Joanne Sauder • May 13, 2026

Adventuring in Cambodia-Part One

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.

For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1:5

God is moving in every nation and in hearts all over the world! What a joy it is to be a part of what He is doing wherever we are! Sometimes, you just get the sense it is time to go again. It’s so difficult to explain to people sometimes what it feels like to have your heart in two places. Yes, of course, those dearest to us are here in the US, but we have many people we love in the beautiful country of Cambodia as well.

So on January 19th, 2026, Chad & I set out by train, this time, to Cambodia. The journey is long but so worth it! We took various trains from Lancaster to JFK airport in New York. Then, we headed to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, on Cathay Pacific airlines. This is one of the most direct routes with one stop in Hong Kong and an itinerary of about 21 hours. Our sweet friend, Mollie, graciously welcomed us at the airport and took us to our apartment in the city where we dropped our luggage and then joined our dear friends for lunch nearby.

The day after we arrived, we rented a scooter and drove to find our Iris team at a village in the city where they gather each week to teach English, love on the kids and share Jesus with them. (picture to the left)

Next, we were so excited to see the new Iris cafe, Chomno, managed by our friend, Jen Jewett. It is so beautiful and was transformed from a strip club in the red light area to a life-giving cafe where they offer vocational training for those from difficult places. The Iris team, also, uses this space for English classes, worship and discipleship after hours...it is a place of beauty and light in the midst of darkness.(pictured above)

Our friends asked us to share with the Iris team for Discipleship one morning and that was a privilege. They are such an amazing, honoring team and they prayed for us afterward! (some of the Iris staff

pictured above)

Another unforgettable part of our trip was to Pursat province near the border of Thailand and Cambodia. We took a big bus, along with supplies to share and headed for the village…nearly a 4 hour bus ride from Phnom Penh, the capital city. Driving through beautiful countryside with rice fields was lovely and refreshing! In the past year, this province has been affected by the war with many people fleeing for their lives…leaving behind all of their belongings and what they knew as home. We were able to share the Gospel with them and give bags of rice and other essentials. But perhaps the most memorable thing to me was the privilege to visit their tents, hear their stories and pray with them. Looking into their eyes and seeing the fear and pain was something that I will not forget. Yet despite all of the hard, they had smiles and grateful hearts. Some had already gone back to their homes, but many were still there, unsure if it was safe to return.

One dear young woman we met was pregnant, almost ready to deliver the baby, but didn’t have money to go to the hospital. Our team was able to pray for her and her mother, as well as, provide transportation/funds to a nearby hospital to deliver her baby.

Sometimes, I know I take so much for granted…the privilege of having a cozy home, plenty of food and clothes...surrounded by family and friends.

And this is just one small part of the world…many around us are hurting in some way every day, and my prayer is that I really “see” people and take time to love like Jesus!

a trip to remember...

On our second leg of outreach, we joined a local pastor to share Jesus with a village that he works in. The simplicity, openness and hunger of these people stood out to me. Our team was permitted to visit homes after sharing with everyone as a group. The home Chad & I visited was that of a village chief and his wife. He was sick and it was clear they were of a different faith. But after a couple people on our team shared the Gospel with him, he gave his heart to Jesus! The joy on his face was incredible! It is exciting when people of influence turn to the Lord as it affects many in the community. God was so faithful and it was a fruitful outreach!

Stay tuned for a post on the rest of our trip…Adventuring in Cambodia Part Two!