BACKGROUND
Cambodia is a predominantly unreached Buddhist country. Christian churches were established by missionaries in 1923, but Christianity was nearly extinguished in the 1970s during the “killing fields” of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge reign of terror during which it is estimated that 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians died. Cambodian people need freedom and deliverance from past sin, hatred, suffering, and abuse that can only come through the blood of Jesus.
TCM WORK IN CAMBODIA
TCM entered Cambodia in 2007 with Ariel & Faith Mahilum as the first Team Cambodia missionaries. They were later joined by Myra Omictin from 2009 until her marriage to American businessman, Simeon Sanchez. Julia Liles from the UK joined the ministry in 2015 and later married Sokney “Chetra” Hong, a former Buddhist monk who was led to Christ and mentored by TCM missionaries. Chetra & Julia currently lead the CGGC-City Central church. James & Agape Bermejo were assigned to Team Cambodia in 2017 and took over the leadership of the work when the Mahilums resigned in 2019.
For the first 10 years, TCM missionaries operated a dormitory for university students in Phnom Penh, the capital city. English, computer and counseling classes were also offered. Some of the current Cambodia Grace Gospel Church (CGGC) leaders are the result of that ministry. The Team also focused on evangelism and Bible training in Phnom Penh, and opened a ministry to children and youth in the village of Cheutil.
As the ministry focus shifted specifically to church planting, the dormitory was closed and the work in Cheutil Village was set aside. Missionary efforts were directed at Bible training and mentoring, and the CGGC Chom Chao church, under the leadership of Pastor Rathy Chheng, and the City Central church, under the leadership of James Bermejo and later Chetra Hong, were established. Khmer Connect was launched as a social media outreach ministry. The missionaries continue to engage in a variety of outreach endeavors as well as ongoing training and mentoring of Khmer believers.
Other past TCM missionaries to Cambodia:
Dr. Ruth Improso
Jude & Cherry Honculada (2020-2024)
