Raising Up the Next Generations in Mission: Cambodia
Lina and Srey Oun, YDC staff
It all started with one man’s heart to serve—but now that heart is multiplied in his team, a group of young leaders who serve their community with the same love, consistency, and faith. Vuthy leads the Youth Development Center (YDC) in Toch Village, where he and his team invest daily in the next generation through education, mentorship, and discipleship.
This year, with support from Village Reach donors, the YDC added two new classrooms—fully equipped with laptops and musical instruments. Students are using them every day, learning new skills and stepping into leadership as they serve in their church and community.
The schedule at the YDC is all in, all day. Monday through Thursday, the team is on-site sun up to sun down, teaching and guiding youth. Fridays are for planning, and weekends are packed with soccer games, youth events, and church gatherings. The team—Daneth, Dara, Chantha, Lina, Dany, Saray, and Srey Oun—shows up with full hearts. This is more than a job. It’s their calling.
YDC team from left to right: Dara, Daneth, Chantha, Dany, Lina, and Vuthy
The YDC staff team in the new music classroom
Just this week, the village leader came to Vuthy and shared that 30 families were facing serious food insecurity. Vuthy brought the need to us—and because of donor generosity, we were able to respond immediately. Rice, fish, noodles, soup, and cooking staples are being delivered immediately. As neighbors come to the YDC to pick up their supplies, Vuthy and his team will share the gospel with each one—reaching around 100 people in a single day.
What’s powerful is the heart behind that request. Even before asking for support to pay his own staff, Vuthy saw the greater need and stepped in to meet it. He and his team trust that God will provide for them too—and continue to serve with joy even as they wait on $750 to meet this month’s salaries.
I recently sat down with Lina, Vuthy’s niece and an English teacher at the YDC, and Srey Oun, one of the soccer coaches. They’re preparing to join the very first Discipleship Training School at a new YWAM base in Kampot, being pioneered this fall. Together with 17 other pastors, Vuthy is helping lay the foundation for this new training hub—and he couldn’t be prouder of Lina and Srey Oun as they step into this new season of growth and calling.
When I asked what he hopes for them, Vuthy said,
“I want to see them grow in their faith and learn more about God. It’s important for young people to become leaders.”
He’s walked with them from the very beginning of their journey of faith. Now, he’s helping raise up the next generation of leaders to do the same. Let’s hear from them!
🌱 Get to Know Lina and Srey Oun
Alyssa: Lina and Srey Oun, I’m excited to sit down and talk with you. What have you learned while coaching or teaching the youth?
Srey Oun: During coaching, I’ve learned about love, patience, caring, and sharing. Working with the youth has taught me how to give more of myself.
Srey Oun on the field with the youth she coaches
Alyssa: Wow, so really God is teaching you some of the fruits of the Spirit. That’s beautiful. Can you describe one student who inspires you and why?
Srey Oun: During training, I met a girl named Lisa. She was only 10 years old and the only girl on the team, but she had the courage to keep going. Her bravery really encouraged me to stay strong and keep my own courage.
Lisa stands tall as the only girl on the team
Alyssa: So, yeah, I noticed that you were often the only girl out there, and at the last tournament, I saw the girl you were talking about—Lisa. How did you come to know Jesus?
Srey Oun: I came to know Jesus through the church at YDC and the gospel shared by Vuthy and Pastor Dara.
Lina: I came to know Jesus through the church here. Mr. Vuthy and my friends there shared the gospel with me, and I believed—especially when I learned about the resurrection of Jesus. That changed everything for me.
Lina sharing her faith
Alyssa: Wow, praise God. It’s incredible to see that Vuthy is sharing with so many. How does your faith guide your work with students?
Srey Oun: My faith helps guide both me and my students to love one another. It reminds us to be honest, to know each other deeply, and to care for one another like family.
Alyssa: Yes, I’ve noticed there’s a real family feeling at the YDC. There’s real love there. Is there a Scripture that encourages you in this season?
Srey Oun: Yes—Matthew 8:23–26.
