Some Leadership Changes
Mission Dove Cambodia Leadership Change
Recently there has been a change in the leadership structure of Mission Dove Cambodia. After considerable discussion the leadership is shared equally between Sarady and Sievhuy as Co-directors. Sarady is responsible for the overall direction and vision of the organization and Sievhuy has operational responsibilities for the day-to-day activities. Many readers may not have heard of Sievhuy so she will now introduce herself.
An Introduction to Sievhuy Sous
Hi! My name is Sievhuy Sous and I was born and raised in Cambodia. There are five people in my family, three siblings where I am the older sister.
I was introduced to DOVE by a friend who was enrolled in the Onyx program. I joined the Onyx program as a student. In 2019 I joined the staff of Mission Dove, that is almost six years. Nowadays, my role is a Co-director, I’m leading the operations of Mission Dove Cambodia. What I’m most excited about when working with Dove Ministry is this opportunity I have of helping people grow emotionally and spiritually. We welcome everyone, just as Christ would welcome all into his family. For me my role is not just a job but it’s a blessing, a journey where God is calling me to grow as I encourage curiosity toward each another, and to connect with and serve each other.
What I have always loved about working with Mission Dove is facilitating and training young people. I love to sit down with people and listen to them and connect in our conversations. By sharing our life story, evaluating our good and bad life experiences in a safe environment healing can occur from the inside out creating stronger trust relationships.
I appreciate how our Dove staff keep connecting with all students. Also, it’s great to hear everyone’s life story when the students open their heart to share with the group. We learn together to slowdown and deal with our life situations by responding to it and not avoid it. When Jesus was on earth, he set a good example for us to follow
The Tenth Year of Onyx
This last year, 2024 was the 10th year of the Onyx 1 leadership program run by Mission Dove Cambodia. The students who attended meet every Saturday morning from February to December 2024 to learn lessons such as: the Five Love Languages, Time Line, Spiritual Formation, Leadership, Listening Skills, Mission Churches, and Examining the Heart (inner healing). Each lesson required students to travel to do an internship related to the lesson. And we all successfully completed the class in August and also had a closing and certificate trip to Siem Reap led by the class coordinator, Ms. Choeng Serey, and some of the Dove Mission team.
Here are a story and impressions from an Onyx student during 2024. Her name is Roeun Chanret, a 20 years old, she is the second child from Preah Ponler Prek Thi and she lives with her parents in Saang, Kandal Province.
I learnt about the Onyx course through my sister who is a former Onyx student of the 6th generation in 2019, and she also recommended me to attend the class because she said that Onyx class would be good for me. I decided to attend because of her recommendation. Before I attended the Onyx course, I was a person who lacked courage in many things such as making decisions, setting goals for myself, or learning new things. I was a girl who was very discouraged after not achieving what I thought I could do, such as passing the medical college entrance exam and getting scholarships. I was afraid to meet other people, even my friends or family, and I didn’t dare to meet them. I didn’t talk much, I spoke less and less, and was criticized by those around me, even my family, because I finished grade 12, stayed at home, and didn’t go to university. I lost confidence and self-esteem because I always received disappointment and blame for what I did or expected since I graduated from high school. I cut off external relationships, stayed at home, and gradually distanced myself from God because I didn’t go to church or read the Bible. A person with a slightly stubborn character, rarely listens to anyone but myself, and is quick to anger and aggressive.
When I attended the Onyx program for half a year, I felt very happy because not only did I learn in the classroom, but we also learned outside the classroom and went to new places during each internship, such as an adventure in Kep province, spending time with nature and learning lessons and life. I gained many new experiences with the people I studied with, both in small and large groups, which made me feel closer to them. I gained a new taste of life, spent more time with God, relaxed, rested both physically and mentally, took a break, healed my mental wounds, and thought about the next step.
I noticed a change in myself. While studying the Onyx program, I really gained spiritual growth, knew God more, knew myself and had matured skills. I had courage and had good relationships with other brothers. I received love, attention, had good communication, went out a lot, and went out to learn more new things.
