Cambodia, a country once devastated by a cruel cultural revolution, is set to be transformed by a growing number of keen Christian graduates.
Sydney missionaries Dave and Leoni Painter are coaching students at the Phnom Penh Bible School through courses aimed at sharpening their teaching and ministry skills.
The Bible school has recently hosted its tenth graduation, with 14 students completing a one-year certificate, and 14 finishing the three-year diploma.
Dave Painter says CMS staff are working towards the school achieving a high degree of self-sufficiency.
"This year was extra special because the event was mostly organised and conducted by the Khmer staff," he says.
Graduates are already taking up key positions in Cambodia's growing mission fields.
Tek Andrew graduated with a diploma, and is now a pastor in Kan Dal Province.
He came to the Phnom Pen school because of the spiritual poverty he witnessed amongst his countrymen.
"With the leader of my church I went to many places where I saw that some of the churches did not have spiritual food and needed trained leadership. Most of the leaders didn't know the Bible," he says.
"Because the Lord touched me to see all of this I decided to study at the Bible School."
Andrew believes the benefits brought by the Phnom Pen school have as much to do with community as they do with theology.
"Not only have I gained in the Word, but I have also benefited from living in a community. From these experiences God has shown me more about the life of a Christian leader," he says.
Dave Painter, a former town planner from the north shore says leading Bible studies in Cambodia beats overseeing development proposals.
He has a simple request for his Sydney supporters.
""Pray for the 28 Bible School graduates " may they continue to grow in faithfulness and wisdom as they seek to serve God's mission in the fields of Cambodia."
