Answers to Prayer

1 An open door for the gospel in the nation despite, or even because of, the awful past

2 Rapid growth of indigenous church planting ministries and multiplication of churches

Challenges for Prayer

1 The terrible genocide of 1975-79 in which nearly 2 million were killed has left deep physical and emotional scars

a) Justice to be seen to be done regarding those who perpetrated the crimes

b) Those seeking to remove mines and restore the country to a decent living standard

c) Those caring for the maimed, the orphans, widows, and now AIDS victims

d) A government that seeks the good of all, and is worthy of the trust of the people

2 The spiritual darkness of Cambodia must be lifted by prayer

3 The Cambodian Church has survived against all odds

a) Freedom from government manipulation and interference

b) Freedom and deep deliverance from past sin, hatred, suffering and abuse

c) Children and young people to be effectively discipled

d) Many Christian families to be raised up who can live for Christ as examples

e) A vision for the lost

4 Mature leadership for the churches is the greatest challenge

a) The Bible schools

b) Existing pastors — in 1999 there were 755 registered as such with the government, 200 with CFC

c) Unity

5 Christian ministry to physical needs is a major concern

a) Refugees poured out of Cambodia between 1975 and 1985

b) The social needs are enormous

6 The less reached

a) The Buddhist majority

b) The Cham are almost entirely Muslim

c) The tribal peoples

7 Christian media ministries

a) Literature

b) The JESUS film is being used in Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese

c) Christian radio

d) MAF has a plane servicing Christian work

Geography

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Area 181,035 sq.km. Fertile, forest-covered state of south-west Indo-China on the Mekong river.

Population (2000) 11,167,719 +2.27%AGR

Capital Phnom Penh 950,000.

Peoples

Mon-Khmer 86.5%; Malay 3.8%; Other 9.7%.

Literacy 65%. Official language Khmer. All languages 17. Languages with Scriptures 2Bi 1NT 1por 2w.i.p.

Economy

Rich agricultural potential. HDI 0.514; 137^th/174. Public debt 66% of GNP. Income/person $300 (1% of USA).

Politics

A constitutional monarchy.

Religion

Buddhism has been the national religion since the 15^th Century.

Churches in Cambodia

Missionaries from Cambodia

81 in 6 agencies

Missionaries to Cambodia

402 in 55 agencies from 25 countries

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