Bear Valley
Seim Reap, Cambodia
BEAR VALLEY EXTENSION SCHOOL TO BEGIN IN CAMBODIA
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Missionaries recommended Cambodia as an ideal place to begin a school of preaching. The church began in 2000 as a result of a “grass roots” effort. The country had been recovering from a civil war (1975-79) and from the loss of almost of one-half of the population. As a result, the median age is 18. David Hamrick, Ralph Williams and others took the first survey trip in January, 2006. Following David’s proposal, the Bear Valley elders saw the need of planting the Lord’s church in Seim Reap.
Local missionaries recommended Seim Reap because:
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There was no church in the area.
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This is the fastest growing area of southeast Asia.
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It is a tourist area, the location of Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world.
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It is an area slated to become a financial center.
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Young people are flocking there to find work, and most speak English.
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People are receptive to the gospel.
The congregation began in August of 2006. Where the Lord guides, He provides. Chann Lork, a graduate of the Phonm Penh school, works as local evangelist. The church grew to about 23 members within the first year and now average 30 in attendance.
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God also provided Greg and Shelia Hamlin. Greg is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, and Shelia graduated from International Bible College. They are a team dedicated to missions and
experienced in preacher training. They have worked in Scotland and Nigeria.
In addition, Phanat Ouch, graduate of the Southwest School of Biblical Studies, began work in Seim Reap in August, 2007. Phanat, an American born Cambodian, finished first in his class. He speaks the Cambodian language as fluently as English. A new building has been purchased for the
church and school, 5 minutes from the town center. The school is scheduled to begin sometime in 2008 with approximately 12-14 students.