Receptive Population

The Cambodian people have been through major social and religious upheaval following the massive genocide in the late 1970s. Therefore, Cambodia is growing rapidly and building a new infrastructure. Lord willing, God will be the foundation of their new society.
Education has become the largest industry in the country showing the people’s willingness to break through traditional ideology.
Islam is growing rapidly in the country, gaining converts among minority groups as well as a growing number of ethnic Khmer. The Cham people, mostly in central Cambodia, are traditionally Islamic. Many Cham are becoming Christians after hearing the gospel from native preachers.
Cambodia has had little exposure to the gospel. Many Cambodians have never heard the name of Jesus.
Fewer than 1% of the Cambodian population claim Christianity.
Christianity entered the country in the 1920s, but was practically wiped out during the 20 years of war and political instability from 1975 to 1996. A reemergence of Christianity has taken place since the beginning of this millennium.
The church is growing!!!

Strategic area that may serve as a “Gateway” to reaching an extensive population

Learning Khmer, the language of Cambodia, will allow you to communicate with 13 million inhabitants of Cambodia. Moderately sized towns could be gateways of spreading the gospel to the rest of the country.
Cambodia’s proximity to Islamic Indonesia and communist Vietnam and Laos could make it a launching point for reaching Southeast Asia for Christ.
There are large numbers of Chinese in Cambodia with ties to family still in China. Chinese – Cambodian Christians could help reach communist China with the gospel.

The only law against religious activities is that you may not door-knock.
The government welcomes Christians due to the massive influx of Christian aid organizations.
There are many organizations that provide training for people living in Cambodia such as language and cultural schooling.

Since the coups stopped in the ’90s, there has been quite a measure of political stability in Cambodia. The exchange rate of Khmer money to US money is approximately 4000 to 1. The economy of Cambodia is fairly stable. US dollars can be used anywhere in the country.
Cambodia recently made a smooth change in the monarchy, indicating increasing political stability.

The cost of living in Cambodia is minimal. As a missionary living in a moderate Khmer-style house, shopping at the local market and such, one could get by quite cheaply by American standards.

As previously mentioned, the Cambodian government readily accepts visitors to the country to promote themselves and further the economy.
Aid workers have been working in Cambodia for over a decade now.
There are direct flights to Japan from various airports in the US. From Japan, there is a 6 hour flight to Bangkok where the church is always willing to host guests overnight. The flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh is about 1 Â½ hours.

There are several Church of Christ missionaries in Cambodia. There are also various aid organizations working throughout the country.