The saying, "You can never go home again," is certainly true for my wife, Teeda, and I. Since our last return visit a year ago to Cambodia, Teeda's homeland and my adopted home, remarkable changes had taken place. Roads that once had potholes so big they could swallow entire vehicles were now filled and smoothed by asphalt. The city of Phnom Penh now has a multi-story mall with a cineplex at the top. Places like Lucky Burger and BB World have appeared, reflecting the Western influence on society and the country's growing tourist population.

In spite of the many changes, there are several constants that have remained the same in Cambodia. Poverty still affects the lives of many, and government corruption still runs rampant. The average government employee earns only $20 per month. The people are still thirsty for the gospel and the hope it brings to them.

Our friends, Tom Ringenberg, a dentist from Richmond, Indiana, and his wife, Halley, wanted to do something for the physical needs of the Cambodian people. So they joined Teeda and me on our visit to Cambodia last November.

The Ringenbergs spent many hours pulling teeth and teaching basic dental hygiene at the Wat Preah Yesu Children's Home (orphanage) and at the Cambodia Adventist Primary School. The small gifts—toy cars and dolls—they shared with the children brought smiles to their faces. Money that was donated by Indiana church members prior to the trip was used to assist the SALT Ministry Center, a lay training facility.

We were able to witness to our taxi driver, Heng Numg, who transported us to the various mission sites. He was able to observe the work that was being done and listened with interest to our conversations with him about Christ. Although it is typical for a taxi driver to simply wait around until needed, Numg helped with the medical clinic by preparing needles and disinfecting instruments.

Cambodia will never be as we remembered it when we lived there. However, I praise the Lord that the people still want to know Jesus. Many still want Him to be their personal Savior and are preparing for eternal life with Christ in heaven!

Michael Stough pastors in the Indiana Conference and Bruce Babienco is a Herald volunteer correspondent.