History of mission to Cambodia and history of Cambodia Church

Cambodian Christians celebrated the centennial, the hundred years of the Gospel in Cambodia, in 2023. It broke out in the debate about when the Gospel arrived in Cambodia. Fernando Pinto claimed to visit Siam and Cambodia during the Siam and Vietnam War around 1554. Gaspar de Cruz, a Portuguese Dominican priest, made a mission trip to Cambodia and the Cambodian court in 1555 and left because of failure to convert Cambodians to Catholicism. 

Early effort to translate Bible translation into Khmer

“French priest, Marie-Joseph Guesdon, at the end of the 19th century. Guesdon translated passages from the gospels, epistles, and Psalms for the Catholic liturgy. In 1899, the Gospel of Luke was published, the result of a collaboration between a French government official and the king’s interpreter. The American Bible Society residing in Bangkok asked a Cambodian Buddhist monk to translate Luke and Acts from Thai into Khmer. This translation was published in 1900. (https://biblicalstudies.org.uk) by arun Sok Nhep.

The Christian Missionary Alliance

The Reformation of the 16th century led to a more open society and more personal freedom in Europe and led to the exploration and expansion of the West. Out of these changes came the Reformation and the discovery of the New World, or, I would say, the other world, America. Many people who came to America, who were adventurers, traders, explorers, and the Christians who were persecuted because of their faith, left the old world and settled in the British colonies. The American Revolution (1765-1783) led to the formation of the United States. Outside of the United States, the emergence of missionary societies such as the Baptist Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and many others. These mission societies were the product of the First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s), the Second Great Awakening (1790s-1830s), and the Third Great Awakening (1850s-1900s) of Christianity. The Missionary Alliance was founded by Rev. Albert Benjamin Simpson in 1881 in New York City. Rev. Simpson had a passion for the lost, and he worked tirelessly and led a small group of the believers into the mission field. The Christian Missionary Alliance sent Arthur Hammond and David Allison and their families to South Vietnam.

In 1923, the mission from C&MA (The Christian Missionary Alliance) entered Cambodia from Vietnam. Arthur Hammond and David Allison were the missionaries to Vietnam and were called to Cambodia. The work of Gospel mission in Cambodia was very hard. Cambodia Kingdom and its predecessor was known as the Buddhist and Hindu Kingdom and it was hard to preach the Gospel to the Buddhist and Hindu. It was also the Cambodian people view Christianity as the religion of the west, the religion of the colonizers even though the French save Cambodia from being swallow up by the Siam and the Viet. There were strong animosity feeling to westerners, especially French. Therefore, the Cambodians are suspicious of the Christianity in general.

Cambodia church, especially the Protestant Church grew slowly through the hard work of the missionaries. Arthur Hammond started to translate the Bible into Khmer in the year of 1925. It took him until 1954 to publish a complete Khmer Bible translation.

Despite hard work of the missionaries, the church slowly grew and there was not many Christians in Cambodian until the Vietnam War broke out in 1960s and 1970s. There was no significant statistic to show how many Cambodian Christian in the country and many would say around seven hundred to two thousand protestants Christian. It is sad to see the Gospel did not reach to Cambodian after forty plus years of the mission effort. However, it is the story of the church; the persecution and Cambodian Church was not different. During the 1960s, the Vietnam war broke out, Cambodia was not part of the Vietnam War but the War drew her into it. The government of Cambodia is very suspicious of the America government, and persecution broken again the Christina and missionaries and let to expelled American missionaries in 1965.

Gospel expanded during the difficult times, especial during war. It is not difference for Cambodia and her people. Vietnam War started 1950s, the rise of communism, and the creation of the Indochina communist party by Ho Chi Minh, the French started to lost control of the Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao). United States entered the Vietnam War around 1965. However, the CIA and others American intelligent group a operated early on in Indochina to combat the communism. The Vietnam War was tragic war and many people lost their lives included soldiers, civilian and the people in the villages in Cambodia and Vietnam effect the most and created the refugee crisis. As the War ragged and it created the refugee crisis and through crisis that the work of mission took off and more people come to know Christ through the missionaries work with the refugee. In 1974, during the peak of the Vietnam War and the refugee crisis in Cambodia, the OMF sent five members missionary team to Cambodia and left a year later after the Khmer Rouge took over the country.

