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.
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.