home title page introduction background church structures community need and resources summary of key issues potential missional strategies conclusion

CAMBODIANS IN CRISIS

A Study of the Cambodian Population
In Long Beach, CA

7. Conclusion

In this paper we have looked at some of the unique characteristics and needs of Cambodian community in Long Beach and suggested some possible missional strategies. One thing has surely happened by examining this community - our hearts are more open to the hidden needs of others and to what the Lord would have in store for us. But, as Fong says “One thing is for sure - we are going to need more vital churches all along the flow of generations” (1999:221). We desire to see a church that reaches out to all elements and ages in the Cambodian community. A church that is not afraid of change and embraces what is good about cultural changes- not merely acting as a preservative for the past. And a church that is actively involved in the whole life of the community as a positive voice and an agent of structural change.

We would like to end this paper noting that the situation facing the Cambodian community in Long Beach is not just an internal one for the Cambodian community. Rather, it affects all of us. Ray Bakke (1997:13) rightly observes, “Mission is no longer about crossing the oceans, jungles and deserts, but about crossing the streets of the world’s cities”. As the larger Christian community in LA also takes up its responsibility towards its Cambodian brothers and sisters, we will see that “The gospel unleashes in us processes that can’t be stopped, short of social transformation” (Bakke 1997:135). Despite all of the challenges outlined in this paper, we continue to believe that the “Good News” of Jesus will bring both hope and change to the Cambodian community. We trust that this paper will serve as an encouragement and an initial resource to those who feel called to Long Beach and to our precious brothers and sisters in the Cambodian community.

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