The team traveled across Cambodia, partnering with Asia’s Hope and the Shelter of Love to teach children, worship alongside local believers, serve through hands-on projects, and build meaningful relationships. Along the way, we encountered both the heartbreaking history of Cambodia’s genocide and the beauty of God’s redemptive work through faithful ministries that are transforming lives. As we shared meals, prayers, laughter, and worship with our Cambodian brothers and sisters, we were reminded that although we come from different cultures, we are one family in Christ, united by the same hope and the same Savior.

Days 1-3: Travel, Arrival, & Acclimation
After a lengthy duration of travel, the team was greeted at the airport by the house parents of Asia’s Hope in Phnom Penh. Once settled into the hotel, the team slept and spent their first full day in the country by exploring, acclimating, and visiting Asia’s Hope. We were immediately welcomed by the children and house parents. The love of Christ was so tangible through their joy and hospitality. We were able to tour the homes on the property and eat a delicious meal.

Day 4: Teaching & Cultural Insight
In the morning, we taught the children the English alphabet and numbers 1-20. It was incredible to witness the kids’ excitement and excellence in this department. This time of study was followed by a time of worship. The Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of the team as they experienced the truth that we serve the same God. We sang some worship songs like Goodness of God and Holy Forever and were blessed to hear songs in Khmer. 

This spiritually saturated time was followed by visiting two prominent sites associated with Cambodia’s genocide that took place from April 1975 to January 1979. We toured one of the many Killing Fields, where individuals were brutally killed and buried in mass graves. Then we went to Toul Slang, which was originally a high school but during the genocide, it was converted into a torture prison. These places were heavy to witness and difficult to comprehend. The good news in all of this is that we serve a God who conquers sin and death. A God who has the ultimate victory! 

Day 5: Travel & Shelter of Love
Most of the day was spent traveling from Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom. This new city provided the team with another perspective of life in Cambodia because this area is less developed and less densely populated. The landscape was breathtaking, filled with rice fields and livestock.

Upon arrival, the team settled in and then arrived at the Shelter of Love. Again we were greeted with such joy and excitement. This location is especially sweet to Jersey because we have been in a long-standing partnership with them and one of our own, Vicki Monley lives in Cambodia because of her time spent at the shelter in 2012. We spent time exploring the property which consisted of homes for the children, a chapel, and a greenhouse.

That evening, we played volleyball with the children and had some intentional time with Vicki over dinner at the hotel. God’s work is evident in Vicki’s life and in those who are at the Shelter of Love.

Day 6: Preaching the Word of God
The team spent the morning teaching a Bible lesson to specific grade levels. The groups each chose a story–the lessons taught were on Creation, the Plagues, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Every team member thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children and providing answers to their questions. 

In the afternoon, the team spent some time at a local restaurant to rest before heading back to the shelter for church. This time was marked by lively conversation and getting to know one another better, which was one of the highlights of the trip. 

Matt Clark preached at the church service where he focused on the truth that God is powerful. He is mighty and graciously extends His power to us. Matt touched on God’s power in the book of Exodus when the Israelites are witnessing the 10 plagues in Egypt. Then the children presented worship songs they had practiced and recited memory verses. The team loved worshipping alongside their Khmer brothers and sisters. Everyone could feel the presence of God at work.

Day 7: Restoration
We spent the morning sanding and priming a massive wall on the property so a new mural can be painted later this summer. It was beautiful to see everyone’s willingness to participate–those on the team and the individuals at the Shelter of Love. After working on the wall, we ate lunch with them and spent time playing games before saying goodbye. The shelter is a special place and has captivated our hearts. 

In the evening, we spent time reflecting on God’s goodness and faithfulness as the shelter continues to reach children in their community.

Day 8: Exploring Siem Reap
Once again, we hopped in the car to head to a new city, this time Siem Reap. This location is geared towards tourism so we spent some time walking around and shopping at a local market. In the evening, we were encouraged to eat at Amazon Angkor which served traditional Khmer food and a performance of traditional Khmer dances. The team enjoyed learning more about Khmer culture.

Day 9: Angkor Wat & Travel
The team toured Angkor Wat, an ancient Buddhist temple, which is considered the largest religious monument in the world. We experienced the reality of idol worship and witnessed individuals interacting with monks for blessing. Even though this is a spiritual place for many people, there is a strong modern and tourist influence. Additionally, we visited a neighboring temple. It was covered with greenery and massive trees. The team noticed that the trees are reclaiming the ground where the temple was built. God’s creation is crying out and glorifying His name. 

After this adventure, the team headed to Battambang to visit another Asia’s Hope location. The evening consisted of dinner prepared by the house parents and dancing with all the kids. It was a memorable and high-energy evening!

Day 10: Visiting The Homes
The team enjoyed a traditional Khmer breakfast at the hotel and visited the student center. This is a place where university students that have graduated from Asia’s Hope live. The center provides them with independence, a place to call home, and house parents who love them dearly. Then we went to Asia’s Hope to eat a home-cooked lunch with the house parents. It was special to share a meal with them before visiting each of the 13 homes. We spent time at every single home where we engaged in meaningful conversations, and watched the children perform musical selections.The team loved making these connections and spending intentional time with everyone.

Day 11: Back to Phnom Penh
We packed up for the last time and headed back to Phnom Penh. The team spent the day at the market, swimming in the pool, and talking through Ephesians 4:1-16. It was wonderful to reflect on the truth that we are one body and that we serve God “who is over all and through all and in all”.

Day 12: Wrapping Up
Our morning consisted of going to Brown Coffee, a Khmer-owned coffee shop, which became a staple for us while in Cambodia. We spent time reading through the rest of Ephesians 4, which focuses on how to live for Christ. The team enjoyed reading through this passage and knowing that God clearly shows how to live for Him.

In the afternoon, we went back to Asia’s Hope to visit with the kids and house parents that we interacted with at the beginning of the trip. The team enjoyed making bracelets with the kids and praying for the house parents. We loved praising the Lord for His faithfulness and confidently brought requests to Him in prayer.

In the evening, the team headed to the airport. The house parents said goodbye to us at the airport and reminded us that we are family! Even though we live miles away from one another, we serve the same God and we will see one another again.