Meet "Yiay" (យាយ)

"Yiay" (យាយ): Grandmother or someone the same age as your grandmother.

Calling someone who would be around the age of your grandmother "Yiay" is a sign of respect.

Cambodian grandmothers are a source of support and strength to their families. Often, families rely on these strong women to care for children while they work (often far away). Many times we come across grandmothers who are raising 5-6 of their grandchildren.

During our recent medical mission to Cambodia, we treated over 1,000 people. Of course, there are always some that you will always remember. We met a remarkable older lady whose spirit inspired our team. Yiay arrived at our clinic with a warm smile and so much kindness. She was so excited to tell us that she believed in Jesus!

At 99 years old, this woman has seen it all in Cambodia. Yet, despite living in a wartorn, Buddhist country, the love of Christ found her. Yiay has seen so much

1941 - Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.
1946 - Communist guerrillas begin an armed campaign against the French.
1953 - Cambodia wins its independence from France.
1965 - the rise of communism & the occupation of N. Vietnam.
1969 - US bombings on Cambodian soil.
1970 - Civil War in Cambodia
1976-1979 - Cambodian Genocide by the Khmer Rouge (roughly 2.5 million Cambodians are murdered)
1980-present: coups, instability, poverty, rapid changes.

This is the story of thousands of Cambodians. This is the story of a God who leaves the 99 to go after the 1. This is the story of the 1. (Matthew 18:10-14). Nothing can stop him from pursuing his children.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. - Matthew 18:12-14

Join Mission 25 in caring for the most vulnerable in Cambodia.

The heartwarming experience of treating this sweet Yiay during our medical mission in Cambodia highlights the essence of what we do. Her journey reflects the challenges many face in her community and the transformative power of the love of Christ introduced through providing for practical needs with love & kindness. Mission 25 empowers individuals by providing community development and education, fostering a sense of belonging, and igniting hope.

Join us in bringing hope to Cambodia by providing for its needs and praying for Cambodia and its people.

Thank you for partnering with Mission 25.

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