Since 1990, AVC, together with the partner organization Ethnos Asia, has been committed to helping the Cambodian people. The Church Empowerment Program (CEP), agricultural training at the Harvest Centers and an unusual bank give Cambodians renewed courage to live in the present.

Rice, water buffalo and fish loans

A “rice and animal bank” provides seeds. With them, the farmers cultivate the fields and then pay double the “starting capital” back to the bank from their crop. If water buffalo are given as a loan, every second calf is a repayment instalment to the bank. The same principle applies to fish farming. In this way, the bank keeps regaining capital with which to aid others in setting up their own business.

A striking “before and after” effect

With the principle of the rice and animal bank, hundreds of families so far have been able to start a business. That triggers significant social changes.

The following example is one of many: In Angkor Sor Village in the Prey Veng province, the entire village population lived by begging or stealing. One family came to believe in Jesus, which turned their values completely upside down. With this family, a small agricultural project was established. That had far-reaching consequences: from the example of positive change seen in this family’s life, the entire village, except for one family, has come to believe in Jesus. With the exception of that one family, everyone is now able to earn a living through farming. In the past, the crime rate was very high – today there is peace there. The village and the life of its inhabitants have been totally changed: both are clean and ordered.

A training centre for every province

The aim is to open a training centre in every province of Cambodia. As many people as possible are to be given the chance to be led into Christian faith and out of their lethargy so that they can manage their lives again.