Institute of Church Planting Cambodia (ICPC)

In Cambodia, a church might consist of 10 Christians gathered beneath a sugar palm, its trunk still bearing shrapnel scars from the battles that have been fought around it. Or it might be 40 worshippers who congregate in the pastor’s wooden house.

The Institute of Church Planting Cambodia (ICPC), under the Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) umbrella, has the heart and vision to train Christians to plant churches in villages where no church existed before — playing its part to fulfil the Strategy Committee of Mission Kampuchea 2021 to see a church in every village by 2021. 

The Institute was founded in 1998 by Pastor Barnabas Mam, in partnership with other churches. To date, a total of 11 batches of 30 students each have graduated (Batch 12 is currently in session), and more than 1,000 churches have been planted throughout Cambodia. 

I've personally known Pastor Barnabas since 1993. Since 2010, my church now has the privilege of partnering with the ICPC, by sponsoring the students and sending teaching teams through the year. Currently the Institute is being helmed by AFCI Cambodia National Director, Pastor Samnang Meas. Each ICPC term covers a series of modules, covering topics such as discipleship and pastoral care as well as various books of the Bible from a grace-based perspective, equipping the students to fulfil the Great Commission in Cambodia.

AFCI Cambodia have plans to build a major training center, called Grace Center, to train future pastors and church leaders. 

AFCI Cambodia team, with Pastor Samnang, second from right

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Pastor Barnabas Mam

Pastor Barnabas is well known and respected in Cambodia, not just within the church circles but also among the country's leadership. 

Although he has since stepped down from many national and international positions, you can still hear him on the airwaves, via Trans World Radio-Cambodia, where he tells parables from the Bible in a popular localised programme. We were blessed to get copies of his stories on CDs to share with our Cambodian friends.

He is also working on a book, to be titled "A Song in the Night", about his life's experiences, together with author Kitti Murray. Until then, you can read his amazing story here:

• For His Purpose
• Barnabas of Cambodia
• The Survivor's Song

You can also listen to one of his messages that he preached while visiting The New Covenant Church in January 2011:

• From Wants to Abundance
• Being Transformed into His Image