Pandemic Relief Aid in Cambodia

CAMBODIA – As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused grief and pain in all parts of the world, particularly causing great suffering among people living in countries that are least able to confront the disease. Cambodia is one of those countries.

Recognizing the need of our Cambodian Lutheran brothers and sisters and their communities, Lutheran Church–Canada has established a relief aid project to provide food and support to those living in the countryside, who are in danger of starving as a result of basic goods becoming scarce and unaffordable during this pandemic.

In cooperation with our sister church, Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC) and the Garuna Foundation, Lutheran Church–Canada has provided funds to purchase and distribute food and emergency supplies to the various congregations that are most in need of aid at this time.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).

The Board of Directors of CLC and their staff have been delivering and distributing aid to congregations in Kampong Chhnang, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Sihanoukville and Prey Veh. Along with addressing the physical needs of the people in these communities, they are also looking to address the spiritual needs of the people by sharing with them the Gospel, providing pastoral care, offering encouragement through the Word of God and praying for and with them.

Saint Paul writes “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). In connection with this passage, Cambodian pastor, Rev. Peter (Phanna) Bun, in his letter thanking Lutheran Church–Canada for adhering to this passage and assisting the Church in Cambodia during this time of need, wrote: “We give thanks to God for this support that we have received from our Confessional Lutheran brothers and sisters in Canada and around the world. It is a blessing to see them coming to the aid of those in need, especially the household of faith, during these difficult times.”