Cambodia and her people were struggle through the centuries. The Fall of Angkor Empire in around of 1430 after the Siam sack the Angkor Capital, Cambodia plunge into the dark age and struggle to survive among the rising power house of Siam and Vietnam. Cambodia was sandwich between these two powers and barely survived under colonialism or call French protectorate.

Now again, Cambodia and her people plunge into deeper darkness under Khmer Rouge and Cambodian people call it ‘hell on earth’ and during the Khmer rouge period, the people died from execution, starvation, and disease. In 1975, Cambodia population ran between seven to eight million and by 1980, the Cambodia population was around five million. In 1975, there were between ten thousand to twenty thousand Christian in Cambodia and by 1980, there were approximately two hundred left. Christian population lost more people compare to Cambodia general population.

The Vietnam invaded Cambodian in 1979 and in some way, save Cambodia people and however, it turned Cambodia people into the refugee Camp. In later half of the 1989, Cambodian people scatter all over the country in house, ten, and in any make shift for shelter. Many people starved because lack of food. Meanwhile, at the border between Cambodia and Thailand the Vietnam resistance build up along the border include the group led by King Norodom Sihanouk, a group led by Son Sans, and a group led by Khmer Rouge. The refugee camp sprung up along the border and Thai mistreatment of the Cambodia Refugee by forcing them repatriate to Cambodia made them walk across minefield and many incapacitated or died and led the united nation convention and created the refugee camps inside Thailand.

Through this pain and suffering because of men, the Gospel took route in the Cambodian people, many people came to accept Christ as their Lord and savior. In the Camp, there were two pastor that survived the Khmer Rouge include Pastor Reach Yea, Pastor Chan Horm, and Pastor Nhem Sokhun. There were many missionary organizations arrived from different country, from different denomination into various refugee Camp in Thailand and along the border. The churches were full with new believers and set the stages for the mission in Cambodia. Many Christians resettle in United States, Australia, Canada, Franc and many others.

The civil war between various Cambodian faction from 1980 to 1990 and continue suffering of Cambodian people, and in 1991 led by united nation, there was peace agreement signs in 1991 Paris, France for settlement of peace between various Cambodian factions and let to the Untac (United Nation Transitional Authority in Cambodia) and during this period, the church started to grow in Cambodia. Many Cambodia Christians who resettle various countries such United States return to Cambodia and witness to their family members and started churches along with many missionaries from various denominations.

As of 2024, there are about 3.38 % of 17,083,000 population of Cambodia are Christian accord to Joshua project.net.

