I grew up in a land without books

You can help Mok Sophanny communicate the saving grace of Jesus to a new generation.

I was born in December 1979, nine months after the defeat of Pol Pot.

I grew up in a land without books. The Khmer Rouge had burned every book. They killed every teacher. They closed every school.

When I was ten, I began working with my father. During the rainy season, we rose at 3 am to take our buffalos out to graze before ploughing the rice fields. We finished before dawn and avoided the heat of the day. In the dry season, I followed my father to the coffee shop where he reminisced with other war veterans. Their stories of escape and survival transported me to distant events and places.

Our neighbour had the only radio in our village. At midday, I begged him to turn up the volume so I could hear the serialised book reading. Our school had few books. My friends and I would borrow a book and sit together under a tree to read it. We took it in turns to read aloud until we finished the book.

My favourite subject was geography. I dreamed of travelling and exploring the world. In order to become a pilot, I concentrated on mathematics and physics. However, during my final year at school I realised that no matter how hard I studied, flying would remain a fantasy.

Surprised by joy

At university in Phnom Penh I studied literature. I ­graduated with a degree in literature and a diploma in ­pedagogy. I began teaching Khmer and English literature at a secondary school in Siem Reap. I love teaching. Awakening young minds to the power of words and stories is thrilling.

During the school holidays, a friend got me a job teaching foreigners the Khmer language. Cambodia was in ruins and our future was bleak. Why did these foreigners want to live in my country and learn my language? I watched them closely. I was envious of their joy and sense of purpose. I confronted them: “Why have you come to my country?” The foreigners had come to Cambodia to tell me how much Jesus loves me. I was gripped by the good news and overwhelmed by this same joy and purpose.

Powered by purpose

I have always kept a journal but now I have something to write about. My people are hungry for hope. Believers need to grow and mature. Without firm foundations we are so easily deceived and swayed.

This year, at a Fount of Wisdom workshop for writers conducted by Michael Collie, I learned how to write from the heart for young readers. I learned to write with empathy and grace. I now have the opportunity to help write a series of books for teenagers about sex, friendship, vocation and relating to parents.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit will use these books to show young people the joy and purpose that only Jesus can give.

Mok Sophanny lives in Siem Reap and has participated in two Fount of Wisdom writers’ workshops.