cambodia

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is home to an ancient civilization. After the 13th century, the country faced long-term aggression from its neighbors, Siam (modern-day Thailand) and Vietnam. In the 19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate until gaining independence in 1953. Following the 1960s, civil war erupted due to the involvement of global powers, and during the Vietnam War, Cambodia suffered greatly, with its people living in hardship. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge (later known as the Cambodian Communist Party) took control of Phnom Penh, establishing an ultra-left regime characterized by terror and mass killings, including the systematic extermination of intellectuals. During its three years and eight months in power, it is estimated that over 1.5 million people died from famine, forced labor, disease, and persecution. This period remains one of the most horrific man-made disasters of the 20th century. In 1993, Cambodia restored its monarchy and became the Kingdom of Cambodia once again.

Currently, ROLCC has 35 local churches in Cambodia, with Pastor Lim serving as the National Director of the church network. Pastor Lim was born into a traditional, impoverished Buddhist family, and in 2000, he decided to follow the Lord and began actively serving in the church. He earned a degree in theology in 2005 and began his full-time ministry. At a pastoral training meeting in December 2018, he met Pastor Tong Liu, whose message deeply moved him. In March 2019, Pastor Lim and his church leaders officially joined ROLCC.

In January 2020, Pastor Lim planted a daughter church in the capital, Phnom Penh, with a vision to reach the city’s youth. Currently, the church has up to 900 attendees each Sunday, primarily young adults, middle-aged individuals, and college students. However, post-pandemic challenges have affected many members, with unemployment and financial hardships impacting attendance.

Looking ahead to 2024, Pastor Lim hopes to address these challenges by implementing various care initiatives within the church, such as leadership support, one-on-one care, and family and student outreach. Through these services, he aims to strengthen the faith of his congregation and continue to grow the church.