Mizoram Synod Ministry in Cambodia

Origin and Workers:

In 2008, the Synod Mission Board (SMB) embarked on a mission to Cambodia by appointing two Tent Making Missionaries, Nl. Vanlalhruaii and Nl. Zairemtluangi Khiangte, who both served as school teachers in Phnom Penh. That same year, Nl. Lalrinmawii was designated as a missionary in Cambodia, and Lalbiaksiami joined as an SMB tentmaker, managing an orphanage home in Tuek Thla village, Banteay Meanchey province.

In 2010, through a collaboration with New Enterprises International (NEI), SMB sent missionary Nl. Lalrinawmi Ralte to Cambodia. By 2012, the Mizoram Synod had dispatched Pastor Sairengpuia Sailo and his family to Cambodia (Synod 2011. Gen. 62). In October 2014, Nl. Lalremliani Sailo was appointed as an SMB missionary.

2016 saw the arrival of Nl. Mimi Lalruatsaki to the mission. In 2018, Rev. Fr. Sairengpuia was succeeded by Rev. Fr. H. L. Thianghliman, and Nl. V.L. Thanpuii Chawngthu also joined the mission. By 2019, Dr. C. Lallawmzuali was sent to Phnom Penh by the Synod, accompanied by Nl. Laltleipuii. Additionally, Nl. C. Lalremfeli joined them. In 2020, Nl. Rody Lalnunmawiin arrived in Siem Reap.

From 2023 onwards, Pastor Rev. Benjamin Lalrinmawia has been appointed as the pastorate overseer.

MINISTRY IN PHNOM PENH:

In Cambodia, following the plan established in 2012 titled “Plan for Ministry in Cambodia, Ramthar Board 143:61 (BEC 536:21),” the following steps have been undertaken:

1.Evangelism:

Various campaigns and crusades have been organized, particularly targeting university students during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

These efforts include partnerships with other mission groups and SMC evangelism initiatives, resulting in numerous new believers receiving baptism.

2.Church and Leadership Development:

Focused efforts on strengthening existing church leaders and new believers through seminars, retreats, leadership training sessions, and Pastor family retreats.

3.Collaborations with Other Missions and Organizations:

Working alongside other missions and the SMC to foster strong partnerships. Notably, collaborating with the Kampot Christian Association and actively participating in the Phnom Penh United Pastor Fellowship (UPF).

The UPF has also been instrumental in running the School of Discipleship (SOD), further formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure effective cooperation.

DORMITORY (Martha’s Inn)

Overview

Martha’s Inn is a dormitory specifically for female university students. It is managed by the Synod Mission Board in partnership with the National Christian Churches Network and the Cambodia Council. The primary purpose of the dormitory is to provide accommodation for university students, particularly those from rural areas. The dormitory is open to students of all faiths.

In addition to providing a place to stay, the dormitory is intended to support students who face financial difficulties or who wish to pursue their education in a conducive environment. Residents of the dormitory are encouraged to focus on their studies and live a disciplined life.

Timeline

2013: The dormitory began renting the house on 13 July 2013. On 10 September 2013, it welcomed its first residents, two children.

2014: The first group meeting at the dormitory (worship service) took place on 16 February 2014, following the prayer dedication led by Nl. Lalrinawmi.

Name of the Dormitory: MARTHA’S INN

Run by : Synod Mission for Cambodia Organization (Authorized by the Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Cambodia, No: 1001/08, Dated 18/08/2008)

Dormitory Matrons : Lalremliani Sailo

Motto : Honesty is the best Policy

Aims & Objectives: To help them pursue higher education by providing accommodation and also to help them concentrate in their studies.
To teach management of time, wealth and talents.
To teach moral values and to develop a policy of honesty.
To give career guidance, to bring out their potentials and to equip leadership skills.
To develop Social, Physical, Educational and Spiritual aspects (SPES).

Dorm mangement policies:

Every dorm member must manage by her toiletries and foods. Mattresses and pillows will be provided but they must bring their private bed-sheet and mat.
Accommodation shall be free of charge. However, Those who has not hold any part time work will pay $7.50 (30,000 Riel) and those who hold part time Job will pay $10.00 USD (40,000 Riel) per month for the utility charge.
Every dorm member is expected to stay in the dorm for the whole year except on important personal and societal festival and vacations. If any Dorm members need to take leaves for a night or more, she should seek permission to the Pastor through Matron using ready-made leave application form.
As this Dormitory is run by a Christian organization, everyday prayer meeting will be held at 8:00 PM except on Sunday. Every dorm member should attend this meeting.

