Breaking Chains: Celebrating Growth in the Onyx Program

At the heart of the Onyx program lies a commitment to emotional and spiritual maturity. We believe that by focusing on these foundations, young people can break the cycles of generational trauma and step into a new future. On November 29th, we celebrated this transformation as 18 students from Phnom Penh graduated from our ten-month discipleship journey.

The impact is best seen through the lives of our graduates:

Thek (27): As a member of an ethnic minority group, Thek found a rare sense of belonging. "Onyx has people who are good listeners," she shared. Through being heard, she found the emotional healing she had been seeking.

Ngeb (21): Before Onyx, Ngeb lived in isolation, often shutting herself away from the world. Today, she has "opened her heart," gaining the confidence to face life’s challenges with newfound spiritual maturity.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we prepare for a new cohort starting in late January 2026, we are thrilled that several of our recent graduates have volunteered to return as assistants. Their desire to spend every Saturday pouring back into the program is a testament to God’s work in their lives. We pray that this coming year continues to shape both our new students and our dedicated facilitators.

YESIC Graduation Event!

After a year of laughing, learning, and lasting through stress and challenges, YESIC students successfully completed the 2025 academic year. Despite all situations, they tried their best and truly deserve appreciation and celebration for their achievements. That is why YESIC always holds a Graduation Celebration as a big event.

Today is the day to celebrate the milestones of YESIC students, Graduation Day. This year’s celebration was held as a small event due to the situation in our country. The program opened with the Cambodian National Anthem and Cambodia Prayer Song, followed by shared memories from teachers and students, the presentation of certificates and excellence awards, and concluded with group photos.

Although the event was small, the students responded with understanding, maturity, and empathy toward the community.

Chhay Sothhavorak, one of the students from the YESIC program, said, “It’s pretty normal to have smaller events because of the war in my country. But at the end of this year I expect a bigger and more fun graduation.”

2026 Academic Plan

To support students academically and in character development, YESIC will offer elective classes on Fridays starting from January 2026, in addition to regular classes (Monday to Thursday).

Elective options include:

·       Open Table (listening to some Bible narratives)

·       Reading Class

·       Leadership Class

·       Art Class

·       Music Class (Guitar & Keyboard)

Students can choose the class that interests them most.

Prayer Points

• Pray for the Onyx Program for 2026

• Pray for the YESIC Programs for 2026

• Pray for some new financial partners for Mission Dove Cambodia.

• Pray that the excellent staff are protected and remain healthy throughout the year.