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cambodia / asia
Since the 15th century, the national religion of Cambodia has remained Buddhism. Due to the genocide of the 1970s and 1980s, about 60% of the population are 24 years old or younger, many of which are exploited. Cambodian men commonly use prostitutes which contributes to the nation having one of the highest HIV rates. Forced by poverty, over 1.5 million children under the age of 15 sacrifice their eduction, health and sometimes their lives to work, in order to help themselves and their families survive. This nation, especially the young, have suffered brutal treatment and endured unfathomable trauma that only the Savior can heal. Christ-followers with a heart for the hurting innocent are desperately needed.
They are looking for peace and are a spiritual people. They have untold numbers of Wats (temples) in their cities and rural areas and “spirit houses” in their homes . They know there is something more than just their living day to day, but there is a thick veil that has covered over them and they cannot see beyond their past, beyond what their ancestors tell them they are to do.— Mary Hunzinger
Pray for more long-term expatriate workers who learn the language, identify with the culture and serve for the long haul. Ministries can easily fall into the trap of “short-termism” and burdensome mission trips. Training and discipling the burgeoning Cambodian Church to finish the task are just as vital as the essential humanitarian work being done. — Operation World
Sex trade victims number up to 100,000. A recent study estimated 20% of tourists to Cambodia made use of the sex trade, often with the young or underage(as young as the age of 6). Yet even this is a small amount compared to the widespread use of prostitutes by Cambodian men. Many poor parents sell their own children to traffickers for as little as $10.
Poverty forces over 1.5 million children under age 15 to work to survive and supplement their family’s meagre income, often at the price of their education, their health or even their lives.
Entered
WorldVenture has plans to build a history in this country. WorldVenture is anticipating the arrival of new workers in this field soon to come.
Today &Tomorrow
The team is currently being built for the future of this country. Initial primary focuses are in the medical and evangelism fields.
5 GlobalObjectives
FOOD & HOUSING
An oft-repeated generalization which is, nevertheless pretty accurate, likens Cambodian food to Thai food but without the spiciness. The main national staple is of course rice, but French colonial influence has dictated that the Cambodians eat more bread--generally French-style baguettes--than any other Southeast Asian country.— Andrew Forbes
COMMUNITY
Drug trafficking and abuse have increased greatly in the last 15 years. Addictive drugs hold sway over many locals, while crime lords profit from the suffering. — Operation World
WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT
Have you ever been on Cambodian buses? It is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Cambodia, especially most of the major roads are sealed these days, making bus journeys fairly painless.— Cambodian traveler
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
Christian ministry to physical needs is a major concern. — Operation World
The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.
We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.
If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.
Serving through physical therapy in Cambodia
With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..
We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.
Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.
We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.
Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .
Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.
Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.
We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.
Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.
We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.
Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.
Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.
Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.
The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.
We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.
In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.
Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.
Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.
Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.
Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.
Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.
Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.
We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.
Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.
Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.
In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.
Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.
Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.
Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.
Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.
We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”
We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.
Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.
In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.
Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.
From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.