My name is Ms. Choeng Serey, the coordinator of the Onyx Program. I am very happy to see my students successfully complete the course. Although this year only 17 of our students completed it, I am very proud of my students and this class because I have learned a lot from each of my students through their stories and struggles in their lives. In 2024, what I have learned the most or seen the most change in my students is that there are two people I am interested in: he is brave, dares to speak, share and come out of the dark shadows of his past, and the other one, I see that he feels warm when he comes to the Onyx class, where the teacher and students are equal, and he has a stronger faith in God through the lessons of God’s DNA. For me, what is my challenge is that this year, there are some students who have dropped out of school, up to three since the beginning of the year. This is the problem of the school, but what I see is that those who dropped out do not have enough time to study because they are busy on Saturdays.
For me, the hope this year in 2025 is that these 21 students can continue their studies together until the end of this year's class. And I am also happy this year that former students from last year have contributed to this year. I really thank God for this course, that there are still students who are interested in enrolling every year and former students who want to volunteer to help this class. It is truly a blessing to be leading this course.
Yes IC Phnom Penh
YESIC is a program that provides a safe space that helps young people by providing classes to help school students, leadership clubs, and recreational activities. This program is coordinated by Eb Chan Raeksmey, at the Mission Dove Cambodia located at the Boung Tompoung Center.
Raeksmey writes, during 2024, I enjoyed my new role in managing the entire YESIC team. This is a new experience for me. I was really excited when I have the opportunity to do a job that I love and serve this service. I enjoyed learning and sharing my life with them. I have also learned a lot from this job regarding patience, management, organizing various programs, helping students work in groups, spending more time communicating, encouraging students who need help and encouragement and especially having the courage to speak English more than in previous years.
My hope for 2025, is that all young people can gain more knowledge of speaking English and can using it, as well as knowledge to lead their lives and be able to know themselves more deeply, both in terms of goals, happiness and becoming good citizens in society. They can face and have the courage to solve the problems they encounter, not give up, continue their studies together, encourage each other, and share experiences with each other. Here is a story from one of the students.
My name is Davy, and I am a student and meet at the YESIC centre. My hometown is in Prey Veng. I came to Phnom Penh to study in 2019. When I arrived in Phnom Penh, I lived with my aunt. My parents are farmers who work in the fields to make a living and support their children's studies in Phnom Penh. During my Khmer school, I tried to find an English school that was not too expensive so I could study as my parents could not afford my extra study. One day, a friend of mine, Yuth, introduced me to YESIC. He said that this school was good. All of his siblings studied here. I was interested, so I came to take the exam and passed the 4th level.
When I came here, I felt a little nervous at first, but after a while I felt like I was at home. I was safe, happy, and I could play games and spend time with my friends, especially the teachers here. They have a good relationship with the students. They are kind, friendly, hospitable, and warm to me. I feel that it is different from the previous schools I have attended. I will continue to study until the end of the year. I am also interested in taking the Onyx leadership class next year.
This year I graduate from high school. I worry about my grades, but the teachers at YESIC have encouraged me and shared their exam experiences with me. Don't be afraid, rest, eat good things, take lessons at your own pace, don't stress yourself too much, and especially they have provided free places and classes where I can study and research more on difficult subjects during the exam period. I am very grateful for the good spirit of the teachers. All of this has helped motivate me as I face the exam. I can do a lot in all subjects and I hope to get a good grade in the exam. I aim to continue my studies at university majoring in accounting. I also need to find a job to provide my own financial support as my parents are old.
Farewell to Brian
Brian Maher has had a long involvement with Cambodia and Mission Dove Cambodia in particular.
Brian made a visit to Cambodia in 1990 and 1992 and in 1994 brought the whole family to Cambodia. In 1995 Lukru Siela founded EFC. In 2011 Brian along with Lukru Siela founded Mission DOVE Cambodia with Brian and he had several responsibilities, one was starting the Onyx Program.
In more recent years Brian has been an advisor and continued his Onyx Program facilitation and has been helping with advising on global trends, growth groups and staff development often in remote and challenging situations.
Brian’s contribution has been wide ranging and very significant. Mission Dove Cambodia are deeply grateful for his contribution over many years. We wish Brian well in his future endeavours in Cambodia.
Prayer Points
Ministries
Prayer the various ministries of Mission Dove Cambodia as they start up.
Onyx
YESIC
Faithwalk
Funding
This year a long term financial partner is adjusting their contribution to Mission Dove Cambodia. Please pray for other financial contributors to this strategic ministry.
Your financial contribution can help Mission Dove Cambodia continue.