I used to travel to Thailand for work via a border pass. I worked in construction and earned about $1,800 for eight months. However, when my wife became seriously ill, I returned home to Cambodia.
After five months, when she was well again, I decided to travel for work again—this time to Vietnam via a broker. My son, son-in-law, wife, daughter, and 5-month-old granddaughter all decided to join me. After only a month, we were arrested by police while we were working to build a bridge for $10 per day and sent to jail for two months. My son, son-in-law, and I were released, but my wife, daughter, and 5-month-old granddaughter were still in jail.
Muy with his son at the safe migration center
After getting out of jail, my son and I were sent back to Cambodia, but my son-in-law decided to find a job in Thailand. When I arrived in the safe migration center, I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t have any money. My son and I hadn’t eaten anything since the morning.
Samaritan’s Purse staff members helped me. They gave us food and water and a phone to call our relatives. Then they taught us about safe migration and the Gospel, paid for our taxi, and prayed for my safe trip home and my family still in jail.
I thought that it would be easy for my family to work in other countries. But now I know that to do so, we must have passports and other documents to avoid being arrested. I also know what to do if I run into trouble. I know that what Samaritan’s Purse has taught me is important for all people who want to migrate for work. When I arrive safely at home, I will share it with my family, neighbors, and community.
I was happy when I arrived back in Cambodia, but I still worry about my wife and daughter. I do feel better after praying for them with Samaritan’s Purse staff members and trusting God to help them. I thank Jesus for helping me.