Rules & Regulations:

It shall be zero tolerance when it comes to indulgence in any unethical acts by any dorm members, such as physical fights, stealing, homosexual relationship, drugs abuse, habitual non-compliance with dormitory rules and regulations, etc. and shall result in immediate expulsion from the dorm.
Dormitory members will be allowed to have part time Job in order to earn money to support themselves. However, they must not work full day. Working or Having Class after 7:30pm will be not permitted. As this Institution is run by Christian NGO, all Dorm members are not allowed to work or to have class on Sunday. Dorm Students are expected to attend Morning and evening Church service every Sunday.
Visitors will not be entertained inside the dorm without Matron’s permission.
Students will not be allowed to bring their family members, relatives or friends to sleep in the dorm unless under serious need or genuine case.
Every dorm member must bear the responsibilities for her University and Medical fees or any other financially related matters.
Any dorm members should keep their things properly and each one will be responsible upon any loss or damage of their valuable properties like jewels, motor bikes, money, etc. Also using or wearing other’s belonging will not be encouraged.
Anyone who damages any property/furniture of the Dormitory will be responsible to repair it or pay back.
The gate will be closed at 8:00 PM. Therefore, everyone should be home before the time except in some exceptional cases.
A schedule will be assigned to each student for dorm cleaning duty
Any student who violates the rules and regulations will be expelled from the dorm.

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Martha’s Inn

H/No – 27B, St/No – 616, Sangkat Boeungkak II, Khan Toul Kork

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Photo

Application form

Personal Information

Name of the student :____________________________________________________
Date of birth :____________________________________________________
Religion :____________________________________________________
Father’s name :_______________________ Occupation: __________________
Mother’s name :_______________________ Occupation: __________________
Home Address :____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number : _____________________________________________________
Name of the school last attended : ______________________________ Year: ______
Name of the University intend to study :______________________________________
In case of emergency, whom to be contacted – Name: __________________________

Relationship ________________________ Phone number: _______________________

Guardian in Phnom Penh _________________________ Relationship ______________

Phone number: __________________________

Attach copy of : (1) High School final result (2) Receipt of University

(3) Student ID card

Signature of the Student – ________________________________

Full Name of the Student – (________________________________)

I, Miss………………………………………daughter/sister/niece of Mr/Mrs ………………………………. promised to abide by the rules and regulations given by the authority.

Signature of the student

I, Mr/Mrs……………………………………………….. agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the Martha’s Inn. I, therefore, pledge to be responsible with any kind of violation caused by my daughter/sister/niece and not to oppose any disciplinary action regulated by the authority.

Signature of the parent/guardian

Cham Chao House Church:

Located in the Cham Chao area of Phnom Penh, Mr Soun Chandareth and his family (total of 6 members) were integrated into the Presbyterian Church, Mizoram Synod, on 4 September 2016. Initially Born Again Church, they joined the Presbyterian Church, forming second house church. They hold regular Sunday services in Cham Chao, capitalizing on the area’s large number of factory workers to extend their ministry efforts.

In light of Mr Soun Chandareth and his family’s desire to join the Synod Mission, both SMC and the Born Again Church established a formal agreement:

Mr Soun Chandareth and his family were officially integrated into the Presbyterian Church, Mizoram Synod, to worship the Lord Jesus and advance God’s kingdom. A welcoming ceremony was organized on 14 August 2016 to mark their membership.

The gatherings in Cham Chao became part of the Synod Presbyterian Mission, with the church named Cham Chao Presbyterian Fellowship (CPF). The official induction was held on 14 August 2016.

Synod Missionaries conduct weekly Sunday meetings to strengthen the spiritual lives of the members. They provide Bible study sessions, singing lessons, and English language classes. Pu Soun Chandareth continues to serve as the fellowship leader.

The members of Cham Chao Presbyterian Fellowship regularly attend evening services at Toulkork Presbyterian Fellowship at 6:00 pm. Their transportation costs are covered by funds from the main church, Toul Kork Fellowship.

The main church (Toul Kork) supports Cham Chao Fellowship through various means. The Synod Mission organizes programs for factory workers and plans special events like Christmas celebrations.

During the gatherings of Toul Kork and Cham Chao fellowships, the Synod Pastor administers baptisms and the Lord’s Supper sacraments.

On 22 August 2016, the Workers’ Committee reported on Cham Chao Fellowship: “To effectively manage the new fellowship, Nl. Lalremliani Sailo and Nl. Mimi Lalruatsaki will be responsible, conducting regular Sunday meetings. Additionally, the Mission will collaborate with the Church of Christ. Pastor Sairengpuia Sailo and Pi R. Lalrinawmi are assigned to go to the Church of Christ every Sunday, except for one Sunday each month when they will both serve at Cham Chao at different times.

On 19 September 2016, the Workers’ Committee made the following decisions regarding housing for factory workers in Cham Chao:

Location:

The new fellowship location in Cham Chao is an area with a high concentration of factory workers, making it an ideal place for housing them.

