew tired and did not care so much [for the family]. I did not think about my family anymore. I started to become a wicked person who drank and caused even more trouble toward my wife. My wife was tired and could not bear my selfish behaviors anymore. She went away and left me for over a month, because of my crazy drinking habit.
One day in July of 2020, I heard the good news of Christ, the Savior, through Brother Sok, who lived close by. I repented and decided to believe in the Lord after hearing about the hope and good news of transformation. Afterward, I started to learn God’s word with a FOH staff member. My drinking habit subsided bit by bit. I began to feel better. Yet, my marriage was hanging by a thread. My wife had already filed a complaint to get a divorce at the local authority. She was fed up.
On August 14th of 2020, I met again with Teacher Sing, and I asked him to pray for me, that the divorce process would go smoothly. I was going to go to the commune the next day. But, the teacher said, “No! The Lord does not want you to live separately from your wife!” Yet, I was stubborn and determined to get a divorce. Then, the teacher told me to stop for a second and listen to the words of the Lord.
We began to study God’s forgiveness and His love for us. I discovered God’s plan for marriage. As we walked through God’s message, I realized my divorce would leave my children like orphans and without warmth. I received much encouragement that day. Afterward, he prayed for me. Then, my heart was filled with God’s forgiveness and love. I learned to forgive my wife. My heart became open once again. Suddenly, the teacher proclaimed, “Kann, you and your wife will be reconciled and be with peace”.
From that day on my heart grew restless, I wanted to meet with my wife so that I could ask for her forgiveness, and for her to return and reunite with me once again. When I met with my wife, I confessed and promised to be good to her. My relatives and friends were witnesses of my desires and promises. I told my wife that I didn’t want to see her tears and suffering any longer. I just wanted her to be my wife once again.
I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me “shalom” within my family. My wife and I started praying before we would get ready for bed. Though we did not understand fully, this practice has helped us. On September 1, 2020, Teacher Sing and Sok visited my home and shared God’s good news with my wife. My wife had a change of heart. She repented and became a believer as well! I am so grateful to the Lord. I am speechless. May this joy become my hope always. I pray that my whole family, friends, and relatives will find God’s salvation like my family has.
I would like to ask the teachers from FOH to continue praying for my family so that we will continue to abide in the Lord. My family and I will draw close to the Lord, and we will be God’s servants to bring salvation to many others. Amen.