For most Cambodians, Christmas is just like any other day – a fight for survival. As a Buddhist country, Cambodia does not know the wonder of the birth of Immanuel: God With Us, and therefore, does not celebrate Jesus’ birth. Families do not gather around the Christmas tree, exchange gifts, or share a celebration feast. There are no joyous lights strung all over the city representing the coming of the Light of the World. It is just a common day in Cambodia without recognition of the glorious event that changed the world forever.
Pahnette, like the 95% of Cambodians who are Buddhist, didn’t
celebrate Christmas before coming to Asian Hope. When her father died during her infancy, her family fell apart and Pahnette was
separated from her older brother and sister. She was sent to live with an aunt to protect her from an abusive step-father. As is typical in Cambodia, her aunt could not afford to support Pahnette, so at six years old she was sent to Asian Hope’s Children’s Home.
Pahnette’s family was broken, but at Asian Hope she was reunited with her brother and sister, gained 27
siblings and an extended family of Asian Hope staff, teachers and friends. The house was always active and noisy. And there were new holidays to celebrate. Christmas soon became a favorite. “The love, laughter, and food stands out the most to me,” Pahnette recalls about her first Christmases at Asian Hope.
Pahnette remembers one Christmas when a family friend shared his story with the boisterous crew. Pahnette recalls, “It showed me that regardless of who you are and what you do, God loves you. And it made me look at everything differently, the world, and life and how short life is, and not to dwell only on what I can get from people, but what I can do for people, whether it’s buying them a gift or just loving them.”
Pahnette is most excited about some of the new traditions that have been added. “Last year, Logos volunteers went to the neighboring families around the school and gave them presents. It was really fun! We gave them snacks and T-shirts! I was so blessed to have been able to be a part of that!
Pahnette knows the reality of others never having a chance to hear about Jesus. She takes advantage of opportunities to show God’s love to children through volunteering weekly with a neighborhood outreach program. “This year, I am looking
forward to celebrating Christmas with the Neighborhood Kids Outreach. The kids that show up are just wonderful children. I'm looking forward to this special event the most!!!”
Through the outreaches and friendships built, the neighbors will hopefully begin to ask more about Jesus. Perhaps one day the name of Christ will be well known, people will celebrate His birth, and Christmas will no longer be just a common day in Cambodia.
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