History
Fount of Wisdom Publishing House Organization (FOW) officially and has recently registered as a local NGO in Cambodia through the Ministry of Interior in June 2016 (No. 4712 ប្រក), and Taxation Department in October 2016 (លេខ/No. VATM2016091288).
Stephen Westergren, founder, had worked in the publishing ministry for many years, but had a desire to see a non-denominational/inter-organizational publishing house raised up to serve the entire Cambodian Church. Foundational to Fount of Wisdom’s purpose for existence was to serve as a centralized publishing ministry to assist the Church in coordinating her efforts in creating high quality literature that was both affordable and readily available to all. Likewise, Fount of Wisdom’s original vision was to see indigenous writers raised up for the Cambodian Church.
Fount of Wisdom started with three Cambodian staff and the 5 founding members of the Board of Advisors (both Khmer Christian leaders and expatriate missionaries from various organizations and denominations). Many helpful partners came alongside in those early years, but none more significant than OMFLit in the Philippines and Media Associates International, based in the USA. Both organizations supported Fount of Wisdom through various seminars, consultations and staff internships, and helped to lay good tracks for writing, editing, translation, graphic design, sales, and management.
Fount of Wisdom is a not-for-profit and charitable organization. It is independent and interdenominational, committed to serve the whole of the Cambodian Church and Cambodian society. It is a growing organization as well, expanding well beyond the original three staff members, and as of April 1, 2010, is now under the direction of a capable Cambodian leader, Mr. Chim Titmakara.
Partnerships
Significant Partnerships
“…two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Fount of Wisdom is committed to effective partnership. Our purpose is to serve the Church of Cambodia, so we want to stand hand-in-hand with church leaders, pastors, denominational leaders and mission organizations to ensure a job well done! Some of our current partners include: The Phnom Penh Bible School (PPBS), the Cambodian Bible Institute (CBI), the Cambodian Methodist Bible School, the Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia (EFC), Assemblies of God (AOG), Generation Ministries (Word Outreach International), Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI), OMF International, Cambodia, Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), Church Missionary Society (CMS), SIL International, International Cooperation Cambodia (ICC), Langham Partnership International, Pilgrim International, Mercy Teams International (MTI), Global Connection International (GCI), Tyndale House, Moody Publisher, OMFLit. Publisher, Media Association International (MAI), SPCKAustralia, Condeopress, churches and individual contacts.
Contact us for further information on partnerships with Fount of Wisdom: +855 (0)23 654 2233, +855 (0)10 445 945, +855 (0)11 445 956 | email: info@fountofwisdomph.com | P.O.Box 3202, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Publishing
Check out Fount of Wisdom’s step-by-step guide for submitting your publication request. Fount of Wisdom is always looking for culturally and socially relevant works. We can work with you to make your book the high quality piece you want it to be. No need to perfect your work first. That’s what Fount of Wisdom would like to do with you and for you.
1. Why should I work through Fount of Wisdom Publishing House?
There are few people who can devote their full time energies to writing and producing a high quality book. Many writers are busy pastors or leaders. Others are working full time jobs, with no spare time for completing their intended book. Fount of Wisdom can come alongside you in the process, offering the consultation and skills required to publish the kind of book you can be proud of, within a limited amount of time.
2. What are the benefits of publishing through Fount of Wisdom?
- Professional standards in writing, editing, graphic design
- Wider distribution possibilities
- Lessening the possibility of competitive titles and subjects
- Cooperation with other writers and resource pools
- Affordable printing costs
- High quality printing
3. I only have ideas…nothing on paper yet. I’ll drop by FOW when my book is completed.
This is a very common misunderstanding among potential writers. Fount of Wisdom wants to come alongside you in the early stages of writing to help facilitate the procedure. A completed manuscript is NOT necessary. Bring your ideas along, and Fount of Wisdom can help you develop those good ideas into book form.
4. HOW exactly will Fount of Wisdom help me to publish my book?
Good question! Certainly Fount of Wisdom will not “take over” your work. You, the writer, will be involved in every step of the process. As you write, our professionals can help in the editing process, the overall layout of your book, the design of an eye-catching cover, and marketing suggestions. We will spell everything out for you in contract form, giving you the working deadlines that help keep your book on track. The end goal will be a high quality book that sells widely!
5. Does FOW want translated materials or original works?
Another good question! While FOW has certainly published many fine translated works, and will continue to do so in the future, ultimately we desire to assist Cambodian authors produce original thought, culturally relevant, and biblically sound materials! If all you have is an idea, that is just the seed that is needed to produce a book, or a booklet, or even a whole series of books!
Reaching
Christ’s Church flourishes far beyond the city limits of Phnom Penh. Therefore, we at FOW want to particularly assist provincially located pastors and other church leaders in province by getting our materials into their hands. Please contact Sipha through h/p: +855 (0)089 406 877, +855 (0)11 445 945 and Email: info@fountofwisdomph.com . Fount of Wisdom would like to discuss with you possible bulk discounts, deliveries, and potential distribution centers outside Phnom Penh. While many church leaders are frantically trying to produce lessons for discipleship, ideas for small groups, and sermon ideas. Fount of Wisdom already loads of resources for you in all of these areas so that you, the busy pastor or church leader, can give your energy to people-care, visitation, and other shepherding ministries.