A letter from Cambodia

Ray and Pisal are dormitory leaders at a BMS World Mission-supported dorm in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The dorm provides a safe and affordable place for students to live while they study in Cambodia’s capital. BMS-supported church planter Pastor J, who runs a ministry nearby, has also had the privilege of welcoming some of the dorm students to his church and bringing them to faith.

Dear friends,

My name is Ray, and I am from Kompot province. I was raised in a Buddhist family, and I joined Horaios Dormitory in 2018. I didn’t know any English. I also didn’t know anything about Jesus; I’d never read the Bible. But [through Pastor J’s] Sunday service, I came to know about Jesus, I started praying to him and I read the Bible. I decided to give my life to Jesus and got baptised in 2020. I’ve never regretted it, because I know he loves me and helps me in many ways. He taught me how to live with others, he taught me how to be brave and strong, he taught me patience and how to love others. Now I can speak English [through classes at the dorm]. I’ve grown so much as a person and I continue to grow in my spiritual life. I thank God for using Horaios Dormitory to change my life and I trust he will do more work in me and through me.

Hello, my name is Pisal, and I am also from a Buddhist family. There are Christians in my village, so I used to go to church at Christmas because they shared good food and gifts with us. But I never truly listened to the Word of God. I never touched a Bible. When I came to Phnom Penh for university in 2019 [and met Pastor J], it was the first time I sat down for Bible study. Over time, I began to believe that Jesus is real. I decided to give my life to Jesus and I got baptised in 2021. It was the best decision I have ever made. I also learned how to play guitar and speak English here in the dormitory. I am happy to be a follower of Jesus.

Thank you, Ray and Pisal

Memories of the stamp bureau

I wanted to belatedly share a story about the stamp bureau. I have fond memories of my Grandad doing this. He was Rev E. Leslie Wenger, who with his wife Freda had been BMS missionaries for many years in India, and he remained devoted to helping in whatever way he could during his retirement. So he collected stamps from his church and sorted and sent them to the stamp bureau. He called it his “knitting”, because he did it at the same time as my Granny knitted. I have very fond memories of the two of them settling down after their evening meal together, Granny knitting, and Grandad snipping and sorting the stamps for BMS. Just wanted to pass that on.

Thank you, Erica Bowler

From the Editor

Dear Erica,

Thank you for sharing that lovely story of your grandparents and their support for the BMS stamp bureau. You describe it beautifully, and it’s heart-warming to know that BMS is connected in some way to such a treasured memory.

Every blessing, Laura

Get in touch!

If you’ve been inspired or challenged by anything you’ve read in Engage, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch using one of the methods on page 2!

Praying for Afghanistan

Thank you for the excellent BMS magazine sent to me. Please could I request a copy of Grace’s* prayer letter who works in Afghanistan. I’m involved in Kay St. Fellowship in Rawtenstall and belong the missionary team.

Thank you,

Eileen Coward

From the Editor

Hi Eileen, I’m so glad you enjoyed the recent issue of Engage magazine, and have been particularly inspired to pray for Afghanistan, a nation that so needs our prayers right now. We’ve made sure you’re signed up for Grace’s prayer letters, so you don’t miss any updates.

Every blessing, Laura

*Name changed.

Blessings from the Birthday Scheme

God bless the work that you are all doing. When I read the BMS magazine I feel so grateful for all that is achieved. Kind regards,

Pam Welch

Birthday Scheme Co-ordinator