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The announcement of a new temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has brought excitement to local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Quentin L. Cook from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with his wife Mary, visited Cambodia and spoke at a multi-stake conference. He expressed his hopes for the community: “In this special time, when a temple is coming to Cambodia, may the blessings of heaven rain down on you, and may you be blessed in ways you cannot even imagine, particularly in your families.”
The church celebrated its 30th anniversary in Cambodia last year and now has around 17,000 members. Historically, many Cambodian Saints have used their life savings to visit a temple only once. The announcement by President Russell M. Nelson in 2018 about the new temple was seen as a significant development. Elder Bunhouch Eng noted that temple worship "is no longer just a dream."
Cambodia's history under the Khmer Rouge regime has made family history work challenging due to the loss of records. This highlights the importance of temple work for members.
Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai encouraged members to prepare for making temple covenants by attending preparation classes and searching for ancestors awaiting saving ordinances.
Elder Cook was moved by a choir performance at the conference: “They look good,” he remarked with optimism about Cambodia’s future with the church.
After visiting Cambodia, Elder and Sister Cook traveled to Taiwan and Malaysia where they were warmly received by church members and missionaries. In Taiwan, non-members also participated in choir performances.
Despite Buddhism being dominant in Cambodia and Taiwan and Malaysia having a Muslim-majority population, each region presents unique challenges for Latter-day Saints living as minorities.
Sister Cook stated: “We love to meet members in different countries all across the world... No matter what circumstances we are in, the Lord knows us personally.”
Elder Cook shared guidance from Elder Harold B. Lee about protecting families through building Zion at home, being examples in communities, and focusing on temple teachings.
Yu-Fang Chou from Taichung West Stake found peace in these teachings while considering emigration for her children’s benefit. Duncan Horne from Kuala Lumpur Branch appreciated learning these principles as well.
Elder Cook emphasized President Russell M. Nelson’s leadership qualities: “President Nelson is unique because he is so decisive... But he is as humble and sweet as you could imagine.”
Concluding his tour with Asia Area Presidency accompaniment, Elder Cook praised local commitment: “I see in the people I met with a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ."
