The Rev. Dr. J.P. Cima, missionary of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) serving in Cambodia, works with the local Lutheran church body, the Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC), through theological training, strategic planning, needs assessments, and catechetical instruction. Additionally, as evidenced very recently, he connects CLC churches to short-term mission teams from LCMS congregations in the United States. Both Cima and his wife, Ms. Aimee Cima, who is also an LCMS missionary serving in the role of Regional Coordinator for Care and Development, have welcomed 10 teams of various sizes to Phnom Penh since they transitioned there from Vietnam. In total, the Cimas have hosted more than 50 teams to both countries since their arrival on the overseas mission field in 2007. Despite such experience, each team brings a new experience with new challenges and joys.
Recently, the Cimas welcomed two teams on separate occasions, both in partnership with the Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC). The first, from Holy Cross Lutheran in Los Gatos, California, included seven team members who spent several months preparing to lead a Vacation Bible School at a local Lutheran congregation in Kampong Thom. The local church leader, Pastor Leang Ly, had gathered over 150 mostly unchurched children to attend. Bible lessons based on the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Mustard Seed were taught, giving many of the children their first exposure to the timeless truths of Christ’s love and care for us all. Following this two-day event, the group traveled to Siem Reap for another VBS activity which gathered more than 180 participants at two different Garuna Christian Schools (established and run by Garuna Foundation, a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS). In the words of the short-term team’s leader, “(it was) hard to find the right words for all the wonderful ways I saw God working.”
In March, the Cimas hosted a mission education team from Resurrection Lutheran Church (RLC) in Cary, North Carolina. The team included RLC’s pastor and former OIM missionary, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Blanke, who had served in Japan for over 20 years. The team traveled across three provinces to see firsthand the ministry of CLC churches in the rural areas of the country. Witnessing two baptisms was a special blessing that testifies to the growing church. Visiting and learning about other Lutheran ministries working in Cambodia rounded out the mission education trip.
We give thanks to the Lord for working through His servants the Cimas and their commitment to the ministry in Cambodia. Short-term teams serve important roles in spreading the Gospel and showing mercy.
Are you or your church looking to serve short-term in Asia? Opportunities are currently open and as this program expands, prayerfully consider how the Lord of the harvest might use you to fill these needs.
