There are a number of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) working in Cambodia and most of them use a secular approach to development. CHE does not. CHE stands for Community Health Evangelism, and uses a strategy that according to its website, seeks to “integrate evangelism and discipleship with disease prevention and community-based development.” In other words CHE recognizes that while people may come to its clinics and health professionals for medical reasons, there are underlying causes of poverty, hunger and spiritual need that are at the root of their problems. CHE seeks to meet that deeper need.
CHE began in Africa about thirty years ago. Since then its unique training and outreach strategies have spread to 79 countries, including Cambodia. Their mission is not just to deal with the immediate need of treating sickness and preventing disease, but “to bring about a transformation of the human heart, to change behaviour so that the justice, compassion and righteousness of Christ is reflected in the life of the communities that they serve.”
Part of what Pam is seeking to do with Trans World Radio is get the materials that CHE provides in the Khmer language and and integrate some of that health information into broadcasts to the remote parts of the country where both health facilities and evangelism are rare. This week she will be meeting with an number of key individuals who share this interest. Pam is in a unique position to do this. She is a health care professional with extensive experience in programmed health care; she has a broad mandate from Trans World Radio, and she has taken the CHE training and has developed a number of contacts with that organization.
Once again I ask for your prayers as Pam seeks to get this program launched in Cambodia. It is not an easy country to get around in, and government restrictions on the use of cell phones (non-Cambodians are not permitted to buy Cambodian phones, or even SIMs) make internal contacts difficult. It is also not entirely safe, and she is there alone. I know that my thoughts and prayers go with my dear Pam this week, and I ask for yours as well. You can read more about the CHE network at https://www.cheintl.org/
Home Thoughts From Abroad 
April 5, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I will be praying for Pam as she travels to make a sustainable difference in the lives of people in Cambodia. I have also taken CHE training, right here in London from Bibi McLeod who is the Lifewind International regional coordinator for Central and South America. It is such a practical sensible concept. I didn’t get to see it in action in Africa when I was there last month but I know our church will not support straight relief mindsets any more and look to partner with organizations that are working toward development (of course in emergencies, relief is still crucial). Pam is a brave and faithful woman.