Introducing Vandeth Nou: Our New Country Director
On the 10th Feb Vandeth was commissioned by Board Chairman Brian Trebilco as the Country Director for Flame.
Vandeth has been working in this role since the beginning of 2020 but was honoured with an official ceremony led by Flame’s Board Chair, Brian Trebilco, who flew in from New Zealand especially for the event, and the Founder, Sue Hanna, as well as Secretary & Treasurer Meredith Brocklebank, alongside another board member, Nicola Palairet. All Flame Cambodia’s staff were there to witness this memorable moment.
Flame is very lucky to have someone of Vandeth’s calibre on our staff. In every meeting, Vandeth brings new ideas and strengthens the work of Flame in the community. He takes over from Sue Hanna who will continue to focus on her role as Executive Founder.
Like many of Flame’s staff, Vandeth didn’t grow up rich. This is a piece of his story:
I was born in 1982. My father died when I was 6 years old. My mum, aunts and grandma were all widows; 13 of us lived in a little house. We were very poor; every day we looked for any work that would bring in some money but often we had no food to eat. We had no electricity or water – our neighbors gave us water from their pump.
My first experience of church was in 1996. A friend asked, “Do you want to eat chicken? Come to church!” I went to church for two months and heard about God’s love. I tried to talk to him. Then I had to go away to work for my uncle who had a truck. I slept in the street, or under the truck. I prayed with tears, “Lord please give me a job that gives me time to study.” Two weeks later a missionary told me of a job as a guard. The pay was $20 a month and I had time to attend school. I worked very hard and at the end of the month they paid me $40! I gave my mum $20, she was so happy. I realised there is a living God.
In 1999 I resigned from being a guard as I felt the need to develop my life into something better. I was asking myself and God “Why is life so painful?” My home was full of conflict, cursing and need. These made me cry to the Lord even more, and at times I really felt Him very close to me.
Ideas came to me – I believe from the Holy Spirit. I saw sorrow and pain everywhere; orphans, widows and so many others crying for help. Governments are corrupt, not caring for their people. Men and women beg for help, yet are so greedy, violent and immoral - exploiting and oppressing those weaker than themselves. I asked “What is the root cause of these problems?” It seemed the answer was poverty, which makes people loveless, thoughtless and selfish.
Then the answer came to me; “Holistic Transformational Development.” Now I knew my purpose in life, and I started praying to the Lord about how this could made into a reality.
I wanted to be able to lift the needy and destitute out of poverty by providing a way out through;
Education – to change the life and destiny of children.
Business enterprise – to enable parents to fund their children’s education up to Grade 12.
Discipleship – developing lives so that they reach their God’s given potential.
The board is very excited to see Vandeth’s plans unfold and for him to work his wisdom and experience. The board presented Vandeth with a greenstone carving from New Zealand, a Toki with a koru insert, to symbolise his leadership: Strength, determination and courage with growth through the full circle. The ceremony was an opportunity for the staff and friends of Flame to recognise Vandeth’s mana. (According to New Zealand Maori tradition a person with mana is spiritually powerful, influential and courageous, yet humble.)
Congratulations Vandeth
The Board
