During the Vietnam War era, people grew familiar with the term “killing fields” in Cambodia. Between 1975–1979 the country was devastated socially and economically by civil war. Some estimate that close to 30% (two of seven million) of the Cambodian population was killed or died of starvation and disease during that time.

Over 40 years later, the country of Cambodia has greatly recovered in many ways. It now has a population of over 17 million. However, due to continuing economic struggles, some estimate that 1.2–1.5 million Cambodians have come to Thailand, mostly for low-wage jobs. This is close to 8% of Cambodia’s total population! Most of these migrant workers are from provinces in western Cambodia and live and work either in Bangkok or other cities throughout eastern Thailand.

Our family moved to Thailand in 2017 after ministering in Cambodia for 13 years. We spent two years learning the Thai language and are now seeking to minister to Cambodian migrant workers in eastern Thailand. In surveying numerous provinces, asking lots of questions, and visiting many Thai churches, we have found Thai, Burmese, Filipino, and International (English) churches, but no Cambodian-speaking churches.

While some Cambodians have lived in Thailand for many years and have assimilated into the Thai culture, most Cambodian workers are limited to basic speaking and listening in Thai. The need for heart language evangelism and teaching in the Khmer (Cambodian) language is tremendous. We are praying for a young family to join us in a long-term gospel-preaching, church-planting ministry in Thailand.

Opportunity for a young man interested in full-time gospel ministry to be mentored in a cross-cultural context.