Thanksgiving is a time Americans connect with their roots. But what about those with roots in another culture? Do they celebrate Thanksgiving? Many do. Each year the Loma Linda Cambodian group, who are also members of the University Church, holds a Thanksgiving celebration.

Lang Van, who is their pastor and has pioneered the work for the Cambodian refugees in the Loma Linda area, says, “As we have learned about Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for—our God, friends, church and the opportunities in America.” Many have come as refugees from Cambodia seeking shelter from oppression.

About 120 Cambodians, including members from the Long Beach Church in the Southern California Conference, friends, many young people and children, met at the Loma Linda Church complex Nov. 22 for a Thanksgiving program and festival of food. Guest Jan Webb McQuistan, “Music with a Message” ministry, told how her music provides funds so she can help others. Also participating in the program were the Cambodian adult choir, children’s choir, young musicians and a drama team.

Van came to Loma Linda in 1992 and began working with a few Cambodian families who were interested in the Adventist message. She had completed a theology degree in France and had also worked as a missionary pastor for refugees along the Cambodian-Thai border and in Paris, France. She is one of only four Cambodian Adventist pastors known to have a theology degree.

Van began working with the handful of Cambodians, preaching in their language on Sabbaths, giving Bible studies, translating reading material for them and assisting them in learning the ways of a new country. In 1996, the Southeastern California Conference invited her to be the pastor for the group. Her work also includes translating and editing the Sabbath School Quarterly, Steps to Christ, and The Bible Speaks into Cambodian.

Today the group of about 50 individuals, plus friends, is growing, largely due to Van’s mentoring and the members’ willingness to befriend others. They join the University Church for morning services, then meet in room 207 at 4 p.m. for worship services in their own language. About 17,000 Cambodians live in the area.

“Christianity is entirely new to most Cambodians,” observes Van. “This makes the Cambodian work a mission field and a pioneer work. They did not have anything when they came here with few friends or relatives to help. They need so many things: work, transportation, a place to live and help with the English language.” Until these physical needs are met, it is difficult to talk about religion.

By offering practical help to families, Van finds openings to share spiritual truth. For example, Van met a mother of eight children at the market who confided that she wanted her children to learn Cambodian since they were attending school in English. When the mother learned that Van had once been a teacher in Cambodia, she asked her to give the children language lessons.

During one of these classes, a visiting relative asked if her son could join. She and Van became friends, paving the way for Bible studies. Eventually the mother and her two sons were baptized.

Another woman came to Van seeking work. Van helped her find a job which enabled her to support her four children. One of the children has been baptized and some of the family members are now attending church.

“My work is challenging, seeing people’s lives changed for Christ and grow to have the love of God in their hearts and learn to accept new responsibilities.” says Van.