Chhay’s Story: 25 Years of Introducing Students to Jesus

Chhay was born in Battambang, Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970’s. As a result, he faced many hardships during his childhood, and even had to flee to Thailand as a refugee for several years. Chhay says, “I was very sick to the point of death. I could not walk and had to be carried on my mother’s shoulder.” After finally returning to Battambang in his early twenties, Chhay started following Jesus. 

Filled with excitement about the good news, Chhay wanted to plant churches, and introduce more people to his Savior. He quickly found out why Cambodia is one of the least-reached countries in the world: the Cambodian people were not receptive to the Gospel.

Chhay tried to plant churches, but had no success. He says, “We started many ‘points of light,’ but they could not survive. We could not make them strong enough to become a church.” 

As he persevered in ministry, he realized that the younger generations were more open-minded to Christianity. In 2010, God led the Charis Alliance to buy an old building right in the center of Battambang which has become the Grace Center. It now serves as the headquarters for the Charis Alliance Southeast Asia, and Chhay runs a ministry there that reaches young people for Jesus.

Battambang’s schools attract many young Cambodians from all over the country, and God gave Chhay the idea to offer them housing at the Grace Center. The idea is to give students an affordable place to live, while investing in their spiritual growth. Through this ministry, Chhay has been introducing students to Jesus and discipling them for nearly 25 years.

Throughout the decades, God has used the Grace Center to influence many lives and make an impact on the community. Not only does the Grace Center offer affordable housing, but they offer classes in English, computer skills, and guitar to help young people develop essential skills. They also facilitate outreach events where participants visit villages to share the gospel and teach the Bible. This holistic approach contributes to the students’ overall personal and spiritual development, positively influencing the broader community.

We’re so thankful for what God has done through the Grace Center in Battambang, but Chhay reminds us, “We need more workers who are gifted and work well with students. We are praying that God will give us the right person.”