Some 1,500 Cambodians are converted to Christianity in a series of massive open evangelistic gatherings, breaking the record of similar events in the history.
On Jan. 7-8, three evangelistic gatherings were held on at the Cultural Center – the biggest public facility – in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Gathered under the theme "Hope of Man," a total of over 2,500 people filled all the seats of the Center.
Co-organized by the International China Concern (ICC) and the Hong Kong Methodist Mission, the event has mobilized the effort of local churches in Cambodia as well, according to the ICC Hong Kong director Rev. Kevin Lee. Members of local churches were invited to distribute promotion flyers prior to the gathering while some others worked as counselors and volunteers. It is very meaningful that such cooperation has opened new way for all local churches in Cambodia to unite together.
"We have never tried to promote our church or organization, but everybody is free to choose their own church," said Lee. He believed that if they bless other churches with the heart of serving, God will bless them as well.
Great faith and determination has made the massive evangelistic gathering in a Buddhist country possible. Lee said the organizers have never worried about holding Christian event of such kind openly.
"The day when the evangelistic gathering was held coincide with the date that the Cambodian president’s son got married, therefore it was a very sensitive time. Originally, the application for the gathering was rejected. However, the state government finally approved it with the help of a local friend," Lee recalled.
"If God intends to work, no one can stop Him," Lee declared.
Founder of the Hong Kong Methodist Mission Rev Li Ping Kwong is the main speaker for the evangelistic gathering. Breaking through the language barrier, Li preached to Cambodians about the hope of man.
"The hope of man is that human beings thirst for love. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. I wish they can understand that they do have hope, someone do care about them and comfort them," Li said. He was surprised by the active response of Cambodians.
Li lamented, "Even though Cambodian live in difficult environment, they persist and live by faith. In contrast, Hong Kong people enjoy materialistic abundance, but their spirits are very empty."
ICC Hong Kong director Lee concluded as saying, "Many coworkers have strengthened their faith through the trip and many Cambodians have turned to Christ. The gathering had a high cost, but it is worth to spend."
