Cambodia youth trek to temple, strengthen faith by learning about temple and family history work

A new temple coming soon to Cambodia is inspiring an entire generation of young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to prepare to enter the temple, search their ancestry, and plan to serve missions.

About 500 Cambodian youth, aged 12 to18, gathered in two separate locations on June 18, 2025, to learn about temple and family history work, and to celebrate the Church’s Phnom Penh Cambodia temple, expected to open in the coming year.

The multi-stake youth activity was historic, thought to be the largest assembly ever of young Cambodian Church members. They came from about 30 wards and branches in Cambodia’s two stakes and four districts.

They were able to meet on June 18 because school was adjourned to observe a national holiday, the Queen Mother’s Birthday. Instead of celebrating in usual ways, some 280 teens gathered in the North Stake Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, while another 220 met in Siem Reap, a city about 200 miles to the north.

Because the church is relatively young in Cambodia, arriving only 30 years ago, most of the teens are first-generation members, and most are the only members in their schools and neighborhoods.

Many said it was wonderful to mingle with so many other young members who hold similar beliefs and standards.  “It is fun to be with people who believe like I do,” said Rith Eysawachna, age 16. “There aren’t many members in Cambodia and I like to talk to people and get to know them. The church gives us this opportunity.”

Besides learning about the temple and family history, the teens enjoyed team-building and scripture games, ate delicious food, and some shared their testimonies.  

“I think it is one of the best activities we have ever had,” said Elder Eng Bunhuoch, Area Seventy for Cambodia. “I could feel that the Lord will help His Church prosper with this rising generation. I can see that many of them will be great missionaries.”

The event’s main focus was on the temple. In Phnom Penh, the teens arrived at the Stake Center at 8 a.m., filled every seat in the chapel, including the choir seats, and divided into groups of 20. Groups then departed every five minutes with their leaders to walk about 20 minutes under the hot Cambodian sun to the new temple.

The beautiful new temple, reflecting traditional Cambodian architecture, is in the finishing stages. The exterior work and landscaping are nearly complete. Open house dates have not been announced, but excitement is building.

Each group of young members took photos at the temple gate and reflected for a few minutes about their new temple before walking back to the chapel. Many young men wore white shirts and ties and many young women wore dresses to show their respect for the temple. Back at the chapel, they spent several minutes writing their feelings about the temple.

After some games and a delicious buffet lunch, the young people heard a presentation about Family Search and learned how to find ancestors and prepare names to take to the temple for baptism. They each filled in family trees with as many names and photos of siblings, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents as they could find. They created Family Search accounts and were shown how to add data.

Family history work is difficult in Cambodia because over many decades of colonization, wars with neighboring countries, and civil war, many records of births, deaths and marriages were destroyed. Existing data has generally not been gathered into central archives.  Tracing family names is also difficult because of name inconsistencies.

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Still, these young people are determined to learn about their ancestors and take names to the temple. Yim Sochantha, 15, is excited to be baptized for her ancestors. “I believe they will be very happy,” she said. She has been a member for six years, along with her sister and mother. “The temple is very beautiful. I feel at peace when I am there. I feel the Holy Spirit. I want to be in a forever family.” 

She already has plans to serve a mission. “I’ve been saving money for my mission. I would like to go to Japan, but I will go happily wherever Heavenly Father sends me.”

Rith Eysawachna, 16 years old, has been baptized less than a year, but she already has a temple recommend and her patriarchal blessing. “My aunt died not long ago and I want to be baptized for her,” she said. “I believe that is what she would want.”

She is motivated and enthusiastic about the gospel. “Having a temple means to me that Heavenly Father knows us and feels like Cambodia is a special place and worthy to have a temple.”

“I look forward to doing baptisms for the dead,” said Douk Chandina, age 18. “I’m proud we have our own temple. My family looks forward to being sealed and becoming a ‘forever family’.”

He has two friends already serving missions and he is thinking  and praying hard about serving as well. “I know it is a great opportunity to share the gospel, to travel and to learn a lot. However, it is a financial matter for me and my family. I have to be responsible for many things and help my family financially once I finish school.”

Young Cambodian members, like their peers everywhere in the world, face many challenges. But they are ready to step up, serve in the Church, and become leaders.

“From what I observe, these young people will become strong pillars of the Church in Cambodia,” said Chamroeun Kang, a member of the North Stake presidency. “We see more and more youth wanting to serve missions. All of us, young and old, are very excited and looking forward to the dedication of the temple.”

“In 15 years many of these young people will be leaders of the growing Church,” said Elder Eng. “I have no doubt about it. I feel that the Lord is preparing them for that day.”