In Asia, we’ve seen the Father use the global pandemic and lockdowns to accomplish His good purposes and communicate His love. This past Christmas, most of the Cambodian Free Methodist Church was restricted from gathering for a celebration. Superintendent Daniel and his family were invited to travel to a northern province. There was new church planting in this area, but they were just there for a little rest. While they were visiting, they met Pon and Samnang and their beautiful little 7-month-old daughter.

While with Daniel and his family, Samnang shared she had just discovered she was already pregnant again. Close family and friends encouraged her to have an abortion for various reasons, including financial difficulties and the demands of raising one toddler. Pon and Samnang are a part of a new church plant in this province, and Pon works together with Mark P, one of our FM leaders. Mark had encouraged Pon and Samnang to keep the new baby and see it as a blessing from God. Still, they were not peaceful about the situation.

Daniel felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to share the many “tragedies” of the first Christmas – Herod’s order to execute children, Mary’s unplanned and unwed pregnancy, the flight to Egypt, and the darkness of those days. He shared how in each of these situations, there was a response or provision of hope from above. The angel spoke to Joseph, to Mary and the shepherds. And God still speaks hope and joy into our troubles, too.

Samnang and Pon were now in tears. As she wept, Samnang shared how these words were the confirmation for which she had been praying. Peace flooded their hearts as the message of Christmas reminded them of God’s answer from above. Now she knew they would keep the baby, no matter what others would say.

Please pray for Pon and Samnang. Ask the Father to bless this family and their future.

Consider a gift to the LoveAsia fund to support opportunities for ministry like these, or a gift to the Asia Area Church Planting fund.