Through Samaritan’s Purse nutrition and shelter programs, a woman meets Jesus and sets her family on a new path both physically and spiritually.
Oeurn, 20, used to struggle to know how to feed her two young children. But then as she began learning from Samaritan’s Purse staff members, things began to change.
The young mother participated in the Samaritan’s Purse First Steps for Maternal and Newborn Health project where she learned about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a child’s life. Despite having to walk long distances or borrow her aunt’s motorbike to get to the trainings, Oeurn continued to attend the lessons faithfully, where she also learned about the complementary nutrition needed for children aged 6-23 months.
Today, she prepares a thick, enriched porridge using rice, fish, pumpkin and other vegetables. She adds ivy gourd leaves, amaranth, and cooking oil as well. The homemade mix ensures her children receive proper nutrition.
“I breastfed my youngest child exclusively for six months, and now I give enriched porridge three times a day,” Oeurn said. “I follow what I learned, and my child is healthy.”
Oeurn sees how her 11-month-old, who received the benefits from her training from Samaritan’s Purse at an earlier age, is healthier and more developed than her older child.
She clearly sees how her 11-month-old is healthier and more developed—having fully participated in the program—than her 28-month-old, who only partially benefited because of her age. Today, her youngest also attends Samaritan’s Purse early childhood development training led by a local teacher. The physical and cognitive growth activities are giving this child an additional foundation that older siblings did not have.
Healthy Living, New Heart
During the First Steps course, Oeurn also learned important practices for hygiene and healthcare, including proper handwashing, recognizing danger signs during pregnancy, and caring for sick children. She now understands when to seek medical help, the importance of attending all prenatal checkups, and delivering her babies at a health center, should their family expand in the future.
Samaritan’s Purse also provided Oeurn with building materials including wood, zinc, nails, and pillars to replace the temporary shelter they used to live in. With the help of her husband and other relatives, the family is constructing a new home, and Samaritan’s Purse plans to supply them with a latrine soon.
Oeurn is grateful that Samaritan’s Purse taught her about clean water and sanitation. With a water filter we provided, Oeurn now ensures that her family drinks only safe water and avoids untreated sources. And until the latrine is dug, they visit a nearby bathroom facility.
This comprehensive assistance from Samaritan’s Purse showed Oeurn the love of Jesus Christ in action. So when our staff shared the Gospel message with her, she accepted Him into her heart as Lord on March 17, 2026.
“Jesus is the God who blesses and provides. He is my Savior.”
“Jesus is the God who blesses and provides,” she said. “He is my Savior.”
Today, Oeurn attends a local church, where she is growing in her newfound faith and finding encouragement in prayer and community.
“Oeurn has applied what she learned,” said Bun, a Samaritan’s Purse Cambodia field officer. “She now provides proper nutrition, uses clean, filtered water, and takes better care of her children. She has also embraced Jesus Christ and is committed to following God.”
Please pray that Oeurn would follow the Lord all her days and that her husband and children will come to a saving knowledge of Him as they witness the transformation in her life.
