For Nic and Jacelyn Davidson, the call to serve is personal, practical and rooted in faith. That call has led them and their five children halfway around the world to Cambodia, where they are working to bring both physical healing and spiritual hope to those in need.

The couple, founders of FreelyGiven Inc., came to Cambodia with a simple mission to serve others generously, sharing the blessings they themselves have received. Their name reflects that calling — a reminder that all they have has been freely given by God and is meant to be shared.

Nic, a speaker and trainer, and Jacelyn, a family medicine physician, were college sweethearts. Their partnership quickly became one of shared purpose. 

Their mission, however, is not theirs alone. It is a family endeavor. Their children — Christian, Esther, Davey, Hudson and Evangeline — are growing up immersed in a culture far different from Northern Minnesota, learning Khmer, navigating daily life in a developing country and embracing both the adventure and the ordinary rhythms of missionary life.

At the heart of FreelyGiven’s work is a commitment to holistic care. In Cambodia, access to health care remains severely limited, particularly in rural areas. Many lack transportation, cannot afford treatment or delay care until conditions become life-threatening.

To meet these needs, the Davidsons operate mobile medical clinics at rural Catholic parishes, offering free care and medications to more than 100 patients each month. Over time, their familiarity with local resources has enabled them to go beyond basic care, helping patients access specialized services such as imaging, surgery and consultations that would otherwise be out of reach.

One patient’s story illustrates the impact of this work. After suffering from fever and severe abdominal pain for two weeks, a woman was visited at home by the team. Recognizing the urgency, they arranged immediate hospitalization. She was diagnosed with multiple abdominal abscesses and transferred to a hospital in the capital for advanced care — treatment she would not have been able to access on her own. She made a full recovery, a powerful testament to what compassionate, Christ-centered care can achieve.

Yet for the Davidsons, healing extends beyond the body. Their clinics are intentionally rooted in parish communities, strengthening local churches and creating opportunities for evangelization. “We want the love of Jesus to shine through all we do,” they explain, whether providing medical care, teaching English or simply building relationships.

That commitment is especially evident in their involvement at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Siem Reap, where they support the Pastoral Home, a ministry serving at-risk children. Many of these children come from deeply difficult backgrounds, including poverty, addiction and family instability. At the Pastoral Home, they find something they often lack — safety, consistency and love.

The fruits of this work are tangible. On Easter Sunday, 10 teenage girls from the Pastoral Home were baptized, entering the Church together — a moment the Davidsons describe as one of profound joy and hope.

FreelyGiven’s outreach also includes creative initiatives designed to meet specific needs within the community. A bicycling club for teens, English language instruction and seasonal celebrations such as Christmas parties offer children opportunities for growth, joy and belonging.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected ministries has been directed toward women. Through simple gatherings like “ladies’ nights,” the Davidsons have created spaces where women — many of whom have never experienced social outings — can feel valued and supported. For some, these evenings have been life-changing, offering a sense of dignity and care rarely encountered in their daily lives.

Their evangelization efforts extend even further. In a country where less than 2 percent of the population is Christian, sharing the Gospel requires both sensitivity and boldness. One initiative, known as “The Roses,” reaches out to women working in prostitution. Each month, hundreds of roses are distributed, each accompanied by a message affirming the women’s dignity and pointing to the hope found in Christ. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, opening doors to deeper conversations and relationships.

FreelyGiven seeks out opportunities to support and serve alongside ministries already present within the dioceses. One of the ways they do this is by promoting missions — offering both short- and long-term opportunities for teams and individuals. Father Scott Padrnos has coordinated three groups from the Brainerd area to take part in these short-term missions, with approximately 25 youth participating. Through these experiences, FreelyGiven helps others discern how the Lord may be calling them to participate in or support the global mission field.

Ultimately, the Davidsons’ work is about more than programs or projects. It is about people — individuals searching for healing, belonging and hope. In a place where material poverty is widespread and spiritual hunger runs deep, the Davidsons strive to be a visible sign of Christ’s love.

Through the support of others who share in their mission, that love continues to reach further, touching lives in ways both seen and unseen, one patient, one child and one encounter at a time.