A CRCNA Story: Changing the Narrative in Cambodia

In early November I had the privilege of visiting Cambodia to see World Renew’s work and to learn more about the lasting impact the generosity of CRCNA churches and their members. Nowadays, there is so much information about what to expect when visiting a new country. You can find restaurant reviews online for literally every restaurant. I’m a big fan of the “Lonely Planet” travel guide and also found a basic description of cultural norms online. With all of that prep, you still don’t really know what it will be like until you get there. 

I’m happy to say that within about 5 minutes of arriving, I fell in love with Cambodia. The hustle, the bustle, the people, the food, the smiles...it was amazing. After a few days of settling in, doing an in-country orientation, and learning some of the more troubling aspects of Cambodia’s history, we moved south to visit the communities where World Renew’s partners work. 

It was there that I met Pov.

Pov lives in Chhuk Trapeang Phleang, Cambodia. She has seen her life and community transformed through training provided by OREDA and World Renew. These organizations partnered to equip local farmers with essential knowledge so they can work together to produce more bountiful harvests, fostering collaboration and economic resilience. As the leader of a producer group, she has become a symbol of this transformation.

Before the training, Pov’s community faced challenges with inconsistent yields, variable product quality, and limited market access. This made it difficult for families to thrive. With the support of OREDA and World Renew, she received training in advanced agricultural practices and group leadership, which helped strengthen her skills and ability to guide her community toward progress. Under her leadership, the producer group adopted new techniques to increase crop yields and improve produce quality. 

The training emphasized sustainable and efficient farming methods, leading to better harvests of cucumbers, long beans, and boc choy. These improvements have boosted the group’s productivity and product standards. Pov smiles radiantly as she tells this story.

Her ability to organize collective distribution has been transformative. Farmers gather their produce at a central point, and Pov brings the fruits of their labour to market on their behalf. This approach has increased their bargaining power, secured better prices, and ensured consistent market access. The economic benefits have strengthened the community, allowing farmers to reinvest in their land and support their families. Pov’s success and the success of her community has inspired neighbouring communities to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and transformation. 

Today, she stands as a catalyst for change, demonstrating how targeted support and collective action can uplift communities and lead to lasting change.

First and foremost, this is a story of Pov’s hard work and dedication. It’s a story of a community’s resilience. 

But it’s our story, a CRCNA story. It’s a story of a faithful church answering God’s invitation to serve and partner in a global sense and I’m so glad we get to be a part of it!