Meet Rhatt

Greetings, my name is Rhatt and I am 29 years old. My wife and I are farmers in the Battambong province. We have five children, three daughters and two sons. We currently work for our neighbors in their potato fields. There are not a lot of options for work around here. Sometimes we have to go into the mountains to search for wood to sell, so that we can support our family.

Growing up I practiced Buddhism because my parents and their parents also practiced Buddhism. Though I had a religion in my life, I felt somewhat useless. My parents had a difficult time raising me because I didn’t care about them. 

One day, I was called to follow the Lord. The Lord has changed my heart, and He transformed my whole life. I never thought the Lord would call me to be a cell church leader. But I have found that it is wonderful and encouraging to be able to praise God and lift up one another in difficult times. I became a Christian in 2015; I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior through the Fountain of Hope staff. I remember when they visited my home and shared the gospel with my family. I am thankful to the Lord that He has chosen my family. Despite our difficulties, we have peace, joy and contentment with whatever the Lord gives us. 

We have faced persecution from our neighbors because we are Christians. Yet, we have peace and joy because of Jesus’ promises.

I am so thankful to the Lord that He blessed us through the Our Strong Village program with some goats (1 male and 4 females) and training to start our own herd. These goats will help meet my family’s daily needs and increase our income. 

Finally, I’m truly filled with joy because the Lord God has blessed my family. He knows what is best for us and He hears our prayers. May the Lord bless all the FOH teachers and partners for the Our Strong Village projects and provisions. May the Lord give you and your family peace.  

Meet Chanthou

Greetings, my name is Chanthou. I am 15 years old and in sixth grade. I live with my three siblings and grandmother. Since my family struggles financially, my parents decided to migrate to Thailand for work. Living with my grandmother and caring for my little siblings has been a big challenge for me. There have been times when I’m not studying that I have had to search for work to support my family. I can make around 15,000 riels ($3.75) a day chopping potatoes.

I was really glad to participate in the Joy of Our Children program because I was able to play and learn new things, especially about health. When I grew older, I was invited to participate in the Buddy System training program where I learned more about being a “Big Sister”. I learned the role of a Big Sister and am able to have compassion since I understand the hardships that the other children are facing. Through the program, I got the chance to hear more about the good news of Jesus. I learned that Jesus can save me, and He is full of love. As I learned more about His love, my life began to transform. One day I decided to believe in Jesus. 

Later on, I participated in the teen cell church. I learned more about salvation. I am truly thankful for the Lord Jesus, who gave His life on the cross to save me and all people. 

Finally, I would like to thank all the teachers that came to teach me. May the Lord bless you and your organization. Thank you!

Meet Sila

Greetings, my name is Sila. I am 13 years old and in sixth grade. I live with my parents, who are both farmers, and four siblings. 

Before I participated in the Joy of Our Children (JOC) programs, I did not know much about health. I used to have a prejudice against very skinny people because I thought they had HIV. I frequently had stomachaches and diarrhea. I did not like staying home to help my parents. I often disobeyed them and went out with my friends instead.

After I joined JOC, I began to understand a lot about health, such as HIV, STDs, ways to prevent illness and other useful information. I got to participate in a special Buddy System program. I have learned so much: how to care for myself, and how to protect myself and others. The teachers also encouraged me to be obedient and helpful to my parents. I learned how to care for younger children in my community in many ways, including helping them in their studies and with cooking rice. These things have made my heart happy. When I finish school, I want to become a good teacher. 

At the moment, there are many people in my village who are addicted to alcohol and gambling. I want to see my villagers transform. And, especially, I want the children in my village to understand more about health and wellbeing.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to the JOC teachers for coming into my village to teach me. May all the teachers stay healthy and continue to teach in my village. 

Meet Srey Korng

Greetings, my name is Srey Korng. I am 16 years old and am the second child and have a brother and sister. Right now, I am studying in the seventh grade.

My family practices Buddhism. On every Buddhist holiday, we would burn incense and pray for happiness and good livelihood. I always observed how my mom practiced these rituals every time. I also witnessed things happen to my neighbors. I saw an evil spirit manifested in my neighbors many times. These evil spirits like Khmer traditional music and would go away only when the traditional music was played for them. Seeing these events over and over again made me very afraid. I lived in fear.

After I heard Bible teachings from Fountain of Hope, I began to understand the bondage that evil spirits put on people. I learned why the evil ones wanted to cause harm on my neighbors. Then, I learned about God, His creation, His salvation and forgiveness of sins, the freedom from bondage through His power, and about having faith in Jesus through His death and resurrection. I now believe that Jesus can save me from my sins and can free me from the bondage of the evil ones. 

I am very thankful to the teachers from Fountain of Hope that come to my village to teach me. I am thankful that because of this, the children in my village can know and believe in Jesus as well. I really want them to have salvation and hope. I want to see them free from sins and Satan’s bondage. Amen.