“No Robe Can Cover Karma”
May 15, 2026 5:53 pm
A recent opinion piece in a Cambodian newspaper carried the headline, “No Robe Can Cover Karma.” The article discussed a Thai military commander allegedly involved in escalating the 2025 border conflict with Cambodia who is now retiring to become a Buddhist monk. It reflected on the Buddhist understanding that merit cannot erase wrongdoing.
When I read the article, I was struck both by the truth of that statement and by its contrast with the gospel. No amount of human effort, religious devotion, or good works can remove our sin before a holy God. As Scripture says, “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isa. 64:6, ESV). Yet what wonderful freedom we have in Christ! Through faith in Jesus, our sins are not merely covered temporarily but completely forgiven and removed.
Even more, Jesus gives us his righteousness as a free gift through faith, restoring us to fellowship with God. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21, ESV). This is the hope of the gospel, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
This is also our aim as we translate and produce resources in the Khmer language: that more Cambodians would come to know this good news.
Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel, which enables this ministry to continue. Please join us in praying that more Cambodians would come to find salvation in Jesus.
And let us rejoice together in the salvation we have through faith in Jesus: that our sins are forgiven, that we are reconciled to God, and that one day we will join all the saints in eternal joy with him forever. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15, ESV).
Because He Lives,
Nathan & Christiana
Ava, Paton and John
Prayer Corner:
- Prayer that the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand would hold.
- Prayer that many would be encouraged in their growth through reading Women of the Word by Jen Wilkins in Khmer.
- Prayer as we get close to printing two more books in The Tales That Tell the Truth series!
- Praise that we’ve made some advancements allowing our team to utilize AI to improve translation accuracy and speed.
Support Status:
We are seeking to raise an additional $600 a month for our family. Would you consider giving to support us as we minister to Cambodia? Thank you for your consideration and partnership in the Gospel!
Or call 425-775-4800 and donate to account 45603
The Tales That Tell the Truth Children’s Book Series
We are raising funds to translate and publish the entire Tales That Tell the Truth series into Khmer—the heart language of millions of Cambodian children. These beautifully illustrated Bible storybooks communicate the good news of Jesus in a clear and engaging way. It costs just $2 to produce one copy, and we aim to print 3,000 copies of each of the six remaining books.
Total remaining need: $36,000
Or call 425-775-4800 and donate to account 79048
Sponsor the Cambodian Biblical Exposition Series
We desire to publish a comprehensive Bible commentary series in Khmer, transforming our teammate Ryan Quey’s Bible lectures from Phnom Penh Bible school into commentaries for pastors and students.
Your support will make these vital resources available to Khmer-speaking believers, fostering spiritual development in the Cambodian Church. Join our mission to enrich biblical understanding through the Cambodian Biblical Exposition Series.
Current Project Need: $14,500