Cambodia: A Gradual Awakening
“I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me, as if my burdens had been lifted. In that moment, I realised that surrendering my struggles to Christ was the first step towards healing and renewal.”
It was a powerful awakening for Srey Leak, a fourth-year student at Angkor University in Siem Reap, Cambodia. But it wasn’t out of the blue. For months, staff and students at SONOKO, the IFES national movement, had been reaching out – and God had been at work.
A Happy Face
One day, Srey Leak was cleaning up on campus with three other students when Chenda, a SONOKO staff worker, approached and offered help. As they chatted, Srey Leak discovered that Chenda wasn’t a student and asked why she was there.
“I came here to pray for Angkor University,” Chenda said and saw Srey Leak’s face light up.
Chenda invited all four to the monthly SONOKO gathering, but they were too busy to attend. Before the next meeting, Chenda reached out again. Srey Leak agreed to come and encountered a friendly and caring student community – and gradually opened up to God.
An Open, Restless Heart
During the following weeks, Srey Leak sensed a spiritual connection. On one occasion, a friend looked so thin and tired that she was moved to put a hand on her shoulder and offer a prayer of encouragement.
But with time, Srey Leak stopped attending the SONOKO meetings. She was working, studying at night, and busy at weekends. She missed the fellowship – and she felt far from God:
“I had many things on my mind and just wanted God to solve all my problems. I felt like I was aimless – my life seemed to be drifting. I didn’t know what to live for. I felt so tired and unwell.”
Five months later, when Srey Leak received another invitation from Chenda, she decided to return.
A Surrendered Life
“While singing, I shed tears of repentance. In my heart, I knew I was in need of a Saviour and a Guide. And what made me cry most was the thought that God had not abandoned me – that he’d called me back here to receive salvation, encouragement, and joy.”
Indeed, it was no coincidence Srey Leak had come that evening. Students were invited to write prayers and pin them to a wooden cross – and so it was that she could surrender herself and all her burdens to God and be awakened to Christ’s peace and renewal.
Pray
- Praise God for Srey Leak’s journey and for the way he used Chenda’s desire to pray on campus, her tenacious invitations to Srey Leak, and the warmth of the SONOKO student community.
- Pray for God’s strength and wisdom for the student leaders – many, like Srey Leak, juggle studies, work, and other responsibilities, making it tricky to find common planning times and leaving them vulnerable to burnout.
- In January, SONOKO Cambodia celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Thank God for its growth and their 3/30/300 vision – 3 cities, 30 campus groups, with 300 students. With groups now operating in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, ask the Lord to open the way for pioneering ministry in Battambang.
Watch students and staff (including Chenda!) share about SONOKO’s ministry and vision in this reel.