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
This reminds me to have faith, even when everything feels uncertain.
Lina: One verse that touched my heart is in Luke, where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” It reminds me how much Jesus cares for each one of us, especially the young and the overlooked.
Srey Oun with the boys she coaches
Lina and Chantha with their students
Alyssa: Yes, wow, two powerful scriptures. When we’re little, it’s so easy to live in faith. Thank you both for the reminder to have no fear. Your students are lucky to have you. So, what are you most looking forward to learning or experiencing at DTS?
Srey Oun: I really hope that through DTS, I will know God more, grow stronger in my faith, and receive better training to continue serving others.
Lina: My biggest hope when I go to DTS is to see my own transformation and to be able to bring the gospel of salvation to other people.
Srey Oun and the other YDC soccer coach Saray earned a coaching certificate
Alyssa: Won’t He do it?! During my own DTS, I transformed so much, and I really grew closer to God, and I know you will too. So, what has been difficult about this journey?
Srey Oun: The most challenging part has been financial. I need support for my DTS training. Also, I live 10 miles from YDC, and the road to my house is very difficult to travel.
Alyssa: Yeah, I can see that the finances would be difficult. Do you know what the cost will be for your training and other expenses?
Lina: I think it will cost about $1,500 to pay for school and other expenses.
Alyssa: Okay, I believe God can do it. I only had $400 and had to fundraise over $6000 for my DTS and it was a miracle but He provided it all. When have you seen God show up for you in a big way?
Srey Oun: There was a time I was very sick for a week. I prayed and went to bed, and I dreamed of a light. A man appeared in the dream and asked, “Do you want to believe?” I answered, “I want to be healed.” And I truly believe God heard me.
Alyssa: What a testimony. That is so amazing. He still heals. What are your dreams for the future?
Srey Oun: My dream is to cling to God for the rest of my life. I want to keep growing, to preach the gospel to those around me, and to ask more of Him in every part of my life.
Alyssa: That really moves my heart when you say you want to cling to God for the rest of your life. I do too. If you could say one thing to someone considering supporting your ministry right now, what would you say?
Srey Oun: I want to share my heart. I want to know God more and have a strong faith. I want to become a missionary and share the gospel with everyone I meet.
Lina: I want to say thank you to my supporters for giving me the opportunity to take another step with God.
Lina helping students in her classroom
Alyssa: I really believe both of you will go on to do great things with God. How can we pray for you?
Srey Oun: Please pray that I will be able to go to DTS. Ask God to provide for my school fees, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Alyssa: Beautiful. Well, I am praying for you both, and I know that when our supporters read this, they will be praying alongside you too. I truly hope some of them will be moved to support the way God is moving through both of you women in incredible ways in your village here in Cambodia. I am so honored that I had the privilege to sit down and talk with you both. Thank you so much for your time.
🌾 Will You Help Equip Them?
Srey Oun and Lina are already doing Kingdom work full-time. They serve their community every day—not for a paycheck, but out of love for Jesus and a burning desire to see His kingdom come in Cambodia. They are coaching youth, sharing the gospel, and carrying spiritual burdens far beyond their years. And now, they are stepping out in faith again—ready to grow deeper with God and receive training through DTS (Discipleship Training School).
But they need your help.
These women don’t have backup plans. They don’t have consistent salaries. They’re not fundraising for a plan—they are already doing the work. They are already leading. They are already sacrificing. They just don’t yet have the funds for their next meal or next month’s rent, let alone their tuition for DTS.
We don’t do desperation at Village Reach—but this is a real and urgent need.
So please. If you’re reading this—stop. Take a moment. Ask God how He might want you to respond. If your heart is stirred, let it move you to action.
Because this isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the kingdom of God, in two women who are already laying down their lives for the sake of the gospel.
Every dollar you give will go straight to Mr. Vuthy, who will use it to directly support Lina, Srey Oun, and the incredible YDC staff team.
They don’t need extra. They just need enough.
Please give.
Please pray.
Let’s equip them.
With love and gratitude,
The Village Reach Team
