Dr. Sahara Chea’s book, Healing the Wounds of Cambodia, reveals the lessons he has learned in his pastoral ministry working with victims of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. He gives an overview of the Cambodian community, Dr. Chea’s outreach program, and his strategies for healing. The book will be available at the event.
Rev. Dr. Sahara Chea is the first Cambodian Presbyterian Ordained Minister in the Presbyterian Church USA. He is a former refugee, surviving a youth labor camp, and the atrocity and genocide of the Killing Fields of Cambodia. He came to the US without any formal education, graduated from high school as Valedictorian, and went on to receive a Master of Divinity. In 2006, Dr. Chea received his Doctor of Ministry with research studies on Pastoral Care in the Cambodian Community. He is the founder of the National Cambodian Presbyterian Council, currently serving as general secretary and Vice-Chair of the Southeast Asian Advisory Committee for the National Office of the General Assembly. He completed a month-long research study on Khmer History in 2011. He is pastor of the First Cambodian Presbyterian Ministry and leads a prayer service for healing and forgiveness at the Salishan Garden Community Center every Sunday at 4401 E. R St. in Tacoma..