New Hope School Blog – July 21, 2021

In a country where less than 3% of the population is Christian, this was a unique experience, especially for a young person. As Sreynith read the Bible, she learned about how God hears us through our prayers. Her heart desired to follow a God who loved her and was near to her, so she made the decision to follow Him.

A year after Sreynith accepted Christ, her family faced financial difficulties and were no longer able to pay school fees for her and her sister. Sreynith prayed to God about their need and shared it with her teacher. Upon hearing the need, a generous donor offered to provide financial support so that Sreynith and her sister could continue their education. Sreynith was astonished that a total stranger had totally paid her debt. This act of kindness looked so much like what Sreynith and her classmates were learning about in the Bible – faith in action!

Sreynith is not afraid or ashamed to share her story. She confidently makes it known that “God hears my need, helps me, and provides for me.” Sreynith’s favorite Bible verse to share with others is Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Sreynith desires to follow God and live according to His purpose. Her compassionate heart seeks to bring unity among her friends, family, and community, and she longs for children in her country to have a better education so they can have a better future.

She responded by sharing how “It has changed me a lot. I went from a girl who didn’t know English to a girl who can speak English with you.” Learning more than one language benefits our students in a variety of ways, but most remarkably, it broadens their world view by allowing them to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Language learning also opens doors for our students to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. While Theary is not a Chrisitan, she is learning about Jesus through studying scriptures in English and Khmer using our One 17 Bible curriculum. She loves to read about how God created the world and people, including herself!