Concordia students visit local schools in Cambodia and observe and help teach ESL classes

Following graduation in May, a small group of Concordia University, Nebraska took a 10-day mission trip to Cambodia. The group consisted of students Rachel Ada, Grace Weber and Delaney Carlson, Rev. John and Susan Mehl, and the Ryan and Katherine Steffen family. They were able to experience the different culture through sites like the palace grounds in Phnom Penh, the S21 prison, and the Killing Fields memorial in addition to their ministry.

The first day in Kampot, a province in Cambodia, the students visited the primary and secondary schools. They were able to interact with the kids and talk to the principals about how their school system works. Since it is Cambodian tradition to bring gifts when you visit someone, the students brought trees to help shade the primary school, and ended up getting to help plant them.

During their time in Kampot the students worked with Stronghold Cambodia. This organization is a children’s ministry in Kampot led by Jesse Phan, an ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church in Cambodia (LCC). Stronghold works with the surrounding school to provide meals, devotions, and ESL classes for students on Fish Island. Each Concordia student had the opportunity to teach their own devotion to the students. They also were able to observe ESL classes for a few days. In these classes they got to introduce themselves and speak conversationally with the students in English. They also helped the students learn how to read simple sentences.

They were also able to work with two Concordia graduates, RJ Acomb ’21 and Hayley Steinbauer ’22. Acomb has been working full-time at Stronghold for the past two years and Steinbauer is serving in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.

In addition to the observations at the school, the three students talked about their experiences after high school, their college focus, and how they believe God is leading them in the future. They also gave a presentation to a group of about 40 parents explaining how education provides ways for their children to access resources in the future.

Additionally, the students were able to go on some home visits. They went to a couple of students’ homes and talked with their families and then prayed for them. Student Grace Weber described it as “a fulfilling and beautiful experience!”

Students that participated in this trip include:

Delaney Carlson, Louisville, Neb.

Grace Weber, Sidney, Neb.

Rachel Ada, De Soto, Kan.

At Concordia University, Nebraska, we want to help you study, learn and grow to help you prepare yourself for real life and your future vocations. That preparation goes beyond just your classes and experiences on campus. Serving abroad is a great way to gain international experience while you expand your worldview, gain cross-cultural understanding and develop a global mindset. Learn more here.