An orphan boy was so desperate to get a New Testament of his own that, when the Bible Society van came to his village in Cambodia, he went along with all that he owned in his pocket. Handing the Bible Society volunteer 100Riels (about 2pence in our money) he asked for a New Testament. The volunteer saw that this was all the boy had, and although the New Testament cost a lot more, the boy still got his own copy.  

‘Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”’
       Mark 12:42-44 (NLT)

Much may be drawn from these two incidents: The motivation of the widow and the orphan...the value of what was given and what was received...our Lord’s perspectives on these gifts. It is compelling to read throughout Scripture about gifts that were willingly given, whether extravagant in the case of the flask of perfume, or humble as with the widow’s two coins.

Scripture compels us to recognise God’s goodness to us and respond to the opportunity to reach the people of Cambodia with the Bible.

The majority of Cambodians live in rural areas, heavily reliant on agriculture and producing rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca and silk. Travel is often challenging with very poor roads and only short sections paved, leaving many areas only accessible by foot or boat.

The Bible Society in Cambodia (BSC) wants to reach the poor in rural areas with the Word of God. For many, the Bible is simply a luxury they can’t afford, and the main Bible distribution centres within the capital Phnom Penh are inaccessible to those living outside the city. It is not enough to expect people to come into the city; the Bibles must be taken out to the people all across Cambodia.

Through the Mobile Distribution Unit (MDU) it is hoped that Scripture will become available and affordable to all living in Cambodia.

Since 2007 the churches have been helping the BSC with this project – opening their facilities and gathering people together whenever the mobile van arrives in their villages. Many times the MDU has visited rural churches where previously there had been only a few Bibles to be shared amongst the whole membership. Now, everyone is able to go home holding their very first Bible.

Reaching people in villages, churches, AIDS hospices, conferences, schools and orphanages, the MDU provides the Word of God where it is most needed and wanted. God’s love is being shared throughout the country as more and more people learn of the life they can have in Christ. This is remarkable in a country which is estimated to be over 96% Buddhist.

Cambodia needs both your prayers and your financial support. Please pray for the safe travel of the staff in the MDU as it tackles rough roads and inaccessible villages. Pray that all people would be reached with God’s Word and that their lives would be transformed through God’s saving grace.