The Life-giving Center
Dear COAH,
This week, I'm traveling to Cambodia.
It's my last visit before I retire, and I think of the precious relationships and memories I've made in Cambodia over the years.
A couple comes to my mind whom I met in Phnom Penh almost 20 years ago. They were in their 30s. Unfortunately, they are not with us anymore. The husband had visited a brothel and contracted HIV. He gave the virus to his wife unknowingly. She got pregnant and had a daughter without realizing she had HIV. Eventually, the whole family became HIV carriers. The wife died of AIDS first. The husband followed her path a short time later. If their daughter were alive today, she would be in her 20s. I don't know what happened to her.
When AIDS became a social crisis in Cambodia, many children had lost their parents to AIDS and were orphaned. God gave our church a vision that we should take care of them. So, the church leaders went on several vision trips to Cambodia. In 2009, we purchased a one-hectare plot of land in Kampong Speu and built the Living Fountain Center. We held an opening service in 2011, and by God's grace, the center became a home for many children. Our missionaries and staff members poured out their love, and they grew up well. Some are adults and lead independent lives, while many attend university.
In addition to the children’s center, our church also built a community center to provide after-school education programs for children from nearby villages. English classes, computer classes, music classes, etc., are constantly running to this day. Short-term mission teams, including COAH, visit the center numerous times for volunteer work.
Their efforts have raised the level of education in the village. For the first time, the villagers saw their children go to university. More importantly, the number of young people coming to faith in Jesus is increasing. The Light of Life Church, built near the Living Fountain Center, exemplifies how the gospel of Jesus Christ has flowed so naturally. The villagers valued our center so much that they could start a church without resistance. A church member from Korea donated a large sum of money to purchase the plot for the church. I look forward to seeing the day when the church members begin to construct their own church.
Although my primary visit to Cambodia this time is to lead a seminar for pastors and a retreat for the Living Fountain Center staff, I will also take the opportunity to reminisce about what God has done through us in Cambodia.
I am deeply moved by the overwhelming support we have received from our church members. Their contributions, both in terms of time and money, have far exceeded my expectations.
May the Lord alone receive all the glory and honor. I pray that the Living Fountain Center will continue to be a life-giving ministry in Cambodia for many years.
Blessings,
Pastor Minho Song
