110 Cities

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12662/CB

Let’s pray for the Khmer peoples of Cambodia.

Introduction / History

The Khmer are the majority and dominant people in the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia. Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. Khmer civilization once ruled much of Southeast Asia. In the 1200s, the Thais and Vietnamese defeated the Khmer and pushed them into Cambodia, where most live today. The huge Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia gives evidence of past glories and is the major tourist site in the country. The Khmer people have been primarily Buddhist since the 13th century. Elements of Hinduism and animism are mingled with Buddhist beliefs of the Khmer.

Cambodia gained its independence from France in 1953. The communist Khmer Rouge ruled from 1975 to 1979 and murdered up to a quarter of the population. Today Cambodia is officially a constitutional monarch but in actuality a one-party authoritarian state.

Many Christian resources exist in the Khmer language including a complete Bible and the JESUS Film.
What Are Their Lives Like?

Cambodia is one of the least developed nations in Southeast Asia. On a positive note, the Cambodian economy has been growing at a rapid rate for the two past decades. Most rural Khmer are engaged in subsistence agriculture much like their ancestors. The stable food for the Khmer is rice. Famers also cultivate vegetables, tropical fruit, maize, and peanuts. Most villages raise some animals such as pigs, chickens and goats. A water buffalo is often a family most valuable possession.

Many young Khmer are leaving rural areas and moving to cities especially Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city. Young people are looking for better jobs and educational opportunities. Since many young people lack job skills, they must take menial jobs in the cities. Unfortunately some of them end up in the sex trade.

Prayer Points

Pray for the steady growth of the church among the Khmer.

Pray that Khmer believers would be established in the faith and share the good news with their family and friends.

Pray the Khmer will heal from the tragedies brought by the Khmer Rouge.

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Khmer to tell them about Jesus Christ.