When God calls, we often begin with a simple “yes.” For Pastors David Perez and Juren Mamon, that “yes” became the first step toward a bold mission: taking the Gospel to Cambodia. What began as a short-term exposure trip soon became a clear and compelling call to build something from the ground up: a Christ-centered ministry among one of Asia Pacific’s spiritually hungry nations.

A Burden for Cambodia

During a visit to Cambodia, Pastor David Perez witnessed something that changed his life forever. He saw the deep spiritual hunger of the Cambodian people—communities with little to no access to the Gospel, yet full of openness and yearning for hope. That moment became a turning point. “The Lord was clear,” he said. “I must go.”

Pastor Juren Mamon, similarly, never imagined that his background in motorcycle repair and vocational skills would one day play a central role in foreign missions. Yet in Cambodia, he saw a way to connect deeply with young men, offering training, mentorship, and ultimately, the Gospel. “I realized all of my education, experience, and training were God’s preparation for this very work,” Juren shared. “Now I can use those skills to point others to Christ.”

From Preparation to Launch

The path to the mission field wasn’t immediate. It took months of spiritual, emotional, and practical preparation. Both men dedicated themselves to prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking counsel. “Crossing cultures isn’t just about packing bags,” David noted. “It requires a surrendered spirit, a renewed mind, and a heart anchored in God’s Word.”

Leading up to their departure in April, the pastors traveled across the Philippines, sharing their vision with local churches. These visits not only built support but also sparked a shared passion for missions. “We were overwhelmed by the generosity and encouragement,” Juren said. “Seeing churches catch the vision reminded us we are not alone.”

A New Beginning in Cambodia

Now on the ground in Cambodia, Pastors David and Juren are beginning their ministry at the grassroots level, literally. Their initial focus is on building relationships and trust among locals, especially in rural provinces. They visit villages, bring food and toys to children, and share the love of God in practical ways.

Language remains a key hurdle. Khmer is complex, but both pastors are committed to learning it completely—reading, writing, and speaking. “We can’t explain the Gospel clearly unless we understand their language and culture,” David emphasized.

They are also partnering with Filipino teachers renovating a rural school, providing not only physical help but spiritual encouragement to the community. Opportunities like these serve as open doors for the Gospel and allow the pastors to live out their faith in action.

Long-Term Vision: Discipleship and Development

The ultimate vision is discipleship. Both pastors dream of seeing young Cambodians come to know Christ, be trained in Scripture and life skills, and return to their villages equipped to lead. “We want to raise up local disciples who will carry the Gospel to their own people,” Juren said.

They are praying for a mission house in Phnom Penh, a hub that would serve as both a discipleship center and a temporary home for rural youth studying or working in the city. There, these young people would receive pastoral care, vocational training in small engine repair, and English lessons, all grounded in the Gospel message.

Strengthening the Work at Home

Even as they invest in Cambodia, the pastors have ensured that the work they helped build in the Philippines remains strong. With outreach ministries, ALS programs, and churches continuing under local leadership, they leave behind a legacy that will flourish. “This is the fruit of years of Gospel labor,” David said. “We believe God will sustain and grow it.”

Faith for the Journey Ahead

The road ahead is filled with challenges, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, and spiritual warfare, but these men are undeterred. They rest in Christ’s promise in Matthew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you always.” That assurance propels them forward with faith.

“We are truly building from the ground up,” David reflected. “There’s very little here, but we trust God to accomplish something magnificent.”

“This is more than a mission,” added Juren. “It’s a partnership…with God, with the church, and with everyone who prays and supports this work.”

Together, these two men are living proof that when God calls, He equips—and when we say “yes,” He opens doors no man can shut. The journey has just begun, and by God’s grace, the fields of Cambodia will see a harvest—one soul at a time.