In 2007 Colleen moved to Cambodia. She met Bic and together they felt called to help protect Vietnamese children in Cambodia who are at increased risk for trafficking. A local pastor introduced these women to a Vietnamese community near Phnom Penh where most children were not in school or receiving social services. The parents welcomed Bic and Colleen’s offer to begin teaching the children. So they rented a house, lived upstairs, and used the ground floor for the children’s program. Bic taught Khmer, Bible, Math, and Vietnamese to 30+ children in December 2007 while Colleen managed the program.
In July 2012, Heart of Hope was registered as a Cambodian Non-governmental organization. Currently, Bic is the director, and Colleen serves in an advisory/support capacity. Heart of Hope Cambodia ministers daily to 60+ children and their families. While Heart of Hope does not attempt to count nor press students to follow Jesus, there is evidence as students ask for prayer, change their life choices, and express their hearts to their teachers.
As of February 2022, Colleen is based in the USA and remotely supports the kindergarten teachers of Heart of Hope, works as a servant-advisor for the board of directors (as needed), and is in charge of donor communications. Colleen is earning her master’s degree in Bible and Theology through Belhaven University. She also serves with her local church and volunteers in her community with a Christian clearinghouse that provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.
