A medical mission to villages in Siem Reap reveals how God is already at work in these communities
In June, a medical mission trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia was a journey that revealed God’s faithfulness in many ways. Through a partnership with local believers, we as a team witnessed how He is already at work in these communities, preparing hearts and opening doors for the Gospel.
The seeds for this mission were planted years ago through the growing relationship with a Cambodian church leader who shared about the needs in his country — where some villages have limited access to healthcare and where there are few churches. This trip builds on a series of medical missions by Wesley Methodist that began several years ago.
Trip leader Alvin Chua, who has been spearheading these trips, shared his heart for the field: “I have a full schedule and was uncertain whether I could commit. But when I heard about the needs in Cambodia — the difficult access to healthcare, the vast opportunities for kingdom work — how could I not answer God’s call to do outreach?”
On the trip, we witnessed firsthand how God is moving in these local communities.
“The story of how some of the local churches were started by invitation and built from donations, then maintained by the locals, speaks of the power of God in this land to save unreached souls,” said Dr Vincent Oei.
In rural villages where access to medical care is limited, our team of doctors and volunteers worked with a local Cambodian ministry to offer free clinics. The clinics were held in three villages — on the premises of a church and two homes of church members. The villagers who came would patiently wait their turn under tentage that was put up for the clinic.
With translators, our team did medical consultations, dispensed medicine and prayed with over 685 villagers who received treatment. The villagers’ health concerns ranged from chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes to infections, pain, wounds and sores.
Clinics that open doors
Being in the villages gave us insight into the lives of the villagers. Some lived in challenging circumstances, with little access to healthcare, gaps in sanitation and dietary deficiencies. Despite their limited resources, they have a strong sense of community.
“My heart broke when I looked into the listless eyes of the villagers as I prayed for them, their clothes so filthy, poverty so evident,” shared Rev Raymond Fong. “Then I remembered that our Jehovah Jireh loves them so much and I am thankful we can be His hands and feet as we bring His grace and the hope of physical and spiritual healing. What a privilege to love these who are close to His heart and serve our Lord for such a time as this.”
Shared Rev Adrian Ng, “They were poor but happy with little. There are so many possibilities to support them. Medical missions are particularly helpful because we can provide care that they have little access to. The local church can use such trips as a meaningful way to grow intentionally, so it’s crucial to work with partners so that local pastors follow up and continue the outreach.”
Jean Ho shared how our small acts of obedience can be used by God, “We are God’s instrument to extend love and compassion to His people. We just do our little part and God will do the rest.”
David Lee reflected, “The needs are endless, but it means there is potential for growth. With seeds being planted and with steady support, we will see growth.”
As part of the clinic, the team also distributed reading glasses to those in need. For me, one moment stood out: an 80-year-old woman sat quietly with her new glasses, a book in hand, and her face lit up with joy as she read with ease. “It was such a moving and tangible reminder of the impact a medical mission can make. For that lady, this trip wasn’t just about medicine — it was the gift of sight.”
Miracles big and small
God’s presence was undeniable both before and during the trip.
“Coming to Cambodia feels like a divine appointment,” shared Dr Patricia Lee, the last member to join the team. “I believe God brings the people He needs to do His work.”
Though she was not actively seeking to go on a mission trip, a chance reunion with a fellow Wesleyan doctor she had not seen in years led her to join. “It wasn’t just a coincidence. It seems like God’s hand was in that meeting. He opened the door and I responded,” said Pat.
God watched over us when we travelled to the clinic sites. The roads were bumpy, sometimes muddy, and some routes involved crossing narrow wooden bridges. A real concern was heavy rain that would make the roads too muddy for the buses to travel on. Again and again, God cleared the way, as we experienced dry weather despite the threatening skies.
“For three days, it didn’t rain during clinic hours even though it was the rainy season — only before or after. God gave us exactly what we needed,” said Lim Meng Sin.
Another miracle was a bus battery that should have failed but held out through a long bus journey, and we saw a huge rainbow on our bus journey after the final clinic closed—encouragement we received as a reminder of our faithful God who is always with us.
God’s faithfulness
While medicine met many urgent needs, some of the most powerful moments came from the villagers’ own testimonies of faith.
During a Wesley medical mission team’s visit to Cambodia in January 2025, one woman had arrived with a large lump in her throat. With no diagnostic tools or specific treatments available, our doctors provided only pain relief and prayed for her — fearing the worst. The same lady returned in June and shared incredible news with our June mission team: her throat lump had completely disappeared. Now she joyfully testifies that God healed her thyroid issue. Another elderly lady shared how she was lost in the jungle for 24 hours before she was miraculously found.
“I witnessed the deep faith and heartfelt gratitude of the villagers, both toward God and us who came as His disciples,” said Astelle Chew. “The villagers’ faith when they shared these testimonies made me tear up. They have such genuine trust in God despite the hardship they face.”
One especially striking story involved the land where the Svey Leu church now stands. Once there were buried landmines on the land, none exploded, even as believers unknowingly walked across the area just before the church was built.
It was a powerful reminder that while human effort plays a part, the ultimate work belongs to God. “We can only do so much — but God is the healer. While we work, we need to remember that He does what we can’t,” reflected Dr Seet Yu Shiang.
For Glenn Au, the trip was a timely nudge: “I’ll be more mindful of God’s call to go to the field — God permitting.”
Through the difficulties and challenges faced by the Cambodian villagers, one truth remained undeniable: God’s presence. As Yulia Jomono put it, “He is the Lord of all, even in the most remote of places.”
How You Can Pray
- Open Hearts: Soften the soil of hearts of villagers, that they will encounter Jesus through both care received and ongoing relationships with local churches.
- Local Church: Strength and wisdom for the local pastoral team that includes young pastors who may travel 170km to reach scattered villages and lay leaders discipling new believers.
- Healing and Hope: For villagers to have access to clean water, better nutrition and easier access to healthcare treatment.
- Political peace: Peace for Cambodia’s border dispute with Thailand.
- Workers for the Harvest: More volunteers willing to return or to go for the first time.
Photos courtesy of Tao Ai Lei
Read also: ‘Jesus Really Loves You’: Missions Trip to Nong Bua Lam Phu, Thailand
