A HOUSE OF GOD

                           

                     

                             

On Sunday, August 30th, 2026, the Cambodia Phnom Penh Temple was dedicated to officially become ready for temple work.  The big day finally arrived!  I have never felt a temple dedication as deeply as this one.  The first temple in a country is significant, especially after the long wait and the contrast of the darkness of the Khmer Rouge genocide time.  The feeling of HOPE emanates!!  Every person, including those who have died, has a chance to be redeemed.  Think of that!  This culture deeply honors ancestors, so the temple message resonates with truth to them. No one is forgotten; families are not lost - they really are forever! 

Elder Patrick Kearon was the visiting apostle who set it apart.  He radiated such pure, genuine love!  He encouraged stillness and promised inward peace as we let our thoughts be drawn heavenward.  He beautifully talked about covenants made at the temple that will turn our focus to things of eternal importance.  He referred to the sad period only 50 years ago when so much loss happened.  El. Kearon said, "We are in a land that has known extraordinary pain, hardship, loss, and despair.  It is so fitting that the Lord has seen to provide a house here which will draw our hands and hearts far beyond the trials of mortality and into eternity."  He also talked about the pioneers of faith in Cambodia, too, who have shared the hope and joy of Jesus Christ to bring light and truth to others.  The gospel has only been in Cambodia for 30 years, and now to be at the point of having a temple is astounding. He said, "Through these sacred ordinances made possible through the atoning gift of our Redeemer, old wounds can be healed and broken hearts can be mended, on both sides of the veil.  This is a house of miracles." 

Another very special moment of the dedication was when Pres. Eav gave the opening prayer.  Pres. Eav, also known as "Grandpa Eav," is from Lehi, Utah.  He has several grandchildren serving missions in both Cambodia missions right now!  He escaped from the Po Pot regime and has never been back.  When he was first called to be in the temple presidency, he did not want to come.  Fear still permeated after all theses years.  To see him here now is a complete circle.  His prayer was emotional and deep from the heart. My tears flowed. 

We again arranged a special chartered bus for our Kampong Speu members to attend.  They all arrived around 7:00 in the morning.  We gathered and ate fruit and bread, then went on our way to the big city.  It was broadcast to the North Stake Center, where we gathered with hundreds and hundreds of fellow saints.  It was broadcast elsewhere, as well.  On the bus ride over, we did some great preparation by talking about what a dedication is, introduced El. Kearon so they would appreciate him more fully (convert, worked with refugees, from England/Saudi Arabia, special witness of Christ, etc.).  We sang beautiful hymns together.  We had a special introduction to the Hosanna Shout, showing a little video of Bible times with palm leaves welcoming the Savior and then Pres. Nelson's wonderful introduction in conference.  We gave them specially-made handkerchiefs, sewn by Chanta, our seamstress in English class, that they can have as a keepsake.   Beautiful, beautiful loving spirit of unity with our group. (And, as a side note, I also had a lovely light purple Khmer skirt made by Chanta from the material that El. Paletu'a gave me as a gift of gratitude.  It was given in such love!  I treasure it!  It felt extra special to wear on this dedication day.) 

In the dedication, a very special part was the Hosanna Shout, for which we had prepared our group so well.   The small choir sang, "The Hosanna Anthem," and then we all joined in singing, "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning."  As we waved our white handkerchiefs, I felt the extension of praise and worship. Very witnessing moment.

THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES WAS THAT EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF OUR GROUP IN KAMPONG SPEU HAS A TEMPLE RECOMMEND.  37 PEOPLE!!  Can this be said of any church unit, anywhere?  The elders worked so hard with them to make this happen.  Most interviews had to happen via zoom with President Sam, the mission counselor who is over us.  The members responded to the invitation to prepare!  Our elders were incredibly focused on this important goal and found great joy in placing a temple sticker on the members' phones when they received it.  A BIG thank you to El. Paletu'a, El. Dutchak, El. Thompson, and El. Larsen who made this happen.  They had a vision of the possibilities and created a mission within their missions to work with the members.  It was a great joy to realize as we sat on the bus that all these friends had temple recommends.  What excitement to see that progress from first learning about the gospel to where they are now!!

Before we headed back home, we sat on mats on the grass on the Stake Center and enjoyed a lunch together, prepared by Navy.  She is such an angel.  Rice, pork, marinated vegetables.  Chocolate cake and banana bread from El. Paletu'a.  It was such a perfect gathering time for our perfect day.  We loved lingering in the spirit and enjoying each other's friendship.

                        

This experience was one of the most spiritually-defining moments of my life.  My heart is bursting with love for the Lord!! This has been miraculous timing to be on our missions right here, right now.  It was a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment.