In her role as a pastor and program manager, Haggai Leader Sophea* embraces a powerful calling: to equip others to advance Christ’s mission of restoration. For her, following Jesus means being both salt and light, as described in Matthew 5:13–14: protecting what is good, revealing what is broken, and leading others toward the hope found in Jesus.

This vision didn’t appear overnight. It was gradually shaped, refined, and strengthened through the Haggai Leader Experience, a pivotal milestone in Sophea’s journey. Her participation with Haggai International equipped her with biblical insight, practical tools, and the confidence to align her leadership with a mission far greater than herself.

Sophea’s ministry focuses on empowering churches with the knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills they need to engage their communities holistically. Too often she notes that churches in Cambodia lack a clear understanding of holistic transformation. There’s a gap between spiritual care and the practical needs of their people. But through her leadership, churches are learning how to bridge that divide by integrating economic empowerment, health education, sustainable agriculture, vocational training, and discipleship into their ministry.

This kind of whole-person transformation and Sophea’s impact shine through stories like that of Dara*, a mother once caught in a cycle of addiction and poverty. Through her outreach, Dara encountered the Gospel and saw her family restored—with her husband freed from addiction, her children attending school, and her home filled with peace once again.

Another, Vannak* once rejected both education and a sense of purpose. But after encountering Christ through a Christmas outreach, his life began to change. He joined a local savings group, developed new skills, and discovered a renewed sense of identity. Today, he serves as a respected leader in both his church and community. These are not isolated miracles. They are the natural outcome of intentional effort, as leaders are equipped to multiply, disciple, and serve with wisdom and purpose.

Her dedication to equipping others aims to build a self-sustaining network of national leaders capable of scaling their impact far beyond what any single organization could achieve alone. In a culture where faith is often viewed as private and internal, her life offers a striking contrast as she lives boldly, transforms communities, and brings light into even the darkest places. She reminds us that equipping is just the start of healing, resilience, and renewal. In Cambodia, leaders like Sophea show how living the Gospel brings lasting transformation beyond themselves.

*Name changed for security.