Chhunly is a remarkable young man who grew up in incredibly humble circumstances in one of Cambodia's poorest provinces. Chhunly believes that to end circle of poverty is to provide an opportunity to the underprivileged families to continue education. Chhunly is inspired and motivated by a great heart for his country's many poor and a belief that he is serving God by helping them.

Entering into a new chapter in his post-professional life, Karl Shimamura joined the BFC board

of directors in 2023. Karl has held leadership positions in both for-profit and non-profit

organizations, including serving on various boards. He brings his experience, skills, and

compassionate spirit to strengthen and equip BFC to accomplish its vision and mission.

Michele Nishioka’s heart has always been in education and ensuring that every student has an excellent education. She has served many roles as a classroom teacher, instructional and leadership coach, and administrator. She first stepped foot in Cambodia in Spring of 2018. Instantly, she fell in love with the Khmer people. Michele admires the strength, resilience, heart to learn and passion to live out the gospel of the Khmer people.

In November 2019, in the middle of the Covid pandemic, Michele was in quarantine at home.  Alone, in a room for two weeks, after traveling to Cambodia. She spent time in prayer and reflecting on what she should be doing next in her life. She felt God calling her to use her passion, skills and knowledge in education to start a non-profit.

She believes that in doing ministry in another country we must take time to understand the history of the people.  Also, before supporting students and families in education through our non profit, BFC needed to ask questions and find out as much as possible about how education works in Cambodia. She had met Chhunly Bin, through another non-profit and her recent travels in Cambodia. Chhunly answered her many questions about his life of living in extreme poverty in Cambodia and how when he was given the opportunity to get an education how it changed his life. It is at school that Chhunly not only was able to be successful academically, but he also came to know the love of Jesus Christ. 

Michele is thankful for Chhunly Bin who ensures that Bright Futures Cambodia (NGO) is functioning legally, oversees all daily operations and ministries in Cambodia.
She is also thankful for the many donors who have prayed for and donated funds. It is without their faith.

“Matt is retired U.S. Navy Commander and pilot. He and his family lived in Thailand from 2017-2024 as missionaries throughout Southeast Asia serving oppressed ethnic groups, at-risk youth, and the military and police communities. He is graduate of Biola University, holds master’s degree in Global Leadership, was a professor at two major universities, and a former Vice President of a Cambodian NGO. Matt has been one of Chhunly’s ministry partners for many years and a supporter of BFC since its establishment.”

Robbie Murata is a student at UCLA studying English and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. As an aspiring doctor, Robbie firmly believes in the power of education and general health awareness. Since meeting with Michele and Chhunly in 2022 to hear about the wonders God is doing in Cambodia, and after seeing the amazing work they and his parents were blessed to do on their mission to Cambodia in 2023, Robbie has cultivated a passion for the people of this country that our Heavenly Father is so passionately working in. He is doing all he can from the US to ensure the people of Cambodia can experience the power of God's love and hopes to share the Good News with them in-person on a mission trip there very soon!

Michele Nishioka’s heart has always been in education and ensuring that every