The Kum Ru Church Orphan Home is located in northern area of Bantemeanchy Province, in northwest Cambodia. The area is located on the northern edge of the rice producing region of Cambodia, and is generally flat rice paddy with an occasional mountain dotting the landscape.Kum Ru is in an area that is often missed by monsoon rains and the rice production is inconsistent. The area is considered poverty stricken and thus lacking many of the modern conveniences like electricity, wells and health care facilities. A large hospital built during the UNTAC period, early 1990’s, located near the church, now sits abandoned due to lack of funds.

Malaria, Landmines, childbirth complications, along with poor healthcare, contribute to the large orphan population in this area. An average of two people per day become casualties of landmines in Cambodia, and this is one of the most heavily mined regions in the country. The Kum Ru Church was founded in 2001 and the Church/Home constructed in 2002.

A typical day begins as the children awake. Before eating breakfast, the orphans participate in devotions. The school age children either attend classes in the morning or in the late afternoon. After lunch, most of the orphans take naps, play, study, and take classes in the home. Later, they eat dinner, take care of the homes’ garden and plants, and attend an English class in the home. The orphans finish each day gathering for church devotions, before setting up their mosquito nets and going to sleep.