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.