Our History: A Journey of Faith and Vision

2018: A Divine Calling in the USA

The roots of the Healing Distress Organization began in 2018. While in the United States navigating the citizenship process for Kosal Kong, God spoke directly to his heart through Matthew 24:14. Through this scripture, God ignited a deep passion within Kosal for the minority people groups living in the hard-to-reach places of Cambodia. This pivotal moment brought clarity to the Kong family’s vision, illuminating the exact work God was calling them to do.

2019: Returning Home to Sow the Seeds

In 2019, the Kong family returned to Cambodia to begin the work. They took on the vital task of translating the Trauma Healing Institute’s materials for healing groups into the Khmer language, laying the groundwork for a movement of emotional and spiritual restoration.

2022: The Birth of HDO

Three years later, God officially established the Healing Distress Organization (HDO) as a formal ministry, providing a structured home for the expanding trauma healing efforts.

2025: Expanding into Mondulkiri Province

In 2025, in ways the family could have never imagined, God brought their original vision to fruition. He called the Kongs to live and work directly alongside a minority people group, firmly planting their feet in Mondulkiri province.

Looking back, the Kongs clearly witness the Lord’s immense kindness. His hand has faithfully sustained the work, strengthened the laborers, and steadied their faith through every transition.

Present Day: A Growing, Multi-Faceted Ministry

Today, God is expanding HDO far beyond the initial trauma healing ministry, opening up new pathways for people to engage deeply with His Word. To accomplish this, God has built a dedicated, solid team of local servants. What started with one family has grown into a diverse team of Bible translators, video producers, musicians, and certified trauma healing facilitators—all working together to bring enduring hope to Cambodia.

“If there is no Bible in the minority languages, then there is no HDO! There can be no HDO without the Bible, because the heart of HDO is God’s Word. God is the medicine that all people need to find healing in their pain and suffering. People need hope in this life. People need peace in a fallen world. People cannot begin a journey of healing nor receive comfort, if they don’t have access to the transforming power of God’s Word in their heart language.” -Kosal Kong, national director