By Soeuth and Syna Lao, serving in Cambodia
On May 11, 2011, Mrs. Moum was at home with her daughter and grandchildren when four policemen barged in and arrested her on the false charge of selling illegal drugs. After being detained in a local jail, she was moved to the Svey Sisophon prison, where she has been for the past 20 months.
Her children and grandchildren, for whom she was the sole provider, have struggled to survive. Not only has Mrs. Moum remained faithful to the Lord during this deep trial, but also she has been instrumental in starting a prison ministry for the children of incarcerated mothers. (In Cambodia, children are required to live in prison with their parents until they complete their sentences.)
On December 27, 2012, we were invited to join the first Christmas celebration inside the Svey Sisophon province prison, where a volunteer team from a local Khmer evangelical church (the C&MA in Cambodia) has been teaching children’s literacy and other classes, with Mrs. Moum’s help. It was good to see her again and to witness the joyful, servant attitude that she has toward others, in spite of her present circumstances.
The head jailer expressed praise for Mrs. Moum’s abilities to reach out to fellow inmates and the ways she cares for others more than herself. The volunteer team for the children’s ministry is grateful for her assistance in training, gathering the children, and getting them ready for classes every week.
This particular celebration was for the children growing up inside that prison, but the team took the opportunity to invite their incarcerated mothers to attend as well. Soeuth preached a message about God’s love, and at the end of the service, three inmates gave their lives to Jesus. According to Mrs. Moum, there are now 66 believers in that prison.
The news about this ministry is spreading across Cambodia. Recently, a national Cambodian news station televised an interview with the head of the volunteer team, Mrs. Channy. The reporter praised the team members for their good efforts. According to the report, this is the only prison in Cambodia that has a program for the children of inmates.
What You Can Do
Pray!
Please continue to keep the volunteer team, Mrs. Moum, and her family in your prayers. Specifically, pray that her three-year sentence will be shortened.
Learn More
- Read more about Mrs. Moum and the prison ministry.
- Read about Mrs. Moum’s faith journey in an alife online exclusive.
- Read Syna Lao’s article, “Lead Us to Jesus,” in the January 15 issue of Alliance Life magazine.
- Read another story about prison ministry in Cambodia in the December 1, 2012, issue of Alliance Life.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) to support Alliance workers in Cambodia and around the world who are extending the hope of Christ to the lost and discipling new believers.
- Give now