Difficult Times and Recovery  
Once the capital yielded to the Khmer Rouge forces, the Christians were plunged into the worst period of persecution in their history. Over 90% of the Christians lost their lives under the Khmer Rouge and only three pastors survived the four years in labor camps.

Testimonies of God’s protection

There are many stories about how God provided protection and guided people in their escapes to Thailand. Many of those who were martyred also have stories that have survived their deaths as a testimony to others. There is no doubt that God moved in people’s lives during this brutality.

Church growth in refugee camps

Once the Khmer Rouge lost control of Cambodia, many fled to Thailand’s refugee camps. Here the church began to recover and grow among the many refugees. One church in the Khao I Dang camp grew to include thousands of Christians. Unfortunately many who believed left for other countries and this had an effect on the church. Inside Cambodia itself, less than one thousand Christians remained in underground churches.

Freedom of religion 1993

In 1990, Christianity once again became a recognized religion in Cambodia but official freedom of religion was declared in 1993. Some of the Christians who had left the country through the refugee camps returned to minister to their people.

One hundred thousand Christians

Various church denominations began to enter the country in 1993, before this there had been no denomination distinction in the country. In 1994, there were five thousand Christians in Cambodia. A new translation of the Khmer Bible was completed in 1999 and presented to the King. Now there is estimated to be as many one hundred thousand Khmer Christians. So the church is growing rapidly and ministries are expanding across the country.