Tim made some bold and radical decisions in his life. He quit his job, moved to a foreign country with his family, and invested their money in starting a ministry.

Leaving their lives in Australia behind, Tim and his family purchased a piece of land in Siem Reap, Cambodia, wanting to establish a place of hope and healing for the community. They started a school to help kids from poor families. They also organized programs to help families earn an income. Aside from helping families, Tim built small houses within their property to serve as a shelter for young men and women who don’t have a place to stay or those without family.

Prayer has been a vital part of Tim’s daily activities. After living in Cambodia for many years, he prayed for a new, unique way to introduce people to God. After months of earnest prayers, God answered Tim’s petitions and helped him establish a butterfly farm that was available to the community, and tourists as well.

“Butterfly Paradise is about helping visitors, local and international, experience the beauty and design in nature, and therefore they come to see the need of the Designer. we want them to see that that Designer is God, the God of Genesis chapter 1 who created all things in 6 days.”

The beauty of nature is a unique way to attract visitors and introduce the topic of creation. The Butterfly Paradise allows people to gain a deeper understanding of God’s wonderful creation.

“And so, when they come here, we will be seeking to draw them to God. We have a cinema here. And as they come to the air conditioned cinema and get out of the heat, they will be introduced to the theme of the design in nature and God as the Designer.”

“We have a vegetarian restaurant, and we hope to use the vegetarian restaurant as a way of helping people see that their Designer has a particular diet in mind, so they can maintain good health.”

“Then we have an educational area, where people can learn about the life cycle of the butterfly, and , they realize the complexity of the life of the butterfly, and that again, there is a Designer involved.”

The final stop is at the souvenir shop. Here, guests can bring home memories of their unique experience in nature. The funds from the shop help to run the operations. But not everything has a price tag--there is free literature to take too!

The Butterfly Paradise is not only reaching out to the public, but it also reaches in to every staff member. They may find a deeper understanding of the Bible and a purpose to serve other people.

“Butterfly paradise is staffed with young people, that come through our orphanage and come through our school, so these young people they have learned about Jesus in the orphanage and in the school, so we are offering the environment where they can continue to grow in Christ. where they can take Sabbath off, and where they actually get to share their love for God with other people. And so as they go through this experience their own salvation is strengthened and renewed daily.”

And many of them give their life to Jesus.

Sreya came from a poor family. Tim enrolled her in their school. At this institution, she learned about the Bible and was drawn closer to Christ. Then, she accepted Christ into her heart and was baptized.

“I have learned so many things from this place, I have an education, I learned how to cook, how to mingle with people and how to do evangelism, give Bible studies, and now I have a job and I have a family. I thank God for this place.”

Please pray for Tim and the Butterfly Paradise. This supporting ministry is a positive influence in the city of Siem Reap. Please pray that more young people will get the chance to have a good education and a deeper understanding of their purpose.