Generational Trauma
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From the 'Jewel of Asia' to the Fields of SorrowThat changed drastically under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). In just four years, cities were evacuated, and over 3 million people—more than a quarter of the population—were lost to genocide. Families were torn apart, infrastructure was destroyed, and an entire generation of educated leaders, artists, and professionals was wiped out.
The Lingering ShadowToday, Cambodia is rebuilding. Foreign investment has brought development to the cities, but deep brokenness remains in the heart of the nation. While the country is primarily Buddhist, the scars of history are visible in widespread poverty, high rates of trafficking, and the generational trauma left by the Khmer Rouge.
But Hope is RisingYet, God is moving. Despite the darkness of the past, there are amazing people and organizations in Cambodia partnering with the powerful and restorative work of Jesus.
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Partners in Hope:
The organizations and ministries we work with to offer discipleship and development to those in greatest need.
Hard Places Community (HPC)Aaron and Megan are core members of the HPC expat team.
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Hope International SchoolMegan teaches high school IB-level business courses.
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Worthy & TrueMegan is the COO, supporting the vision of high level education for every child in Cambodia
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THRIVE
In March of 2022, through much prayer, Aaron and Chhoengka felt this was the year to start THRIVE; a mentor-based small-group community that invites Khmer to journey into deep emotional and spiritual places with God and each other. We created curriculum, shared the vision, and accepted eleven young people to join small groups.
We launched in September with a three day retreat. Some connected with God in new ways. Some found forgiveness. Some found breakthrough. Many are working through healing emotional wounds. All came away excited for the rest of the year, ready to do the work to go deep and grow. We started meeting weekly in our small groups, which continued through May of 2023. We launched our second year of groups in September of 2023 add two groups in Siem Reap as well as the groups in Phnom Penh.
In summer 2024 we did our first international retreat in Madagascar. In fall 2024 we launched a new era of THRIVE with our 'We are Family Retreat' and over 55 HPC staff. This extended into weekly devotions with every department of HPC.
We launched in September with a three day retreat. Some connected with God in new ways. Some found forgiveness. Some found breakthrough. Many are working through healing emotional wounds. All came away excited for the rest of the year, ready to do the work to go deep and grow. We started meeting weekly in our small groups, which continued through May of 2023. We launched our second year of groups in September of 2023 add two groups in Siem Reap as well as the groups in Phnom Penh.
In summer 2024 we did our first international retreat in Madagascar. In fall 2024 we launched a new era of THRIVE with our 'We are Family Retreat' and over 55 HPC staff. This extended into weekly devotions with every department of HPC.
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Hard Places Community (HPC) is an NGO who's vision is to bring hope to the hopeless in the darkest corners of the world. We are honored to partner with their vision as a family.
HPC is based in Cambodia with several kids centers, a men's center, restaurant, and more. HPC Hires local staff as social workers in its centers, many whom have gone through the programs themselves. These amazing men and women are making a difference in the lives of children and men who are being trafficked as part of the sex tourism industry. Aaron and Megan support HPC existing programs with an emphasis on bringing administrative experience, offering pastoral care to the national Khmer staff, and encouraging systems that seek restorative justice. Out of these efforts Aaron has started and co-leads the THRIVE mentor community. |
Hope offers both primary and secondary education with the mission of supporting families doing development and outreach in Cambodia. Harper, Ember, and Judah, have all attended Hope. Currently Ember is home-schooling, but Harper and Judah love going to school every day. Hope has an incredible community of families that fosters growth and learning. We are so thankful for all of the kids' teachers.
Megan worked for our first two years here as the board secretary and PA to the Director. Megan went back to Hope in September of 2022 in a new role as lead staff recruiter. Megan helped bring in and develop a strong staff culture that empowers the institutions mission. Megan started teaching high school geography part time in fall of 2023, and transitioned to full time teaching high-school in 2024.
Megan worked for our first two years here as the board secretary and PA to the Director. Megan went back to Hope in September of 2022 in a new role as lead staff recruiter. Megan helped bring in and develop a strong staff culture that empowers the institutions mission. Megan started teaching high school geography part time in fall of 2023, and transitioned to full time teaching high-school in 2024.