Our Story

Roots of Grace is a Jesus-led nonprofit transforming lives in Cambodia through education, discipleship, and community development. With a mission to empower individuals and families, we aim to change generations.

What We Focus On

Our Goals

Spiritual Investment

Spiritually leading people is our number one goal and all programs are geared to share the gospel.  

Physical Care

Caring for people’s physical needs is the easiest way to show the love of Christ, just as the Good Samaritan did. 

Emotional Care

Many of the people we work with live difficult lives. Our goal is to introduce Jesus into those situations. 

Education

Access to education, whether private or public, costs money in Cambodia so providing education to the poorest of the poor provides an opportunity to break the poverty cycle. 

Get to Know Our Team

Meet the faces behind Roots of Grace! They are leaders who work wholeheartedly & diligently to ensure that our programs run smoothly and effectively.

A Timeline of Growth

  • Milestone 1

    Roots of Grace was founded in a small coffee shop in Battambang, Cambodia by Chris & Heidi Smith and Seng Chhay

  • Milestone 2

    Village Bible Studies were growing, and the needs of the community were apparent

  • Milestone 3

    September 2018 – First class of six students began at Roots of Grace Ministry center

  • Milestone 4

    December 2018 - Chris and Heidi Smith moved to Cambodia

  • Milestone 5

    2020 - Merge with BrightStart Learning, Inc, a non-profit in America, and an NGO in Cambodia, founded in 2013 by Gwen & Vernon Higaki and Mark & Judy Borlin

  • Milestone 6

    2021- Victor and Carole Hartsfield moved to Battambang and joined Roots of Grace

  • Milestone 7

    2022 – Ready to Grow Preschool opens with four students

  • Most Recent Milestone

    New Beginnings residential vocational training program opens with four students