Hope comes in many forms. For an increasing number of adults and young people across Cambodia the shape it takes all belong to one Tearfund partner; Cambodia Hope Organisation (CHO). Using whatever means they can to communicate effectively – from cartoons to karaoke - CHO works alongside families to leave them educated, trained and discipled, delivering everyday miracles to those in desperate need.
Lately things for CHO have been particularly busy. In one recent six month period they experienced unprecedented growth as their work expanded in many areas. They planted a church at their office in Poipet – on the Cambodia/Thailand border – which quickly drew in over 100 regular members. They planted two churches in schools for pupils as well as Bible studies in various locations. CHO also provided training for fifteen local church leaders in its Poipet office and its staff took part in monthly meetings of the network of local churches.
A hand to hold. Sarim cares for Sophul, a mother who has AIDS in Cambodia.
The strength of a Tearfund partner like CHO lies not only in its commitment to reaching as wide a range of people as possible, but also in its determination to serve the specific needs of those communities. You may well have heard of CHO already – its work as part of Tearfund’s Children At Risk campaign has brought transformation to the lives of young children and single mums caught up in the chaos of human trafficking. CHO also works with families, women and children, offering education, vocational skills, agricultural training, micro-enterprise opportunities, home based care for HIV patients and, most of all, hope. CHO is also in the process of building a safe haven as a temporary residential facility for children and young women who have been trafficked.
Our vision to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty over the next ten years depends on groups of individuals – churches and charities – just like CHO. We want to stand alongside these Christians who are living their faith out loud, supporting them in prayer as well as with money and other resources. Join us by praying for this remarkable group – that CHO would continue to grow and change lives.