The history of the mission to Cambodia and the history of the Cambodian Church are intertwined, reflecting the complex cultural and political landscape of the region. The early missions in the 19th century laid the groundwork for the establishment of Christianity in Cambodia, facing numerous challenges from both the local belief systems and the turbulent historical events that followed.  Cambodian Christians celebrated the centennial of the Gospel in Cambodia in 2023. This milestone marked a century of faith and highlighted the resilience of the Cambodian Church in adapting to its environment. As the community continues to grow, it is led by the Holy Spirit. The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of hope and unity among believers, as well as the importance of carrying the Gospel forward as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Looking ahead, Cambodian Christians are eager to engage with their neighbors by sharing the gospel with them. A debate has emerged about when the Gospel arrived in Cambodia. Some argue that it began with the first Protestant missionaries, while others point to earlier influences from traders and explorers and Catholic missionaries. Despite these differing viewpoints, what remains clear is the significant impact that Christianity has had on the cultural landscape of Cambodia. This ongoing dialogue about the Gospel’s introduction highlights the diverse pathways through which faith has spread and continues to evolve within the community. As Cambodian Christians navigate their unique spiritual identity, this journey also opens a discussion about the history of Christian faith in Cambodia. Ultimately, the resilience of Cambodian Christians lies in their ability to preserve their cultural roots while embracing the spiritual calling of Christ. This debate highlights not only the struggle of faith but also the spiritual growth of the church. The discussions surrounding these differing viewpoints foster an understanding of the complexities of Cambodian Christian history. This understanding encourages greater unity among believers as they learn to appreciate the diverse experiences that shape their faith. By engaging in these dialogues, the community strengthens its bonds and promotes a more inclusive environment for worship and fellowship. As Christians reflect on their past, they also look toward the future, striving for faith and Christ’s calling while respecting the viewpoints within the body of Christ. This commitment to inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging among all members, allowing them to share their unique stories and perspectives. Ultimately, this approach enriches individual faith journeys and cultivates a stronger, more resilient community that is better equipped to face the challenges of the postmodern world. Fernando Pinto claimed to visit Siam and Cambodia during the Siam-Vietnam War around 1554. Gaspar de Cruz, a Portuguese Dominican priest, made a mission trip to Cambodia and the Cambodian court in 1555 and left because of his failure to convert Cambodians to Catholicism.  These early missionaries laid the groundwork for future efforts in translating religious texts, striving to communicate their beliefs in a way that resonated with the local population. Despite the challenges they faced, their perseverance highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in the pursuit of spiritual outreach. These translations laid the groundwork for future religious texts and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in the region, fostering dialogues between diverse faiths and enriching the spiritual landscape of Cambodia.” Marie-Joseph Guesdon was a French priest who lived at the end of the 19th century. Guesdon translated passages from the Gospels, epistles, and Psalms for the Catholic liturgy. In 1899, the Gospel of Luke was published, the result of a collaboration between a French government official and the king’s interpreter. The American Bible Society residing in Bangkok asked a Cambodian Buddhist monk to translate Luke and Acts from Thai into Khmer. This translation was published in 1900. (https://biblicalstudies.org.uk) by Arun Sok Nhep. The Christian Missionary Alliance Many people who came to America were adventurers, traders, explorers, and Christians who were persecuted because of their faith, leaving the old world and settling in the British colonies. The American Revolution, 1765-1783, led to the formation of the United States. This new nation was founded on principles of freedom and democracy, attracting even more individuals seeking refuge from oppression. As a result, diverse religious communities flourished, contributing to the rich tapestry of American society and shaping the nation’s identity. Within the United States, missionary societies such as the Baptist Missionary Society and the Church Missionary Society emerged, among many others. These mission societies were the product of the First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s), the Second Great Awakening (1790s-1830s), and the Third Great Awakening (1850s-1900s) of the Christian. The Missionary Alliance was founded by Rev. Albert Benjamin Simpson in 1881 in New York City. Rev. Simpson had a passion for the lost, and he worked tirelessly and led a small group of the believers into the mission field. The Christian Missionary Alliance sent Arthur Hammond and David Allison and their families to South Vietnam. The Christian Missionary Alliance sent Arthur Hammond and David Allison and their families to South Vietnam, where they aimed to spread the message of hope and salvation. Their efforts contributed significantly to the growth of the church in the region, fostering a spirit of community and faith among the local population. In 1923, the mission of C&MA (The Christian Missionary Alliance) entered Cambodia from Vietnam. The missionaries to Vietnam, Arthur Hammond and David Allison, received a call to Cambodia. The work of the Gospel mission in Cambodia was very hard. It was also the Cambodian people who viewed Christianity as the religion of the West—the religion of the colonizers—even though the French saved Cambodia from being swallowed up by Siam and the Vietnamese. There were strong feelings of animosity toward Westerners, especially the French. Therefore, the Cambodians are suspicious of Christianity in general. This skepticism posed significant challenges for the missionaries, who had to navigate cultural sensitivities while sharing their faith. Despite the hurdles, many persevered, believing that genuine relationships and community service could gradually change perceptions and foster