While infection rates of Covid-19 are low in Cambodia, this is no time for complacency in a country that has suffered so much in the past and is now facing an enormously challenging and uncertain future.   

Cambodia’s first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in January after a Chinese national arrived in the country from Wuhan. Following treatment, the individual made a full recovery and was able to return home with his family to China. Since then the official infection rate in the country has been remarkably low with 126 confirmed cases. Of these, 125 have recovered and as of mid-June 2020, no deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded.

Dr Li Ailan, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Cambodia has commended the government of Cambodia, especially the Ministry of Health, for all their extraordinary hard work. She said, “Cambodia’s response to the first 100 cases in the country was rapid. WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to respond to all the Covid-19 cases, with assertive public health measures including surveillance, risk assessments, and contact tracing”. Crucially, the government is not charging for Covid-19 treatment, which has helped to ensure Cambodians come forward to be tested and receive care.

Broadcasting from Cambodians to Cambodians in their heart language is a vital pillar of Feba/FEBC ministry, which for so many has been pivotal to them coming to faith.

Krusa FM – a voice of love and hope in the midst of the pandemic

Based in the capital Phnom Penh, Feba’s media partner broadcasts to nation where only 1% profess to be Christian. They are playing a key role in supporting the Ministry of Health by broadcasting regular updates on Covid-19 via radio spots on Krusa FM. The radio station has enlisted the support of highly skilled doctors and volunteers who are answering questions from listeners and giving practical advice on how to stop the virus spreading. The team is not only responding to people’s physical fears, but also their deep spiritual needs too. Many are turning to God at this time and asking how they can stay strong in their new faith and trust God’s hand to guide them through the pandemic.

Along with FM radio, our partner is using shortwave, social media and personal one to one befriending to communicate God’s love in the Khmer language. Broadcasting from Cambodians to Cambodians in their heart language is a vital pillar of Feba/FEBC ministry, which for so many has been pivotal to them coming to faith.

One of the most popular programmes during this time of pandemic has been the gospel dramas performed on Krusa FM. There has been great feedback on how these dramas have given them comfort and encouragement while living in lockdown. With schools and churches closed, people have come to depend on these special services that are broadcast twice a day.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Through the transforming power of the Gospel, our partner is journeying with Cambodian families and individuals to help them experience ‘healing from the past, receive help today, and enjoy hope for the future’. When it comes to ‘healing from the past’, many still have painful memories from the Pol Pot dictatorship, when over two million people died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Cambodia is still one of the world’s poorest countries. While the economy is dominated by the garment making industry, most of the workforce is employed in subsistence farming in rural areas. Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism was starting to expand especially in the country’s northwest region which is home to the extraordinary ruins of Angkor Wat – a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire and regarded as the largest religious monument in the world.

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Please pray: 

• For God’s wisdom and protection for all those working on programmes for Krusa FM and Voice of Love – FEBC Cambodia’s shortwave service. Pray they will be inspired with messages of healing and hope that will speak directly to any listeners living in fear and despair at this time.
• For the government in Cambodia and especially those in the Ministry of Health who are working tirelessly to stop the spread of Covid-19 among the nation’s very poor and vulnerable communities.
• For Christians in Cambodia where 95% of the population professes to be Theravada Buddhist and only 1% Christian. Pray that during this time of pandemic, Christians will shine the light of Christ in dark and difficult places and be his courageous witnesses.

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Can you pray for Feba's media partners throughout this time? You can sign up to receive our monthly Prayer Focus letters by clicking here. 

* For the sake of security, some of the real names of people, projects or programmes have been changed or omitted.