MMS signs MOU with Cambodian Government

The Rev Lim (seated left) and Mr Nim Thoth (seated right) about to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. - Methodist Missions Society picture.

By JENNIFER YEO

PHNOM PENH - Methodist Missions Society (MMS) missionaries in Phnom Penh witnessed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mr Nim Thoth, the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs of Cambodia, and the Rev Philip Lim, the MMS Country Coordinator for Cambodia, on July 18, 2007.


The signing of the MOU - shown on national TV stations here - allows the MMS to continue doing its work in Cambodia for another three years.
The Rev Lim, in his report, summarised the significant progress made by COS (Community Outreach Service) in the period of the MOU's implementation from Jan 8, 2003 to June 2007.


Mr Nim Thoth expressed his gratitude to COS for its valuable contribution in the past four-and-a-half years. He said what COS is doing is in line with the implementation and mission of the Cambodian Government on the policy of poverty reduction.


He reiterated the need of the Cambodian Government to continue working closely with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as COS to address issues which are close to their hearts.


COS was lauded not only for providing shelter, education and training for the poor children but also for instilling positive moral values in the minds of the young.
In an open and constructive dialogue that followed, Mr Nim Thoth remarked that "all religions … promote good work". In response to that, the Rev Lim said: "Christians do good because we believe that Jesus has done that already and we are only doing what He has commanded us to do."


The meeting ended with a toast, handshakes, and presentation of hampers and well wishes.

Jennifer Yeo, a missionary from Sarawak, is the English language teacher at the Methodist School of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.