Our mission trip to Siem Reap during the Advent season in 2025 reminded us that missions are not about what we can accomplish in our own strength but about trusting in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. As part of Wesley Methodist Church’s long-standing partnership with the Functional English Centre (FEC), which the church has supported for the past decade, our purpose was to continue planting and sowing seeds of the gospel.
From 11–15 December, 10 Wesleyans came together from diverse backgrounds and experiences but with a shared heart to serve. Supported by FEC’s founder pastor in Siem Reap and a small team of educators and youth translators, we conducted classes and activities for children aged four to 16 and donated over 300 pieces of clothing to the children.
A few days before we departed from Singapore, news broke of fresh conflict emerging along the Thailand–Cambodia border, about 140 km from Siem Reap. After consulting the church and much prayer, our trip was given the go-ahead.
Upon arrival, we learned how border tensions with Thailand were affecting local communities. Displaced families had been relocating to Siem Reap, with some of their children joining FEC activities. While Siem Reap appeared to be operating as usual on the surface, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty. Despite the turmoil, the people we encountered continued to extend warmth, hospitality and genuine smiles towards us. Their openness and kindness, even in the face of uncertainty, left a deep impression on us and stood as a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people.
Openness and kindness in the face of uncertainty stand as a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people.
FAITHFUL SERVICE
For three days, we taught the children about who God is, the true meaning of Christmas and what it means to hold on to faith, especially during turbulent times.
Beyond the classroom, we visited homes within the local villages, blessing households with groceries such as cooking oil, canned food, milk, noodles and small treats like biscuits. While these items may be everyday essentials to us, they were deeply appreciated by many of the families we met.
A visit to the village of Runta Ek, located about 40 minutes from FEC, revealed the striking contrast between material lack and relational richness. As the villagers shared their worries about the future, the political state of their country and the safety of loved ones living near the border towns affected by the conflict, we learned about the realities beyond what we could see on the surface.
Faced with the magnitude of need and the limitations of individuals like ourselves, we were encouraged by our Trip Leader Angela Goh who said, “We are serving the Most High God, a miracle worker who can do all things.” This shaped our perspective, affecting how we prayed, served and reflected. We were reminded not to lose sight of who we are serving. We do not serve in our own strength but are serving the Most High God, a miracle worker and way maker. As Christians, we are taught not to tell God how big our problems are but to tell our problems how big our God is. There is nothing beyond His power or sovereignty.
Don’t tell God how big your problems are; tell your problems how big your God is.
This truth reshaped the way we viewed our priorities and prayers. While we may be limited in what we can do through our own efforts, we are reminded that with God, so much more is possible. It was the first mission trip for some of us but, as tripper Jessie Sng shared, it will not be her last trip or ours.
MOVING FORWARD
We thank God for His protection over us throughout the trip and for the opportunity to witness His work in the midst of a challenging time with the border conflict. As Linda Chua, our team treasurer, reflected, “We hope more people will be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and consider going on mission trips.” May we continue to go — not trusting in our own strength but in the sovereignty of a faithful and powerful God.
HOW YOU CAN PRAY
For FEC:
• Ongoing engagement: Pray that children will continue to return to FEC and that the seeds of the Gospel planted in their hearts may take root, grow and bear lasting fruit.
• Faithful provision: Pray for the local pastor and the FEC teachers as they serve the community with a small and lean team. Pray God grants them strength, provision and endurance in this work.
For local missionaries and healing work: During our trip, we met local missionaries working with both young and old who have been affected by the ongoing conflicts.
• Healing and restoration: Pray for deep healing—physical, emotional and spiritual—for individuals and families affected by unrest and displacement.
•Protection and endurance: Pray for missionaries across the region, that God would protect them, renew their strength and surround them with His peace as they continue to serve faithfully.
If you’d like to learn more about missions or discover the work of Wesley Missions—please visit wesleymc.org/ministries/outreach/missions or email us at missions@wesleymc.org.
(Photos courtesy of Jingyi Lim)
