Imagine a small beacon of faith. It shines in the heart of Paris for the Cambodian community. That beacon is the Église Évangélique Cambodgienne.
The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne has a story. It is a story of resilience, community, and faith. This church started from a need. Cambodians in Paris needed a place to worship and connect.
In 1988 Pastor S. Try extended his ministry. He came from Strasbourg to Paris. He founded the Église Protestante Méthodiste Khmère de Paris or EPMK. Its first location was at the paroisse Saint-Marcel. This was near the Jardin du Luxembourg. The church still shares space harmoniously with the Lutheran church.
The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2003. It began with the goal to spread the Gospel. It also aimed to meet the spiritual needs of Cambodians in Paris.
Interestingly the church in Paris began its own mission work. In 1992 the EPMK of Paris started planting churches in Cambodia. Today these churches have grown. They include many communities. They gather about 1,500 members and supporters.
The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne is ecumenical. It is also liturgical. The church welcomes everyone. This includes Cambodian believers and supporters. It also welcomes French Christians from different backgrounds. All are welcome to work with Cambodians in France and Cambodia.
The church has many activities. Sunday worship is central. Bible studies and prayer meetings are held. There are also groups for youth and children. Volunteer pastors lead these activities. They balance their ministry with their jobs. Church members often meet in homes. These meetings provide additional support.
Since 1992 the Église Évangélique Cambodgienne has supported mission work in Cambodia. It provides spiritual and financial support. The church also participates in the “Groupe de Travail pour le Cambodge”. This is part of the Mission Extérieure. It is connected to the Église Évangélique Méthodiste Suisse-France.
The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne addresses language needs. Younger Cambodians are more comfortable with French. The church has gradually introduced bilingual services. These services include both Cambodian and French. This helps young people feel included. The church wants to pass on spiritual values to the next generation.
Norman and Marie Ens pastored a small church in Canada. In 1961, they served as missionaries in Cambodia with their four children. After the Khmer Rouge took control in 1975. They relocated to France and ministered to Cambodian refugees. They also pastored a Cambodian church in Paris.
The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne stands as a beacon. It offers hope and guidance. It is a sentinel for the Asian community in Paris. It provides a space for faith and community. It welcomes all.
So as you stand here remember. The Église Évangélique Cambodgienne is more than a building. It is a living testament to faith. It is a vibrant community. It connects Cambodians to their heritage and to God.