Listen to this prayer for Cambodia to get a glimpse of what this country is like and the needs for prayer.
Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest and most impoverished countries. 38% live below the poverty level.
National religion: Buddhism has been the main religion since the 15th century.
Population: 15,053,112
Official language: Khmer
History: For the 1st to 14th centuries the country was a powerful monarchy. For 500 years after that it became caught up in conflicts with Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and France. They became a victim of the Vietnam war and then came under the rule of the Marxist Khmer Rouge from 1975. During this time they went through a tragic slaughter of over 2million military personnel, doctors, wealthy and educated citizens, and their families. Many were killed and many turned into were forced into labor camps around the country. In 1979 the Vietnam army overcame the Khomer Rouge but civil war continued until 1991. Democracy began in 1993, initiated by international nations. The same prime minister has been in rule since then. The corruption in this country is widespread.
Answers to prayer:
-A feeling of responsiveness to the Gospel in the country. The door remains open for ministry although there are some limitations.
– The unexpected church growth in the last twenty years. This has happened largely through the
Pray for:
-The scars left from the genocide of 1975-79. Many over the age of 30 have deep psychological wounds from this traumatic time. Pray that they will be healed and that the government will seek good for the people of the country.
-The spiritual darkness that is prevalent in the country. This can be seen through the shrines, the moral disintegration, and Buddhism’s opposition to any ideological opponent.
-The Church in Cambodia that has survived against all odds. During the genocide in the 70’s almost 90% of Christians were killed or fled from the country. Since then the church is continuing to grow but pray for effective discipleship and that religious freedom will continue to be allowed.
national flag: This is the national flag of Cambodia Angkor Wat is the temple in the center. Red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors. Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious building and is the main attraction for visitors in Cambodia.
This is the only national flag to have a building on it.
