Healing an Unloving Heart and a Snake Bite

Chetra, a 42-year-old resident of Pursat province, shares a transformational journey of faith and service through the Joshua training program. Before joining the Life of Hope program, Chetra describes himself as narrow-minded and unloving, facing frequent family conflicts.

However, everything changed when he attended the 90-day Joshua training, completing four courses: Life of Hope, Joy of Our Children, Life With Value, and Our Strong Village. This experience provided him with a fresh start, fostering love within his family and empowering him to share the gospel with his community. Chetra’s life became a testament to the power of faith as many in his village found belief through his influence. He also recounts miraculous healings, both from a snake bite and his son's dengue fever, attributing these to divine intervention.  He said, “I was bitten by a snake, but God healed me at that moment because there was no nearby doctor and no cure. My son had dengue fever. I prayed; God healed my son.”

Chetra expresses deep gratitude to God and the FOH organization for the opportunity to transform his life and contribute positively to his community.  He acknowledges the invaluable support from the donors and the programs provided by FOH, which have helped him, and others find a true sense of belief and purpose.  Chetra’s story is a powerful example of how faith and community support can change lives. "Thank you so much, and may God bless you!" he says, acknowledging the donors who have made these life-changing programs possible.

Power in the Name of Jesus

My name is Rachny and I am 33 years old. I am a rubber plantation farmer in the Tbong Khmum province and have one son. My husband is a factory security guard in Phnom Penh. Most people in my village are farmers. When someone is sick, we first seek help from the fortune tellers who tell us what evil spirit to make an offering to. We always pray to those evil spirits for peace and happiness for our family because we don’t have a true god to rely on.

In 2020, I accidentally met a Fountain of Hope staff while he was preaching the good news of Jesus. He shared scripture from John 3:16 and John 1:12 about the love of Jesus, His power to forgive sinners, and how He accepted them to be His children. I felt personal conviction that those who practice witchcraft and magic, worship idols and evil spirits sinned against God. I am one of them. Only Jesus can redeem me and give me salvation. I accepted Jesus to be my Lord and Savior that day. The teacher introduced me to a cell church in my village.

After I accepted Jesus, I completed a new believer training and afterward was baptized. I no longer practice my previous beliefs. I stopped seeking help from fortune tellers or preparing offerings for evil spirits. When I face problems or illness, I first seek Jesus in my prayer for healing. When I face difficulty, I encourage myself to pray more to Jesus. He relieved my burdens, healed my sickness, and renewed my hope. I believe there is power in the name of Jesus. He always makes himself available, listens to my prayers, and sends timely help.

I thank Jesus for sending the Fountain of Hope teacher to preach the gospel. Without God sending him I would not have the chance to hear the gospel and become a child of God. Please remember me in your prayers and pray for salvation for the families in my village. They need Jesus to redeem them.

An Unexpected Gift

I was unsure what to expect since this was my first visit to Southeast Asia. But I arrived with our small team from Walnut Hill Community Church full of expectation of what God could do. Our introduction to the Fountain of Hope ministry was visiting their work in the provinces. We observed the staff working with adults attending the rice bank, women being supported who had experienced violence from their husbands, and children watching a puppet show to learn about flu symptoms. The next day our team would minister to the staff at their retreat, and I wondered what on earth I had to offer these amazing staff members. But Jesus knew what was needed and as we leaned into him, we connected with the staff team and had a powerful time. Fountain of Hope is impacting lives in such incredible and meaningful ways. This trip was an unexpected gift, a time of being blessed when the expectation was to solely go and bless the team.

Lucy Houghton, Director of Care Ministries, Walnut Hill Community Church

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Thank you to Lucy and all our partners for your prayers and support in God’s work here in Cambodia!

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Meet Sareth

Hello, my name is Sareth, and I’m delighted to share my story with you. I’m 69 years old, married, and a farmer living in the Kandal province. I have nine children, three of whom have passed away, and the remaining six are with me.

