Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has proven to be a treasure chest full of beautifully hidden gems. Amidst the hectic traffic, street vendors offering their goods, little children playing, and the general bustle of a large city, there lies a growing community of NGO’s (non-governmental organization) and NPO’s (non-profit organization). These organizations have taken on a mission to bring hope and renewal through the Gospel to a city and country still grieving a difficult past. In their own unique flavor each organization is reaching out to its surrounding community in big ways. Here is a glimpse at some of the gems my team has gotten to uncover over this last week!
Daughters of Cambodia – Rescuing women and men from the entrapment of human trafficking and slavery, Daughters of Cambodia (with their counterpart, Sons of Cambodia) has a Center in an area of Phnom Penh heavily populated with brothels. Providing training and employment in one of eight fair trade businesses, including two great coffee shops, as well as counseling and medical treatment, Daughters of Cambodia is empowering women and giving them a hope through Christ! To learn more about this great organization and to get involved check out their website, daughtersofcambodia.org.
BloomAsia – This organization is also committed to empowering Cambodian women by providing “essential skills and vocational training to enable every woman to find their dignity, value and a renewed hope for the future.” Offering courses in cake baking and decorating, and later employment in one of their Cafés, BloomAsia is also providing hope grounded in the Gospel. Their cakes (and cupcakes) are highly sought after and are a beautiful and delicious treat! Check out their website, bloomasia.org, for more information; and make sure to stop into one of their cafés if you ever are in Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
Love146 – Though I did not get to personally visit this great organization, it came up many times in conversation with local pastors we talked with. Love146 is an international organization fighting child trafficking and exploitation through a number of avenues including survivor care, prevention education, and professional training. To find out more about them and see where else in the world they are working, check out love146.org.
This short list is just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many organizations here in Phnom Penh, and throughout the rest of the country, that are bringing a hope to those who don’t have any, and who are fighting to see those hurting restored. I have been encouraged by the work each of these organizations are doing and I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to sit down and talk with some of them.
God is opening new doors as He furthers this passion I have to fight human trafficking. I am viewing this ministry in so many new ways, the possibilities are endless! Many ideas have already begun to stem from these conversations, and I’m excited to see how God develops them! The coffee and cupcakes are just icing on the cake (pun completely intended)!
Stay tuned for further updates on these massive brainstorms I’m having!