Accommodation:

The house for rent costs USD 340 per month and is suitable for this purpose. Once finalized, Mr Dareth and his family will live on the lower floor, which consists of four rooms in two rows, designated for factory workers. These residents will be responsible for their water and electricity bills.

Rental Rates:

Factory workers will share the lower floor, with each room rented at USD 12.5 per month. Mr Dareth’s family will manage the house, but they will not be charged rent.

Sunday Gatherings:

A suitable space will be prepared for Sunday services, which will include Bible studies, devotions, and other spiritual activities for the residents. The SMB will oversee these gatherings, and Mr Dareth’s family will attend the weekly services at Toul Kork dormitory, covering their own travel expenses.

From October 2016, a house in Cham Chao was rented, initially funded until March 2017. It was proposed that the new budget should allocate Rs. 3,00,000 (USD 4400) for ministry work among factory workers.

An English spoken class started on 4 September 2016 but has since been discontinued.

NGO ESTABLISHMENT

As per the Synod Executive Committee’s resolution (SEC 264:56; Nov. 9-11, 2016), a local NGO registration was approved by the Ministry of Interior, Royal Government of Cambodia, and completed in February 2017. Thavy Meas was appointed as Executive Director, and the NGO was named “Angka Pesakahkam Synod Samrap Kampuchia” (Synod Mission for Cambodia Organization).

The NGO currently houses 10 orphaned students, providing them with Christian education. Approximately 20 of their relatives, including parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, regularly attend Sunday services. Many have been baptized and are actively involved in the church community.

MINISTRY IN SIEM REAP

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s most famous city, located 314 km from Phnom Penh. It lies near the Thai border in the northwest region of the country. Known for its proximity to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, Siem Reap attracts numerous tourists, making it a bustling hub with many expatriates and visitors.

On 26 July 2006, NEI Asia (New Enterprise International) began its mission in Cambodia, establishing their presence in Siem Reap in 2007. Pastor H. Chinsuamang (L) leads the NEI team, living there with his family. They founded the NEI Bethany Church and support the community through educational initiatives and sharing the Christian faith. Pastor Chinsuamang’s desire to study theology in the Philippines prompted NEI Asia to handover to the Synod Mission Board (SMB). The Synod approved this offer, and an official ceremony took place on 18 June 2019. Rev. K. Lalrinmawia, the Executive Secretary in charge of Missions from Mizoram, attended and documented this significant event.

The ministry in Siem Reap includes a dedicated missionary with housing quarters, with the pastor visiting monthly. There are five native workers: Phan Doeun, Nop Thanun, Phen Nga-i (Doeun’s wife), Ly Somnang-i (Nun’s wife) and Pipi Momo, who are all initially supported by NEI Asia and now collaborate with the Synod. The church is now recognized as Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Ministry Activities

Morning and Afternoon Schools:

The morning school (non-formal) in Phum Thnal, established on 5 February 2011, and the afternoon school in Krosang, established on 21 April 2015, are now managed by the Synod Mission. Previously, these schools were under NEI Asia. The children are taught English and the Word of God. Due to the government’s school schedules, a committee meeting on 25 December 2023 decided to move the morning school to the afternoon, rebranding it as “Afternoon School.” Classes are held at 3:00 PM, with about 20 children attending. Additionally, at 6:00 PM on Sundays, Children’s Fellowship is held, attracting 10-20 children who receive Bible teachings and watch Bible films via a projector.

Evangelism Week:

Held monthly, where missionaries and local workers visit communities to share the Gospel with non-believers.

Banteay Srei Ministry:

A team committee meeting on 24 April 2024 decided to initiate ministry work in Banteay Srei, with visits scheduled for 4 May and 29 June 2024. However, ongoing support from the Korean mission in the area, including a church and a school, means this plan will not continue.

Thursday Monthly Outreach:

Starting 23 November 2023, the team will visit Chrey Khang Cheung, 32 km from Siem Reap, for monthly ministry, focusing on children’s outreach. They will teach the Word of God and show Bible films. This initiative aims to expand outreach efforts.

Sunday Fellowship:

Native worker Nob Thanun’s mother, Pi Keo, hosts a church gathering in Khna Thmey on Sundays. However, due to the low attendance of team members, a committee meeting on 25 December 2023 decided to discontinue this fellowship.

Sunday Services:

Held at 9:30 AM at the missionary quarters, with around 20-30 attendees. Sunday School for children is also conducted.

Youth Sunday School:

Starting in 2024, a Sunday School class for young people will be held, focusing on deeper biblical education.

Committee Meetings:

Held every Sunday afternoon, led by the pastor. These meetings will include reviewing the progress of the Sunday School and maintenance work at the church.