From Street Scavenger to Servant Leader
Born in a Phnom Penh slum, Hin Sokea grew up carrying a sack of recyclables through the streets to support his family. With a sick mother, a father earning a small wage as a motorbike taxi driver, and siblings with no access to education, life was a daily struggle. His only dream was to study law—if he ever got the chance.
That chance came through our partner’s Leadership and Mentoring Project (LAMP), which identifies, grows, and launches into Cambodian society young leaders who know they are called by God and experience Him every day in their ordinary lives. LAMP provided Sokea with educational support and leadership mentoring, but more than that, it awakened his sense of purpose and calling.
Through workshops and one-on-one mentoring, Sokea learned to lead himself, resolve family conflict, and inspire others. His faith was strengthened as he came to understand that trials build spiritual resilience. Today, he teaches children to read, leads community sports to foster unity, and is forming a youth group to disciple others and share the gospel.
From the streets to leadership, Sokea’s story is a testimony to God’s transforming power. Through LAMP, he is not just being changed—he is helping change Cambodia, one life at a time.
(note: the above project is funded by Mission Enterprises (VIC) Ltd and is not tax deductible)
Gerad’s Journey from the Streets to the Salon
Gerad, now 18, is known for his cheeky smile and contagious laughter, but his past is one of incredible hardship. At just five years old, he was separated from his family after they moved to Kampala. Lost and alone, he spent his first night on the streets where he was beaten and robbed by older boys. A homeless man took him under his wing, teaching him how to survive by collecting plastic bottles—but also introduced him to drugs to cope with the pain.
For years, Gerad lived under a bridge in the heart of the city. Everything changed when a local church doing outreach met him and saw something special. They invited him in, offered him shelter, and in return, he cleaned the church. It was there that Gerad’s journey of healing and hope began.
When he was accepted into our partner’s vocational training course in hair and beauty, Gerad grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He now trains during the week and gains hands-on experience at a nearby salon on weekends. His dream? To open his own salon, rent his own home, and one day, pass on his skills to help other kids still living on the streets. Gerad is no longer just surviving, he’s thriving.