Cambodians love a party. Over the course of a year, most Cambodians will attend a number of parties, often fifteen or even twenty. You get invited to every friend’s, relative’s, neighbor’s, acquaintance’s, etc. wedding, funeral, housewarming, religious fundraising, etc., party. Most parties are held under a tent in the road in front of the house and feature food, music and dancing. If you are invited you are expected to pay some money, even if you don’t attend. If you attend you usually give more money than the cost of your share. At certain times of the year, the streets are backed up with cars because the roads are all down to one lane as the rest of the road is blocked by a party.

Since Khmer Christians – and especially their non-Christian neighbors – do love a party, we chose to celebrate Christmas with a FREE party for all who would come. We advertised, by word of mouth, the party and that we would be sharing the true story of Christmas. People came from far and wide, including a good Khmer pastor from an half hour away and the local village leader. It was very hot, so many stayed outside and looked in the windows during the preaching and singing time. We told the story of Christ’s birth through reading the Bible passages and singing hymns. Christmas, in a non-Christian country like Cambodia, is an excellent evangelistic opportunity.

- Rev. Mark Baldwin