Saing Samnang

Mr. Saing Samnang was born on December 9, 1930 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Although Buddhism is the primary religion in Cambodia, missionaries would knock on Mr. Samnang's door spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He would reject the message every time; he was yet to be a believer. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge, a radical communist group, took over Cambodia and killed millions of people. This is when Mr. Samnang and his family were brought into slavery and starvation. The unfortunate circumstances influenced Mr. Samnang to find hope in any way possible. One day, he was drawn to kneel and pray to save his family; all he could think of was to call out the name of Jesus for help. He made a promise to himself that if his prayers were answered, he would share the message of Jesus with his family, to believe in Jesus Christ, as their lord and savior, just as the missionaries did for him. One night during the Cambodian Genocide, the Khmer Rouge leader of their province secretly knocked on Mr. Samnang's door and asked him to step out. This province leader had a cross in his hand, which signified his belief in Jesus Christ. The leader told Mr. Samnang that he looked like his father and had a calling to help Mr. Samnang and his family. Mr. Samnang was given a sack of rice and was told to leave immediately; otherwise, they will be killed. This is the moment that Mr. Samnang knew his prayer was answered and from then on, he devoted his life to the Lord, started reading the bible, and promised that he will lead his wife, his children, and his grandchildren thereon, to follow a life led in Jesus Christ. In 1980, Mr. Samnang and his family arrived to Providence, Rhode Island as refugees. The lord blessed Mr. Samnang's family with a chance at a new life in America. He continued to study the bible and a few years later became a pastor. He instilled faith, kindness, and generosity to all his children and grandchildren. He spoke of the gospel and continued his faithful journey every day. The later years of his life resided in Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Florida. While in Florida, Mr. Samnang lived in close proximity to many of his children; he was always surrounded by loved ones. He always strived to become more like Jesus and acted generously towards others. Mr. Samnang was very involved in supporting the True Way of Life (TWL) churches in Cambodia. He consistently provided donations to help the less fortunate church members spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the villages in Trapeang Prasat Oddor Meanchey, Cambodia. He did so by sending donations for food, supplies, and transportation. He also supported them in building restrooms and a well water supply. Mr. Samnang selflessly gave so that others could live comfortably. On Sunday March 24, 2024, Mr. Samnang started to feel unwell and was transported to the hospital. During his hospital stay, he was treated and tested to rule out what the nurses believed was a transient ischemic attack (TIA) also known as a mini stroke, which caused him to lose some strength and speaking. After running an MRI, they confirmed that he had a stroke on multiple sides of the left brain, which caused weakness on the right side of his body. During his hospital stay, Mr. Samnang was determined to get better to return home. He was discharged from the hospital and happy to be surrounded by loved ones. He appeared to persevere well, but with each day, he slowly started to decline and lose his independence. All the while, Mr. Samnang's strong support system; his wife, children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends visited day after day showing their love, support, and care, while focusing on his overall comfort and peace. He received his crown of glory on Monday April 15, 2024 at age 93, surrounded by his family, in the comfort of his daughter’s home in St. Cloud, Florida. He is preceded in passing by his oldest daughter, Vanna Sun (63). He is survived by his wife, Srine Samnang, and his children (oldest to youngest), son in law, Bonnly Sun, Sochith (Melinda) Samnang, Vanny Samnang (Noroth), Setha (Rina) Samnang, Rana (Khun) Chhay, Sara (Sam) Hauvsim, and Samneang (Vathana) Samnang. Mr. Samnang is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren mean the world to him. His immediate and extended family are spread out through many states and it brought him great joy to spend time with them and stay in touch through phone calls. He also loves sports and never missed a game of basketball or football. Mr. Samnang’s favorite football team was the New England, Patriots and some might even say he was their number one fan. Prior to this circumstance, Mr. Samnang expressed his faithfulness to the lord and understood that with his old age, his time can come at any moment. He had no fears or worries for himself, as he knew that one day, his body will rest in peace and his soul will live on in eternity, with the lord. Mr. Samnang’s mission in life was to serve the Lord and he passed peacefully knowing that his mission was complete. He was a leader of Christ and a leader for his family. He embodied the Holy Spirit in all ways; through his leadership, generosity, kindness, selflessness, and patience. Mr. Samnang played many roles in his life. He is not only a husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and friend, but now also our guardian angel in eternal heaven. May he rest in peace and serenity.

Saing Samnang

December 9, 1930 - April 15, 2024