Western Cham in Cambodia
chom

Long ago, the Cham had a strong empire, called Champa, located in southern Vietnam. In 1471, Champa was invaded and destroyed by the Vietnamese and most freemen and aristocrats fled to Cambodia. In 1975, more than 250,000 Muslim Cham lived in Cambodia. With the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, however, their population was decimated. Captured and removed from their homes, they were forbidden to speak their own language and forced to eat pork, which is an abomination to Muslims. About 100,000 Cham were said to have been executed. Cham villagers are extremely poor and their settlements convey a sense of impermanence. They are now largely integrated into the Cambodian lifestyle and many now speak Khmer.

Ministry Obstacles
This Muslim community living in Buddhist Cambodia may have become especially protective of their religious tradition.

Outreach Ideas
There is a need for sustained prayer to prepare hearts of the Cham. Gospel recordings and the JESUS Film can both be useful in communicating the good news of Jesus.

Scripture Focus
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."  Psalm 62:1-2

Scripture Prayer
Pray that many from this people group will make Christ the rock of their salvation this decade.

Prayer Focus
There are some believers in Christ among the Cham of Cambodia. Pray the JESUS Film and gospel recordings (which are available) would be taken to these believers. Workers need to rise up in courage to share the gospel with the Western Cham people of Cambodia. Pray for improved living conditions for the Cham, for employment opportunities and for good schools to be available for the children.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net