A creative way to reach university students and train leaders in Cambodia is reported on the blog of Encompass World Partners. A portion of the story appears below. Click here for the complete story.
Creative Dorm Ministry in Battambang Expands
For many years the Grace Center in Battambang, Cambodia has rooted itself in the heart of the city, meeting the needs of a community without a church.
Each week, over 300 people are in and out of the building, participating in Bible studies, English language classes, computer lessons, youth gatherings, and Sunday worship. The center plays an important role in church planting efforts throughout the city and surrounding villages, and now, the newly expanded dorm ministry is helping to train a new generation of leaders.
In Battambang, six universities draw young people from around the country. These students have shown a great openness to the gospel and the ministry of the Grace Center. In light of the center’s convenient location to the universities, Grace Center’s Director, Chhay Chhoeum, proposed the development of a dorm ministry several years ago. Through the swift generosity of supporters, the Grace Center building was purchased outright and remodeled to accommodate house guests.
Initially, the newly remodeled space housed only men, but as the ministry saw students’ lives changed and their potential for leadership developed, supporters desired to see the ministry grow. They proposed the creation of a dorm for women, and like the original proposal, funds came in quickly. After six months of building in 2016, the expansion was complete by the end of the year, and the new house guests arrived. Today, there are 16 men and 11 women living in the dorms, along with two interns from Encompass World Partners.
Students living in the Grace Center dorms are discipled in the gospel and exposed to the ministry of the Grace Center. Thanks to the Theology Education by Extension ministry resource, many of these students are receiving theological training from some of the Grace Center staff, as well.
Click here for the complete story.