PHNOM PENH, Cambodia-Saturday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground for its new temple at Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission President Veasna Kuonno Neang presided at the meeting and offered the dedicatory prayer.

Upon its completion and dedication, this will be the first temple for the Salt Lake City-based faith in Cambodia.

Cambodia consists of 15,187 Latter-day Saints and two stakes in the Phnom Penh Mission.

Phnom Penh North Stake President Bunhouch Eng spoke at the ceremony, recounting his feelings of when then-Church president Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated Cambodia for missionary work in 1996.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Sister Hong Channy and Sister Yos Srey Nouch.

Pres. Neang encouraged all Cambodian Latter-day Saints to obtain a temple recommend and live a life worthy of it.