News Story

Beaches of Sihanoukville Flooded With Service 

Beaches of Sihanoukville were flooded with over 400 Young, energetic Single Adult volunteers, ages 18 to 30, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A massive cleanup was undertaken, Saturday, September 24, 2016. They came from the North and South Congregations of the Church in Phnom Penh, arriving on ten buses, following the five-hour travel. Wearing bright yellow “helping hands” vests and smiles they came with a simple, but worthy goal, a day devoted to service.

Kang Dinath, Minister of Cult and Religion of Sihanouk Province, and Kim Lee, Under Secretary, welcomed and addressed the large group of young people to express gratitude for their community service in Sihanoukville.        

The beach clean-up has been planned for over six months. The project, when completed, yielded hundreds of bags of debris and garbage which had littered several kilometers of beach-front. Clearing the area makes the beach more attractive for visitors and local families to enjoy with the added benefit of an environmentally improved atmosphere at this popular Oceanside retreat. The participants were both energized and grateful to provide this service for their fellow Cambodians.  Conversations overheard included:  I’m happy to be here to help the community.” Another said “this experience teaches ways to help and serve one another.”  

A local caterer, hired by church leaders, provided a delicious lunch, followed by an enjoyable swim and games in the ocean, developing new friendships and strengthening relationships.

Everyone, on this day, benefitted because of this service project: The beaches of Sihanoukville, the local economy, and especially the participants who shared their time and energy in the service of others as we believe Jesus Christ taught.

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