In the lush, green hills of Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province, the Pnong people live in tight-knit communities, their lives woven with animist traditions and rituals that honor the spirits of forests and rivers. Yet, in this remote region, the Holy Spirit is moving, bringing new believers into the Seventh-day Adventist Church through the transformative power of baptism—and, in one beautiful instance, uniting hearts in love.
On a vibrant Sabbath during the rainy season, excitement filled the air as our small Adventist congregation gathered at a creek swollen with water, perfect for a joyous baptism. Three new believers were ready to publicly declare their faith in Jesus, and in our group was a new face that surprised us all: Pu, a widower in his late forties, whose neatly ironed shirt and black pants reflected the solemnity of his decision. “I want to get baptized this week!” Pu had exclaimed after the baptism ceremony, his voice brimming with conviction after accepting Jesus as his Savior.
The Pnong’s matrilineal, community-oriented culture values public acts that strengthen group identity, and baptism serves as a powerful declaration of joining the body of Christ. For Pu, this urgency to be baptized reflected both his newfound faith and the Pnong’s tradition of prompt ritual action, akin to their animist ceremonies that mark life’s transitions. In a community where conversion can spark tension with animist family members, baptism solidifies a believer’s commitment, offering spiritual security and a sense of belonging to God’s family.
As the baptism began, an older couple stepped into the water first, their faces radiant with joy. They were followed by a young mother, her testimony a beacon of God’s grace. But our eyes turned to Pu, whose story was unfolding in ways we had not anticipated. Sitting nearby, listening intently to a Sabbath sermon on Daniel 2, Pu’s focus revealed his hunger for God’s truth. The prophecy of God’s eternal kingdom spoke to his heart, promising hope beyond the temporary spirits of animism.
Also among the congregation was Ming, a widow who had long been alone. Her gentle smile as she interacted with Pu hinted at something deeper. Beside her sat Pu’s young daughter, dressed in an off-white dress, her eyes bright as Ming shared food with her, even offering a slice of watermelon during the fellowship meal. Pu’s wife had passed away when his daughter was just one, leaving him to raise her alone. Ming, childless herself, seemed to naturally step into a nurturing role, staying close to the girl at the baptism site.
The creek sparkled under the monsoon sky as the members were baptized, the water symbolizing not only their cleansing from sin but also a new chapter in their lives. For the Pnong, water holds deep meaning, tied to purification in their traditional rituals. Pu’s eagerness to get baptized soon mirrored this cultural resonance, sealing his commitment to Christ and protecting against the pull of animist practices.
As we watched, we realized God was weaving a greater story. The rumors of a widow finding new love proved true. Ming and Pu’s connection, blossoming within the church, was more than a romance—it was a divine gift. God did not just bring Pu into the faith; He was providing a husband for Ming and a mother for Pu’s lonely daughter. The little girl, clinging to Ming’s side, was finding a new sense of family through the love and fellowship of the Adventist community.
In Pnong culture, communal bonds are strengthened through shared rituals, and this baptism was no different. The congregation’s joy reflected the same spirit that unites families during traditional ceremonies, and one more was yet to come. The following week, Pu and Ming married. Christ’s love had knit three hearts together, creating a new family under His banner. As Seventh-day Adventists, we often marvel at how God works in communities, and witnessing Pu, Ming, and their daughter’s story filled us with overwhelming gratitude.
That Sabbath in Mondulkiri reminded us of God’s promise in Isaiah 55:11—that His word accomplishes what He desires. Through the Adventist mission, Pu found salvation, Ming found love, and a little girl found a mother. As we continue sharing the gospel in Cambodia, pray for the Pnong that more will hear the message of Daniel’s God, who reigns forever, and find not only eternal hope but also the beauty of community in Christ.
Will you pray for our mission to reach the Pnong? Your prayers can help bring more stories of faith and love to life. Visit afmonline.org to learn how you can make a difference.
