Faith Over Fear: God’s Peace in Times of War

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

On December 7, war again erupted along the Cambodia–Thailand border—this time on a wider scale, affecting six provinces and displacing half a million people, many of them children. The conflict has now stretched into its second week, bringing fear, loss, and uncertainty across the nation.

At the evacuation center, children were attending online classes using a single phone placed on the ground. I spent time with them, helping them process their emotions and praying with them. One girl broke down in tears, sharing that she no longer had a home to return to. 

On December 10, I welcomed ten Filipino evacuees from Poipet into my home. They shared how God protected them as bombs exploded just 10 kilometers from their houses, shaking the ground and robbing them of sleep. In the midst of terror, God proved Himself faithful.

God is faithful. Mie Oun brought 10 kilos of rice, and my landlord added 25 kilos for the evacuees staying with me. After three nights of shockwaves in Poipet, they thanked God for being able to sleep and laugh again. What a blessing to help our kababayans, even in small ways, during this time of war.

Ten Filipino evacuees from Poipet were living with me for a week, and Pinoy friends working at Handa Hospital nearby visited us. 

On December 15, I joined the Freedom’s Promise team to visit three evacuation centers in Banteay Meanchey, where over 4,000 families are sheltering. The situation was heartbreaking, yet opportunities to share the Gospel and pray with adults and children were abundant. Even inside Khmer pagodas, God’s Word moved freely—truly, Jesus has no borders.

The Freedom’s Promise team distributed relief supplies inside the pagoda and other evacuation centers in Mongkol Borey.

As we distributed relief goods to the children inside the pagoda, I noticed a few young monks watching from a distance, unable to join the crowd. I gave them some toys to comfort them during this time of war, and they smiled and expressed their thanks. When I left, I saw them laughing and playing happily with their stuffed toys; indeed, they too are children. 

That same day, Thai F-16 jets bombed a military base near Siem Reap, sending waves of fear into other cities, all the more real for me since I live less than a kilometer from a military base. Friends and neighbors urged me to flee, but instead, the evacuees and I chose to worship and pray. God filled our hearts with unexplainable peace. That night, He reminded me that He is our refuge—our “Iron Dome” (Psalm 91:1–2).

God turned our fear into an extended time of worship and prayer. And peace that transcends all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus--Philippians 4:6-7

In the days that followed, doors opened to share Christ with returning neighbors, friends, and disciples. One message broke my heart: “Teacher, I thought you left us already.” I was able to assure them that God does not abandon His children.

Playing with Bong Heang's grandson, who was crying but later smiled.

God is at work even in this time of war and uncertainty. Bong Heang shared how her family fled their home, listened attentively to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and allowed me to pray for her and her family.

The children at the evacuation center were joyful to receive the relief supplies.

I spoke with Preab, an evacuee from Poipet, along with his wife and two children. After hearing the Gospel of Jesus, he allowed me to pray for him and his family. His wife and daughter were queuing inside to receive the relief goods while Preab was looking after the other child in their makeshift tent. 

On December 17, the Filipino evacuees returned safely to Poipet, though bombings resumed nearby the following day. Despite the danger, missionary friends have chosen to remain. Meanwhile, our planned Christmas celebrations were canceled as the nation mourns—young soldiers from our own communities have lost their lives.

My heart is heavy, and my body is weary. This month alone, I have walked with families through multiple deaths. Yet God remains good and faithful, supplying strength exactly when it is needed most. Today, while the ASEAN leaders’ meeting was ongoing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thai F-16 jet fighters were dropping bombs in the Poipet area. Khmer forces blocked the roads into and out of Poipet to protect civilians, and even some Filipinos and other foreign nationals were not allowed to leave the area for safety reasons. Even in war, God’s peace prevails because faith rises above fear. Praise the Lord.

Please Pray For:

1. Thailand and Cambodia to go back to negotiation and peace deal—ASEAN leaders meeting today in KL, Malaysia.
2. Peace, hope, and comfort for displaced families and affected students in evacuation centers on both sides, and that they may receive the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
3. Wisdom for Cambodian leaders as they address security and economic challenges.
4. Comfort for grieving families who have lost loved ones.
5. Good health, protection, and discernment for those continuing ministry in Battambang, and wisdom for the Philippine Embassy as they facilitate the evacuation of Filipinos in conflict areas.

War may surround us, but Christmas declares that love, hope, and peace have not been defeated.

You may check the current news in the country through this link…

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501812079/18-cambodian-civilians-dead-over-half-a-million-displaced-by-thai-aggression/

 

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In Christ,
Mary Jane G. Aragon
BSOP Cambodia missionary

P.O. 369 Box Battambang City, Kingdom of Cambodia

+855770305008