Growing up: The Methodist Church in Cambodia celebrates its 25th birthday
In a simple ceremony on 11 September, Cambodian Methodists and members of the founding organizations paid tribute to the church's path. This should increasingly lead to independence. Chamroeun Yi, Luon Rachana and Peter Siegfried tell us what excites and worries them and what they wish for the birthday boy.
The Annual Conference (Synod) of the Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC) took place in Phnom Penh from September 9 to 11. This included the 25th anniversary celebration, which was deliberately kept simple by President Lun Sophy. Cambodia is in a difficult situation due to the border conflicts with Thailand. The celebration paid tribute to the fact that various people from different countries have built up the MCC together over a long period of time. "There were tongue-in-cheek moments in the speeches and pictures from earlier times made those present laugh," reports Andreas von Känel. He is the program manager for Cambodia at Connexio hope and develop, the aid organization of the Methodist:innen in Switzerland, which has supported the MCC since the beginning. Together with coordinator Socheata Chap and Christine and Peter Siegfried, he was there as a delegate.
Being independent?
Methodist churches from five countries were involved in the founding of the MCC: The USA, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and Switzerland. These agencies still have a strong presence; some of them own properties and support the church both financially and in terms of personnel. The MCC is aiming for independence in 2027 and has been working towards this for years. President Lun Sophy emphasizes: "Moving forward requires action and change. Growth is both: that you grow over the years and that you grow personally. Personal growth means becoming mature." This does not happen automatically; you have to want it. The agencies also have to want it. Some promote the transition to independence. Others are in no hurry. There are many things to consider in these processes, such as the church's financial difficulties and recruitment problems. But how do members - and one founding member - see the church today; what excites, worries and moves them on its 25th birthday?
No more baby
Chamroeun Yi is a lay member and part of the church leadership. He is delighted with the development of the MCC. "Today we have a strong structure, a national network and our own Cambodian church leadership. We used to be like a baby, now we are 25 years old, we are grown up. We don't need deeper roots, new branches or additional leaves - we already have all that. What we hope for is lots of 'good fruit': people who are committed, who serve others and contribute their gifts." He is concerned that the congregation could split internally. "Most of us are involved without pay, from the bottom of our hearts. But we come from very different families and backgrounds: Some work in NGOs, others in government or in companies - sometimes different worlds collide."
A place of protection and blessing
Lay member Luon Rachana wishes her church God's blessing on its 25th birthday. "I hope that we can reach more people and invite them into the 'House of the Lord' - a place of protection and blessing. I wish for a community where everyone feels welcome and supported, where faith grows together and we share love and kindness." Because many people are struggling to earn a living, they have less time for the church and there is a great risk of losing members. The 25th anniversary celebration means a lot to her. A few congregations have become a strong denomination. "Even though we have financial challenges, we can be proud that we now have buildings that we are happy to call 'God's house'."
There from birth
Pastor Peter Siegfried has accompanied the first initiatives for the MCC since 1997 and has traveled to Cambodia 40 times. He is impressed by the large number of children and young people in the congregations, the simplicity of the people in the countryside and their joy in the church service, especially during the extensive singing. He is impressed by the fact that, despite all the difficulties, the church says: "We will carry on!" The main focus of his commitment was regular training courses for the many young pastors.
The church has financial problems and today it lacks young people who are called to theological training. "When we started, the country was at rock bottom: universities were not functioning properly and many had no chance of an education. The Bible school - despite its low standards - was a great opportunity. Many people who now have responsibility in the church were trained back then. Today in Cambodia there are educational paths like in the West. Young people tend to choose a secular career, mainly because the financial opportunities as a pastor are extremely limited."
A great amazement
"The fact that our church was able to gain a foothold in Cambodia and equip itself for ministry in the country is a miracle," says Peter Siegfried. "A lot of things had to start from scratch, but we succeeded because there was a firm conviction in people's hearts: God is calling us to share the Gospel with our fellow countrymen." This call was there in Cambodia when everything was being rebuilt after the Khmer Rouge crisis - including the Christian faith. At the same time, various Methodist churches had received the same call: "Come help us build the church!" Methodist churches from five countries arrived in the country almost simultaneously. "The fact that these churches were able to come together and build this church together with the Cambodians, despite all their differences, is almost a miracle, but also a confirmation that God wanted it that way. I am amazed at what has been allowed to happen. I wish the Methodist Church in Cambodia continued guidance and support from God - and that they experience God's help time and again."
Text: Text: Andreas von Känel/ Nicole Gutknecht
Photos: Socheata Chap and Andreas von Känel
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