Seek and You Will Find

Let me introduce you to our inspiring sister, Theresa So. Theresa is inspiring because of her love for God and her love for others. She grew up in the village of Romchey in Cambodia.  

Theresa was called upon to sacrifice and give to her family as a young teen.  At age 16 she left school in order to work and support her family. Theresa continues to have a heart to help her family in every way she can.

Theresa moved to the United States in 2003. She practiced Buddhism. However one time during a very difficult financial situation, Theresa prayed to God and asked him to show her that he is real by helping her with this difficulty. She recounts that she did not even know who she was praying to, she just looked up to heaven and asked God for help. In a short period of time Theresa received advice and the help she needed. This solidified her interest and pursuit of God.

 Soon after, Theresa asked Franklin Emmerson, a friend and co-worker of hers, to go to church with her.  They began studying the Bible. Theresa was baptized in December of 2018. Soon after, her mother was baptized.

Never Be Lacking in Zeal

Romans 12:9-12 is a passage of scripture that describes Theresa’s heart and life.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” 

Genuine love and zeal for God and her family spurred Theresa on to share the good news of Jesus with her family. Theresa had been sharing her journey to faith in Jesus with her sisters and brother-in laws in Cambodia.

Over time, Theresa purchased a laptop and smart phones for hers sisters and their family so that she could communicate more frequently with them, and for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with them. 

After her baptism, Theresa single mindedly pursued the salvation of her sisters. She hounded her brother-in-law, Troeun, to study and eventually connected him with the ministry leader in the Battambang church .

My Heart’s Desire and Prayer

Theresa persevered in seeking ways to reach out to her sisters. She prayed for them. She sent Bibles in the Khmer language to them. She pleaded and urged and shared with them what she was learning. 

Theresa was so urgent she asked a sister in the NW region of the Boston Church of Christ to study the Bible through Zoom with her sisters Saveth and Savorn.  So for 11 weeks they met on Zoom. 

Lessons were prepared in English and translated into Khmer, then presented on a shared screen. Linny Nguon who grew up in the area of Battambang but was now a disciple in Massachusetts joined the study to help with the written and oral translation and teaching. (See photo attached of a Zoom study during COVID 19).

Soon the Battambang Church of Christ began studying with the sisters. In addition, during the “covid shelter in place” ordinance, Theresa, Franklin and Jon Korth held a worship service over Zoom with Theresa’s family in Cambodia.

Abundant Fruit

Theresa’s love and zeal moved her to involve other people here in the United States, as well as supplementing the work of the brothers and sisters in Battambang, with her family. Love and urgency will do that.

•       On August 9, 2020, Theresa’s brother-in-law, Troeun Chan was baptized in Jesus Christ.
•       On September 27 both of Theresa’s sisters Savorn (Ah Liya So) and Saveth Sou, and Saveth’s husband, Viboth Khat were baptized.

This family rejoices in the Lord is reaching out to many in their village to share the Good News of Jesus. They are reaching out to neighbors and friends. Every week they invite many children from the village to hear Troeun read stories of Jesus to them.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:2-3