Published on April 7, 2024, 12:29 am

Consider a world where every stranger could be a potential espionage agent, or your place of education harbors hidden explosives. Contemplate the horrible reality of losing almost your entire family to a ruthless regime. This was the chilling life of Samnop during the Cambodian civil war between the 1970s and 1990s. Known as Sam, he recounts his experiences from that time, aspiring to impart on both Americans and people across the globe the catastrophic consequences of war, particularly what Cambodia endured under the Khmer Rouge.

Belonging to the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK), Pol Pot emerged as one amongst countless mass murderers in the 20th century. Under their dreadful regime, Sam lost over two dozen family members including three siblings.

The genocidal “killing fields” occurred before Sam’s birth (1975-79). However, he had to grapple with the realities of continued civil strife as different factions within Khmer Rouge were engaged in battle throughout Cambodia. Ultimately, through perseverance and overcoming immense hardships, he succeeded in learning English and began realizing his dreams.

Today, he urges Americans and others to visit his beloved country and witness its resilience firsthand.

During Khmer Rouge’s purge of educated individuals — a time when nearly 95% such Cambodians faced slaughter — Sam’s grandfather tragically lost his life. He also shared how his whole family was targeted because his grandfather was an esteemed professor of law and economy. His mother narrowly escaped this fate only because her father convinced authorities that she was not biologically related to him but adopted.

The narrative also portrays how crafty courage is born out of dire circumstances when his father had to downplay his knowledge and adopt an illiterate persona simply for survival purposes.

In shedding light on why this conflict transpired at all; it is crucial to consider Cold War influences. With Cambodia split into communist factions leaning towards China, Russia/Soviet Union, and Vietnam, they were pitted against democracies backed by the United States. The combined forces dropped an astounding 28 million cluster bombs across 115,273 locations in Cambodia, with an estimated 10 to 11 million undetonated mines remaining a deadly legacy.

Beyond casting its devastating shadow on the infrastructural fabric of this tiny nation, Sam emphasized the toll such conflict takes on innocent civilians. His dream is for everyone around the world to comprehend this harsh reality and seek peace over war.

However grim in nature the Cambodian civil war was essentially a clash within its populace. Comparing it to mother hens attacking their colored chicks was his way of highlighting internal factions tearing at their country.

Nevertheless, he noted how triumph resided in unity when rival factions discarded arms and united their efforts towards rebuilding Cambodia — transforming mine-infested territories into thriving spaces of education and healthcare, thereby giving rise to hope after decades of torment.

His father’s shining example – offering prior concealed knowledge for public service when United Nations arrived in Cambodia in 1992 – also reaffirmed Sam’s aspiration of becoming a tour guide. Overcoming learning interruptions due to Khmer Rouge attacks, Sam pursued English proficiency with renewed determination imbued by encouraging words from teachers wounded during these assaults.

Fast forward two decades; today’s improved road conditions and cleared mines have made Cambodia much more accessible for tourists visiting attractions like Angkor Wat or Tonle Sap Lake. Recalling his early career as a guide traveling seven hours each day plying Thailand border left some beautiful memories – a time he fondly remembers as his real-life English-language classroom.

As the cruel days of strife recede further into history after twenty-four years, Sam invites people worldwide to experience real news firsthand – marvel at Cambodia’s rich culture through its resilient smiles amidst trusted news founded on his heartwrenching but inspiring narrativeivers the Christian worldview that places high value on life and peace.