My journey with Jesus began on December 19, 2023, during a Christmas celebration with a cell church in my village. The simplicity of Jesus’ birth in a humble stable touched my heart deeply. As I listened to the preacher share the gospel, I felt God’s word resonate within me. Despite being burdened with illness and worries, I had always strived to do good deeds, yet, I still felt uncertain about my eternal destination. Learning about Jesus’ promise of forgiveness and salvation ignited a desire in me to follow Him wholeheartedly.

After accepting Jesus into my life, I was warmly welcomed into the cell church by its leader and members. They embraced me like family, and I eagerly attended bible studies, fellowship gatherings, and prayer sessions with them. Their support and encouragement strengthened my faith as a new believer.

I am immensely grateful to Jesus for choosing me, loving me, and filling my life with joy and hope. He has become my guiding light and source of comfort. As I continue to walk in faith, I pray for my family and children to experience peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Meet Kann

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.

Meet Phearak

My name is Phearak and I am 27 years old. I am not married. Before I came to know the Lord Jesus, I lived for temporary things. I didn’t think about what matters in life and enjoyed the pleasures of this world. I cared little about what was going on around me. Growing up, there were little events that I enjoyed. But, one day, there were this commotion and a loudspeaker that was playing in my village. I was curious so I went to find out. There was some program hosted by the blue shirt people (JOC staff). They had these puppets and fun activities for children. It was entertaining and different from what I was used to seeing. It caught my attention, and I observed from a distance. It was all fun until they told us about a man named Jesus. They told us about His love and how He gave His life for each one of us. I was not sure what that meant, and I did not know what to think of it. 

I approached the staff and was introduced to another staff from the Life of Hope program. It was a great connection. Soon, I began to better understand Jesus and decided to accept Him as my Lord and Savior. I believed in the Lord, but as I walked with Him there were stumbling blocks that I encountered. I had doubts at certain times of my life. Though I knew God’s love, I was still childish in my thinking, and processing what faith could do for me. As a result, I returned to my old ways of life. I was disobedient and faced many problems.  

I faced many difficulties in my life. My mom was often quite sick. I did not know what to do because we were not a well-to-do family. Her illness took a toll on her until she passed away leaving me with nothing. My father left with another woman. I was deep in sorrow and regrets. Though I knew the Lord, I was still clinging to what I used to know. I sought fortune-tellers when I was faced with difficult situations and remorse. I met with fortune-tellers often until I could do what they do. I can make ceremonies and chant blessings and various other forms of witchcraft. I know all the big witchcraft. So, to be honest, I had feet in two different boats, one in my previous belief and one in Jesus. 

I experienced utter heartbreak when I found a sense of earthly love. I was betrayed, and I did not know how to cure it. It seemed like there was nothing in the world that could solve it. I tried all that I knew which I thought may help. I tried “showers of blessing”, chanting, and you name it. Nothing helped. I was out of my mind. Then, I realized something. I had forgotten about Jesus. I forgot the truth about God. I went back to my journey with Him remembering what I had learned while I was in Phnom Penh. I remembered that God is love and salvation is sure. He alone can save me. As I reflected on the goodness of God, God showered me with His grace and love. I was once again whole. The deep hurt inside my heart began to subside. The grace of the Lord was indeed sure. I am thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness, even when I was unfaithful. My life turned over completely. I love the good news, and I love sharing his love with others. I began to see changes in my own life. I have the courage to tell others about Christ.

I feel that I cannot live without the Lord. Nothing seems to fill that emptiness in my heart except the Lord. I will try hard to live my life for God. I prayed earnestly for my family and others as I believe that He is the only true God. I want to give thanks to the Lord that He has indeed answered my prayers. Now I am truly happy that my nieces and nephews became believers in the Lord. We often lie to God, but God is faithful. He never lies to us. I pray that we will continue to have firm faith in the Lord. Thank you, God.

Meet Mum

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.