Sok Ouk, 50, is a new man. He used to spend most of his days drinking and didn't care even though his family often went hungry 3 or 4 months out of the year. He and Samnang, fought every single day. Sometimes the arguments turned physical.
The fighting didn't stop at the parents, the 8 children often fought amongst themselves, especially at mealtimes when they would argue over who got the food. Eighteen-year-old Saoly says she remembers that they often had only rice to eat and then not enough.
In 2004, Saoly joined World Vision's youth club where children learn about sanitation and hygiene, child protection, children’s rights, and God’s love for them. She describes herself before her youth club experience: "I was not courageous, I was not able to talk to people. Not able to join school as well. I don’t have words to say. I was like the isolated people."
But after joining the youth club she didn't feel as isolated anymore. The other members of the club knew that her family was in need so saved money and donated rice to the family so that they would not have to go hungry anymore. She found the courage to face her life, accept Christ and bring her family with her into knowledge of God’s love. Miracles happen every day!
Photo ©2015 World Vision, Laura Reinhardt
