Sorrow Turns to Joy in Christ

Savoeun was in desperate need of hope when Samaritan’s Purse staff came to her village in Cambodia. She had turned to alcohol in an attempt to dull the pain as she grieved the death of two of her sons. For more than 10 years, she had struggled to find joy and purpose in life.

Our staff met Savoeun while they were in her village leading a women’s group. Savoeun was interested in what was happening and wandered over to the group to find out more. The team shared about health and nutrition with the women, but most important, they shared the Gospel.

Savoeun was deeply touched when she heard about God’s love for her, and she decided to receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour. “No matter what happens to my body, my soul will live with Him forever,” she said.

This decision marked a turning point in her life. She quit drinking and has become a role model in her village. She boldly shares the Gospel with her neighbours and leads a worship group. We praise God that 36 people have come to faith in Christ through her testimony and witness.

Savoeun is also participating in the monthly Samaritan’s Purse training on health, nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation. She shares what she learns with her small group members and women in the community. Since joining the project, she has seen many positive changes, such as improved household cleanliness and better nutrition for pregnant and lactating women.

She shared the lessons with her daughter-in-law and helped to monitor her health before and after childbirth. With the nutrition information she gained from Samaritan’s Purse, she encouraged her daughter-in-law to exclusively breastfeed until her baby is 6 months old.

Savoeun expressed gratitude to God and to Samaritan’s Purse for bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to her village, and for the life-transforming training her community received.