Cambodia, situated in Southeast Asia, has had
a long and colorful history. Cambodia's heritage can be traced to the rise of
the Khmer empire in the 9th century. Reaching throughout Southeast
Asia, the Khmer empire influenced the political, cultural, and spiritual
developments of the area.
By the mid 19th century, Cambodia, like
most other countries in Asia, came under increasing pressure from European
colonial powers. In 1863, the country agreed to become a French protectorate.
Cambodia gained independence in 1953, but through resulting
political turmoil the entire nation was plunged into civil war, leading to the
rise of the communist inspired Khmer Rouge. From 1970 to 1975, Cambodia
suffered through the devastating reign of the Khmer Rouge, with wide ranging
genocide bringing the entire nation back to Year Zero.
Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978,
forcing the Khmer Rouge to flee to the jungles.In May 1993, UN administered elections led to a new
Cambodian government, although the repercussion of the Khmer Rouge were still
felt throughout Cambodia until 1998; as a result, Cambodia is one of the
poorest countries in the world.
However, after extended times of war
and the resulting poverty, the Cambodian people are opening their hearts to the
Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, throughout every region and province.
