written by Matthew Glenn, lay leader at Cambodian-American UM Ministry
Members at the Cambodian-American UM Ministry in Long Beach recently raised over $15,000 for refugees of recent violence in Cambodia. They delivered the funds to on the ground teams who delivered food and supplies locally.
Clashes broke out at the border of Cambodia and Thailand on July 24, 2025. Each side has seen several hostile exchanges, most notably in 2008 and 2011; however, the result of the most recent skirmish has resulted in over 30 killed and tens of thousands of people displaced in the region.
The latest conflict comes just 50 years after the Khmer Rouge, a genocide carried out by the Communist Party of Kampuchea against the Cambodian minorities. The events that took place are still fresh for many members at the Cambodian-American United Methodist Ministry in Long Beach.
Pastor Dr. Christina Lee took a moment during her Sunday, July 27th message to address the concerns of her congregation, as well as the ensuing plight of members and troops in Cambodia. In a moving message, Pastor Dr. Lee galvanized the hearts of her church family to not forget the past, but show grace and love through prayer and a sacrificial offering. What started as a goal of $1,000 turned into a blessing of $5,113 during the Sunday service, and totaled $7,774 by the end of the evening. The total is now $15,026 as community members continue to donate to relief funds.
Since then, Pastor Dr. Lee has been in contact with fellow church members visiting Cambodia to send much needed resources to the front line.
For any others with a heart of giving, Pastor Dr. Lee has opened an invitation to partner in donating for relief for the families of the military and civilians of Cambodia. She may be reached at (562) 453-5236.
