HOPE Houses

Sword of the Spirit

In the book of Ephesians, the Bible utilizes the powerful analogy of the Armor of God to illustrate the transformative power of the Word of God. The Sword, a key component of this spiritual armor, symbolizes the Holy Spirit's work through God's Word. As other biblical passages emphasize, the Word of God is a living, active force, sharper than any double-edged sword.

In honor of the Hammonds

The House, represented by the color red, is named after Arthur and Esther Hammond. They were among the first long-term evangelical missionaries to Cambodia. They came from the United States of America with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) and first entered Cambodia in 1923. In 1925, Arthur Hammond began translating the Bible into the Khmer language. The first Bible in Khmer language was more than 30 years in the making. The New Testament was completed by 1934 and the entire Bible (KOV) was finally published in 1954.

Key verses: Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12.

Value: Perseverance

Helmet of Salvation

The Helmet of Salvation, as described in Ephesians, is a crucial piece of the spiritual armor God provides. It guards our minds, ensuring our thoughts align with God's truth and shielding us from the enemy's deceptive tactics.

A helmet symbolizes protection, preparation, and perseverance. It represents the idea of enduring challenges with resilience and confidence.  Neglecting this protection leaves us vulnerable to spiritual attacks that can harm our relationship with Christ.

In honor of the Ellisons

The House, represented by the color green, is named after David and Muriel Ellison. They were also among the first long-term evangelical missionaries to Cambodia with the Hammonds. They were also from the United States of America and served with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA). The Ellisons first arrived in Cambodia in 1923. In 1925, David Ellison began a Bible school to train pastors and church leaders in Battambang province. 

Key verses: Ephesians 6:17

Value: Endurance

Anchor of Hope

In the book of Hebrews, we see hope being described as a "sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady in stormy seas, hope in God provides stability and security for our souls during life's challenges. This hope is not fleeting or fickle, but rather a firm and unwavering foundation that grounds us in God's promises.  

In honor of the Verners

The House, represented by the color yellow, is named after Jim and Agnes Verner. In 2002, they established the Khmer School of Language (KSL) and Mercy Home Project. This initiative provided skill training, and essential necessities like food, medicine, and supplies. The project's first home was established in West Prek Ho Village in Kandal Province. Through international cooperation, the project evolved into the KSL Aid Project of Mercy (APM), now extending its impact to several provinces in Cambodia. 

Key verses: Hebrews 6:19

Value: Dedication

Light of the World

A torch of fire symbolizes the concept of inspiration as presented in Matthew 5, where Jesus instructs his followers to be "the light of the world." Just as a torch illuminates the darkness, disspelling confusion and guiding the way, inspiration illuminates our minds, reveals possibilities, and directs us towards the truth.

The light offers clarity and passion in times of despair and fuels our creativity, much like a torch provides light and warmth. 

In honor of the Cormacks

The House, represented by the color blue, is named after Don and Margaret Cormack. They dedicated over two decades to serving the Cambodian people as OMF missionaries.  In 1974-1975, as the Khmer Rouge surrounded Phnom Penh, the Cormacks helped provide aid and comfort to people. They later served in refugee camps along the Thai border, where they gathered oral histories from some of the early Khmer believers. 

From these recordings, Don Cormack chronicled the history of Cambodian Christianity in his book, “Killing Fields, Living Fields”. It recounts how the Cambodian Church was initially established among rice farmers in Northwest Cambodia in the mid-1920s and then experienced a significant spiritual awakening in the 1970s. However, under Khmer Rouge rule, the Church was scattered across Cambodia, Thailand, and the world, with its leadership almost entirely wiped out. In 1993, he helped re-establish the Anglican Church in Cambodia, becoming its inaugural Vicar alongside Rev. Dr. John Benson, the first Dean of Cambodia.  

Key verse: Matthew 5:14-16

Value: Inspiration