How a Church in Sydney is helping the poor and oppressed in Cambodia

International Teams has helped to develop a partnership between Gymea Baptist, a church in Sydney and a school for Vietnamese refugee children in Cambodia. Paul Summers, Missions and Evangelism Pastor from Gymea Baptist shares about the journey God has taken him and his church on, in helping the poor and oppressed in partnership with International Teams.

As followers of Jesus standing up for the poor and broken both in our own neighborhoods and in the neighborhoods around the world is expected from our creator.

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy’. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Defending the rights of the poor and needy in neighboring nations may seem too difficult when we are so far removed from some of the injustice that is experienced in places like Cambodia. But that doesn’t mean that as God’s people we live lives that ignore the broken and needy around the world. There is much we can do if we make ourselves available to be used by God to stand up for the poor and needy.

Back in 2007 God put a word into my mind that it is not enough for God’s people to give he wants his people to go. As a pastor such a word sat heavy on my heart until God opened many doors to create space for people within our church community to go to Cambodia and work alongside the hero’s of the faith that serve so valiantly with little resources, and with the constant tsunami size wave of human need that swamps them every day.

One of the partners that we have been assisting over the past few years is Coleen, an International Teams USA missionary, who facilitates a primary school for Vietnamese refugees situated on the banks of the Ton Lesap River in Phnom Penh.

These children are some of the most marginalised people in Cambodia. Despised by the Khmer people, not wanted by Vietnam they live on a river bank eking out an existence through fishing and sheer will power.

There is no access to justice, medical services, education, fresh water, or the capacity to earn an income. Children are abused, vulnerable to traffickers and many have no opportunity for education. Coleen facilitates the only opportunity that a small amount of kids have to gain an education.

Over the years we have asked Coleen how we can assist her ministry in Cambodia. So far we have been able to provide a computer lab for the kids with brand new laptops, while in country we spend time praying with Coleen, teaching children, cleaning the school along with various fundraising activities during the year to assist the annual budget.

Coleen faces many challenges and to offer assistance, to use her words, “helps her feel not so alone.” Our vision is to continue to support Coleen along with our other partners long into the future.

Take Action!

1. Read another story of God at work through the Shalom School here.
2. Give to the Shalom School here.
3. Find out how we can help your church help the poor and oppressed here.