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When I visited Cambodia in September, God kindled a fire in my heart.
He opened my eyes to the Great Commission and I saw the desperate need for the Gospel in a place where His name is scarcely known. I was reminded that my life is not my own. The children of Cambodia, soon to be adults, face unimaginable needs, both physical and spiritual, and the impact we have there to change generations of lives is massive.
At first, I wrestled with this call, asking myself: What about my home? My family and friends? My job? But God’s response was unmistakable:
What of My Son, who gave His life? What of His sacrifice?
By His grace, Sarah and I are stepping out in faith, surrendering what we have, because compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, everything else pales. It is a privilege to be part of His mission and we invite you to join us.
In God’s wild providence, I’ve been accepted into the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) program at Westminster Theological Seminary. This in-and-of-itself is a crazy story we don't have time for here...but my path has been clearly paved.
This program isn’t just about academic learning or vocation—it’s about being equipped for Gospel work. It prepares me to teach sound doctrine and serve wherever God leads. While our hearts are set on Cambodia, we hold everything with open hands, trusting in His perfect plan.
We believe training is crucial. Just as we expect pilots to learn before flying or doctors to study before treating patients, so too must missionaries prepare to handle God’s Word faithfully. This program is a critical step in equipping me for the mission God has laid before us.
Currently, there’s a need for an art program at the church we partner with in Siem Reap (ICF). Whether that door remains open in three years is up to the Lord, but we are preparing as if this is the mission He’s calling us to. We are also learning the Khmer language so we can connect with the Khmer people without barriers.
This journey requires faith, sacrifice, and a community of supporters.
As believers, God calls us all to participate in His mission—to either go as missionaries or to send as supporters. To do neither is to be disobedient to the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
I remind myself that this mission isn’t about me, and the challenges of being a missionary begin here and now. Writing this letter is part of the training in faith and perseverance. Iron sharpens iron through the brutal impact of the hammer and the anvil. Being made sharp will not be easy or feel pleasant. I am learning. Asking for help is not something i get excited about.
First and foremost, we need your prayers. Support comes in many forms, and we trust God to provide everything needed for this calling. On paper, it might not seem logical—starting grad school at 48 while preparing to step away from a 30-year art career—but I am fully convinced this is God’s direction for my life. There’s no room for fear here, only faith and obedience.
Westminster has graciously offered me a matching scholarship: for every dollar raised—up to $6,075—they will match it 100%, significantly reducing my tuition of $24,300. This scholarship is a partnership tool that westminster uses to bring god’s people together. These funds cannot come from me personally. I trust God to provide through His people, knowing this mission is not about me, but about His glory and the Gospel’s advance.
If you feel led to assist with this scholarship, I’ve included a link below. But please know that financial support is not the only way to be involved. Your prayers are foundational to this mission. Sarah and I cannot do this without the prayerful intercession of God’s people.
Over the next few years, as I complete my studies, we plan to lead short-term mission trips to Cambodia. Our hope is that these efforts inspire others to join us or support similar initiatives. Our goal is to spend as much time as possible building relationships between ICF and our home church, Grace Family, while serving the Khmer people. this is the path we are preparing for—a journey that began by getting me to Cambodia in september, now continues at Westminster, and, Lord willing, leads back to Cambodia in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to hear our heart and vision. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Together, as God’s people, we can proclaim Christ’s name where it is scarcely known, bringing hope and freedom to those who need it most.
Grace and peace...to the ends of the Earth,
Philip & Sarah Holt
***This site my autogenerate a dollar amount, be sure that no gift is too small and everything is appreciated
