Joyful worship was a highlight at the thanksgiving and dedication service held on 9 March in Phnom Penh for the newly acquired Lutheran World Mission City Church and hostel building. Until recently, 50 university students from various provinces had been living and studying in Phnom Penh in hostel units rented by the Lutheran Church in […]

Joyful worship was a highlight at the thanksgiving and dedication service held on 9 March in Phnom Penh for the newly acquired Lutheran World Mission City Church and hostel building. Until recently, 50 university students from various provinces had been living and studying in Phnom Penh in hostel units rented by the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS).

Through God’s generous provision, a new three-storey building was purchased as a key base for mission and ministry to the university students who move to Phnom Penh to continue their education. The accommodation costs for the students are heavily subsidised by the LCS and other overseas partner churches. Lutheran Pastor Vibol Khit and his wife minister to the students each day, living together in the hostel and providing them with a Christ-focused home, which has now been named the Rainbow Hostel.

A visit to the student hostel leaves a lasting impression. On a recent visit to Cambodia, Warren Schirmer, and his fellow travellers shared … ‘On one single day, to move from the horror of the Killing Fields to meet the vibrant, happy, forward-looking students during a Bible study at the hostel ministry was truly inspirational and moving’.

Mr David Pietsch, LLL Board member, said, ‘Our visits to Phum Krus village and the hostel in Phnom Penh were real heart experiences. The work our church is doing there is truly inspiring and life-changing.’

LCA Queensland District President Rev Noel Noack, was encouraged too: ‘I was inspired to see the way in which the Cambodian young people at the youth hostel showed their love of Jesus’.

As Australian and New Zealand Lutherans, you and I are privileged to join in the amazing work that God is doing in Cambodia through the partnership shared with the LCS, Mekong Mission Forum member churches and the LCA.

This story was also published in the April 2013 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner church in Cambodia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/cambodia/