Recently, MTI workers and local partners made another visit to the Cambodian families displaced by the earlier conflict at the border with Thailand.
Previously when the first load of relief supplies were delivered to the displaced families, they were living in makeshift tents that provided minimal shelter. On this visit, many had recently moved into basic housing hastily built by the government (pictured above). Sadly, this is because it is highly unlikely that the IDPs (internally displaced people) can return home.
Surviving on a basic ration provided by the country, the additional supplies MTI distributed to 500 families were received happily. One of them is an elderly lady whose husband appeared to be mentally unwell. “Thank you for coming, we were just finishing our rice. This came at a good time.”
During the visit, the IDPs also shared honestly about their difficulties.
From a peaceful existence with their Thai neighbours, even loud noises now remind this community of the war they had fled from. Some recounted the day they had hurriedly loaded a few meagre possessions onto trucks and driven away, leaving the life they had spent years building behind.
Right now, the people need to rebuild their lives, but the challenges before them are great. The land that the houses are built on is located in a remote area, thus access to employment or schools is limited. Though some individuals have started a small business or gotten a job elsewhere, they are just a small minority.
One lady lamented to our worker, “If life continues like this, I would rather die.”
Please continue to pray for the IDPs – they have lost too much, and many of them are struggling emotionally.
Please pray:
- For the displaced Cambodians as they rebuild their lives, for opportunities and resources to be able to do so.
- That this community will be able to find the hope and greater blessings that is in Christ Jesus as they go through this period of deep darkness.
- For wisdom for MTI workers and partners as they seek ways to help the community long-term.
MTI provides community care and development for least reached and marginalised people groups, building deep long-term relationships towards vibrant communities of Jesus followers.