The church is often seen as a place where people gather to worship God, which is both meaningful and inspiring. However, for many, especially in areas where the gospel has never been heard, stepping into an unfamiliar place of worship can feel daunting. Recognizing this challenge, the Adventist Church in Cambodia, in partnership with dedicated local members, has taken a creative approach to bring the church closer to the people.
Through an innovative van ministry, church members visit local communities, fostering connections through fellowship and outreach. This initiative allows them to share the love of Christ in a more personal and accessible way, meeting people where they are and introducing the gospel to those who may have never encountered it before.
The Adventist Church in Cambodia (CAM) launched this new ministry to expand its outreach efforts at the start of 2025. Despite not yet owning a dedicated vehicle, CAM partnered with the local Adventist church of Toulkork to utilize their church van to bring this initiative to life.
In the first two weeks since its inception, the van ministry traveled to the provinces of Battambang and Takeo, bringing hope and inspiration to communities there. Six diligent scholarship students from CAM have actively participated in this initiative, dedicating their time and energy to making the ministry a success.
On the Sabbath of January 4, 2025, these students, accompanied by Pastor Hang Dara, the president of CAM, set out in the borrowed van to reach both church members and non-members. Their mission was clear: to serve, inspire, and share Christ’s love through meaningful activities. The students actively participated in church programs, visited individuals in need, and brought joy and hope through heartfelt songs, moving testimonies, and messages from the Word of God.
The day proved to be a profound blessing for all involved, leaving a lasting impact on individuals of all ages. One particularly inspiring moment occurred when a father of two, moved by the students’ testimonies, expressed his desire for his children to attend an Adventist school. “Please pray that my two sons can be enrolled in an Adventist school,” he shared, showcasing the ripple effect of the students’ heartfelt service and outreach.
The scholarship students, supported by the Adventist Southeast Asia Projects (ASAP) and CAM, were equally impacted. Witnessing the transformative effect of their ministry on the lives of others strengthened their dedication to CAM’s mission. The van ministry serves as a cornerstone of CAM’s long-term vision to empower students through quality education, preparing them to become future teachers in Adventist schools while also equipping them with practical experience in outreach and ministry.
Looking ahead, CAM plans to expand the van ministry by engaging more staff to promote deeper connections and provide meaningful service to the community. The initiative seeks to inspire students to embrace the heart of missionary work—embodied in the principle that "loving is serving"—while preparing them to connect with people in their future mission fields.
This mission aligns with the Adventist Church’s holistic approach to education, as expressed by Ellen G. White: “True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man.” The van ministry reflects this philosophy, nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of both students and the communities they serve.
To sustain and expand the van ministry, CAM is seeking support to purchase a dedicated van, estimated to cost $50,000. Your generous contributions will help ensure the success of this initiative, enabling CAM to continue spreading hope, education, and transformation throughout Cambodia.