Franklin Graham Recognizes Cambodian Church Leaders and Honors Government Officials in Phnom Penh

Franklin Graham Recognizes Cambodian Church Leaders and Honors Government Officials in Phnom Penh

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 22, 2026 — Franklin Graham was privileged to recognize the Cambodian church and the more than 2,800 pastors and church leaders who welcomed him to Phnom Penh for the Fellowship Meal with Christians from Cambodia this morning.

“This is my 6th time in Cambodia. My first visit was more than 20 years ago. At that time there were just a few tall buildings. There has been so much growth in Phnom Penh, I hardly recognize it—it shows the strength of the Cambodian people,” Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said to attendees. “I have come because I have been invited by the churches to preach and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an honor to be here with these leaders who represent the church, and I am grateful to the government officials who have been open and supportive of the churches in their provinces.”

There were 100 Cambodian government officials in attendance as well as Bridgette Walker, United States of America Chargé d’Affaires to Cambodia, at the historic luncheon between government dignitaries and church leaders at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibit Center.

His Excellency Sear Sopheaktr, Secretary of State, Ministry of Cults and Religion, recognized the importance of the church, saying, “Christians in Cambodia are one of our great strengths to help Cambodia’s growth.”

After expressing his gratitude to the churches and the government, Rev. Graham asked the pastors to join together in prayer for all the government officials leading Cambodia.

Pastor Sokhourn said he was grateful for the unique opportunity to gather with other pastors from all 25 provinces, “Sometimes if we don’t get to meet other Christians who are serving God together as the body of Christ, sometimes we feel weak and we feel weary. Then we meet each other like this and we can encourage each other and make us have more passion to serve God.”

Reverend Graham is looking forward to preaching in Siem Reap this weekend at the invitation of 475 churches in the ancient city and the surrounding provinces.

All are welcome to attend the free and family-friendly festival at the Former Siem Reap International Airport. The event will begin at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday night, featuring live music from different Christian artists each night, including Sim Chanponloue, the United Siem Reap Worship Team, award-winning American singer TAYA, and Christian worship band The Afters.

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DOWNLOAD PHOTOS OF RELIEF EFFORTS AND VIDEO FOR THE LOVE SIEM REAP FESTIVAL: https://media.billygraham.org/love-siem-reap-festival-with-franklin-graham-press-room-english/

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23: Franklin Graham will be available at a press conference in the Grand Room of the Courtyard Siem Reap Resort located at No 0609 Road 6A Phum Chongkoesou, Khum Slor Kham.
5:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25: Journalists are invited to attend Love Siem Reap Festival at the Former Siem Reap International Airport. Audio connections and a workspace will be provided.

MEDIA CONTACT: To request an interview or to RSVP to cover Love Siem Reap Festival, contact Soeu Visai at +85512227308 or svisai@billygraham.org.

ABOUT FRANKLIN GRAHAM AND THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION

Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. Franklin Graham is continuing the lifelong work of his father, Billy Graham, who preached to millions across southeast Asia. Franklin Graham first shared the message of God’s love in Phnom Penh in 2019, which was one of the largest Christian outreaches in Cambodian history. The event had a tremendous impact on the growing church in the country, and many of the people whose lives changed during that outreach are now partnering with Franklin Graham and BGEA to reach Siem Reap once more with the power of the Gospel.

Franklin Graham held his first evangelistic event in 1989, and since then, he has preached at more than 346 outreaches in 55 countries. Last year, Rev. Graham proclaimed the hope of Jesus Christ in Brussels, Belgium; London, England; and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After preaching in Siem Reap, he is looking forward to sharing the Gospel in Lima, Peru; Ushuaia, Argentina; Madrid, Spain, and Manchester, United Kingdom, in the coming months.