understanding. Cambodia’s church, especially the Protestant Church, grew slowly through the hard work of the missionaries. Arthur Hammond started to translate the Bible into Khmer in the year 1925. It took him until 1954 to publish a complete Khmer Bible translation. This monumental achievement facilitated better communication of religious teachings and empowered local believers by providing them with access to their sacred texts in their native tongue. As a result, the translation played a crucial role in the growth and deepening of the faith among Cambodian Christians, creating a solid foundation for future generations. Despite the hard work of the missionaries, the church slowly grew, and there were not many Christians in Cambodia until the Vietnam War broke out in the 1960s and 1970s. There were no reliable statistics on the number of Cambodian Christians in the country, but estimates ranged from seven hundred to two thousand Protestant Christians. It is sad to see the Gospel did not reach Cambodia after forty-plus years of the mission effort. However, this is the story of the church; the persecution faced by the Cambodian Church was not unique. During the 1960s, the Vietnam War broke out. Cambodia was not part of the Vietnam War, but the war drew her into it. The government of Cambodia is very suspicious of the American government, and persecution broke out again against the Christians and missionaries and led to the expulsion of American missionaries in 1965. As a result, many local Christians were left to navigate their faith in isolation, facing intense scrutiny and hostility. This challenging environment forced the Cambodian Church to adapt and strengthen its roots, fostering a resilient community committed to maintaining their beliefs despite the threats surrounding them. The spread of the Gospel increased during difficult times, especially during war. It is no different for Cambodia and her people. They found solace and hope in their faith, often gathering in secret to worship and share the message of love and resilience. Despite the oppressive environment, the spirit of the Cambodian people remained unbroken, fueling a quiet yet powerful movement of believers who sought to make a difference in their communities. The Vietnam War started in the 1950s with the rise of communism and the creation of the Indochina Communist Party by Ho Chi Minh. The French started to lose control of Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos). The United States entered the Vietnam War around 1965. However, the CIA and other American intelligence groups operated early on in Indochina to combat communism. The Vietnam War was a tragic war, and many people lost their lives, including soldiers, civilians, and the people in the villages in Cambodia and Vietnam, who were affected the most and created the refugee crisis. As the war raged, it created the refugee crisis, and through that crisis, the work of the mission took off, and more people came to know Christ through the missionaries’ work with the refugees. In 1974, the OMF sent a five-member missionary team to Cambodia during the peak of the Vietnam War and the refugee crisis, but they left a year later when the Khmer Rouge took over the country. Cambodia and her people were struggling through the centuries. The fall of the Angkor Empire in around 1430, after the Siamese sacked the Angkor capital, plunged Cambodia into the Dark Ages, and it struggled to survive among the rising powerhouses of Siam and Vietnam. Cambodia was sandwiched between these two powers and barely survived under colonialism, or what was called the French protectorate. Now again, Cambodia and her people plunge into deeper darkness under the Khmer Rouge, and Cambodian people call it ‘hell on earth,’ and during the Khmer Rouge period, the people died from execution, starvation, and disease. In 1975, Cambodia’s population ran between seven and eight million, and by 1980, Cambodia’s population was around five million. In 1975, there were between ten thousand and twenty thousand Christians in Cambodia, and by 1980, there were approximately two hundred left. The Christian population lost more people compared to Cambodia’s general population. The Vietnamese invaded Cambodia in 1979 and, in some way, saved the Cambodian people; however, they turned Cambodia into a refugee camp. In the latter half of 1989, Cambodian people scattered all over the country in houses, tents, and any makeshift shelter. Many people starved because of a lack of food. Meanwhile, at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, the Vietnamese resistance buildup along the border includes the group led by King Norodom Sihanouk, a group led by Son Sans, and a group led by the Khmer Rouge. Through this pain and suffering because of men, the Gospel took root in the Cambodian people, and many people came to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. In the camp, there were two pastors that survived the Khmer Rouge, including Pastor Reach Yea, Pastor Chan Horm, and Pastor Nhem Sokhun. There were many missionary organizations that arrived from different countries and from different denominations into various refugee camps in Thailand and along the border. The churches were full of new believers and set the stage for the mission in Cambodia. Many Christians resettle in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and many others. The civil war between various Cambodian factions from 1980 to 1990 and the continued suffering of the Cambodian people led to a peace agreement signed in 1991 in Paris, France, for the settlement of peace between various Cambodian factions and led to the UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia). During this period, the church started to grow in Cambodia. Many Cambodian Christians who resettle in various countries, such as the United States, return to Cambodia and witness to their family members and start churches along with many missionaries from various denominations. As of 2024, about 3.38 percent of Cambodia’s population of 17,083,000 is Christian, according to JoshuaProject.net. This gradual increase in the Christian population reflects the power of the Holy Spirit leading the church, as in the book of Acts. When you visit Cambodia today, you will find small churches or house churches in every village. These communities are not just places of worship; they also reach out to local nonbelievers. The dedication of local believers and missionaries continues to foster a sense of hope and strengthen each other, demonstrating the profound impact of faith in their everyday lives and seeing the shared vision of the Scriptures.