Partnering for Hope

by Deborah Austin, Volunteer in Mission
God is working in Cambodia through Community Health and Agricultural Development (CHAD) to bring people together to bind up the brokenhearted and heal the sick. This is the story of Pok Buntha, a 27 year old man who has a serious blood circulatory problem that has brought on low blood pressure and anemia, as well as stomach and esophagus conditions.

The first time the CHAD team met him was in April 2009. Pok was brought to a medical clinic that was being held by CHAD and a Rocky Mountain UMVIM medical team at First Methodist Church in Kratie. He came with his mother Heang Neon. At the clinic, Irene Mparutsa (GBGM missionary) gave him a “ticket” to allow him to enter a hospital in Phnom Penh. CSI (Cooperative Services International – a Christian hospital) diagnosed his illness.

Up to this point, Pok had never known what was wrong with him. He was told he needs to go to Thailand for life-saving surgery on his veins. The cost of this seemed formidable to Pok and his mother. The surgery is $3000. In addition, the passport, visa, and travel costs are $1000. They are raising money by selling their moto. But this will only bring them $500.

This is where Pok’s faith come in. He says he is holding onto hope in the Lord Jesus! Sam Dy, a lay pastor in the area, is the one who brought Pok to the clinic. Some time earlier, he’d started visiting Pok in his home and sharing the Gospel. Sam Dy said, “I saw his thinness, that he was ready to die.” Pok began to open his heart to Jesus and believe.


Pok said, “Before, I stood in darkness. I was sad. Right now, I am still sick, but the holiness of Jesus is around me.” Sam Dy continues to disciple Pok. He brings the church members to his house so that they can all pray for him. Pok has begun attending worship services and he is also witnessing to other sick people in the village. “One day,” he says, “I hope I will receive mercy from Jesus.”

If you would like to partner with others in giving money to Pok’s surgery, you can do so by giving to the Advance #3020542 (“Emergency Health Care for Pok Bunta”). Mail checks payable to:
Advance GCFA
P.O. Box 9068, GPO
New York, NY 10087-9068

This article was written by Reverend Deborah Austin and Irene Mparutsa. They talked with Pok in January 2010 and report that Pok continues to need this surgery. Yet, his whole demeanor is stronger, a result of his newfound faith!