The journey of Pastor Ravy Van in Cambodia reflects a story of obedience, faith, and unwavering trust  in God’s calling—much like Abraham leaving the familiar to follow God into the unknown. 

After 12 years of faithful service with Lutheran Hour Ministries and his ordination at Christ Lutheran  Church of Phnom Penh, Pastor Ravy answered God’s call to step out in faith during the difficult season of COVID-19. Trusting in the Lord’s provision, he moved his family to Taros village, near Siem Reap, caring for his elderly mother while beginning a new missionary outreach. 

With humble beginnings, he started teaching English to children and youth—using education as a  bridge to build relationships and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By faith, he named the land “Taros  Promised Land,” believing that God prepares places for His divine purposes. 

After years of prayer and perseverance, God opened the door to purchase a plot of land behind the  current church complex—an answer that exceeded expectations in both timing and provision. 

However, Taros Village is the usual blueprint of many villages in Siem Reap province. On a daily basis, each family strives to provide a safe, sustainable, healthy home environment. It is a struggle met with lack of sanitation facilities, safe water, and adequate foods for everyone. The children in this area have limited resources, and most likely will daily travel to school far away, either by bike, by borrowed moto transport, or to walk. There is no healthcare. There are no jobs. And there are many lost souls as well.

Planting seeds into eternity to Hope Lutheran Evangelical Church means that we need to be in the community at the local level, to help with resources to improve the daily life routine. It means that we need to provide the children with educational opportunities. It means we also need to know our families, love our families individually, and be encouragers as they navigate life. We all need to feel loved, wanted, and encouraged in this life. “Jesus said: Go to the people of all nations and make them My disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything that I have told you. I will be with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 19-20.

Currently, Provide a variety of excellent worship services so the community folk will worship more, hear and learn the Word, and sing praises to His name. Provide excellent education so youths will learn more in classes 5 days a week. (Learning English and Bible).

Equip people to spread the Good News so people will reach out more in fellowship and caring. Inspire people to be like Christ so they will serve more in growing God’s kingdom. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom you are born again of water and of the Spirit, and who has forgiven you all your sins, strengthens you with His grace to life everlasting.

Written by pastor Ravy Van