Home is a place where love pervades, hope is cherished, and all are welcomed; I have found such a home.

Mp3 Download of Lao Lutheran music #1 (695 KB)

Realaudio of Lao Lutheran music #1 (692 KB)

Mp3 Download of Lao Lutheran music #2 (936 KB)

Realaudio of Lao Lutheran music #2 (1.47 MB)

Meet the Laos Evangelical Lutheran Church
The majority of Laos Evangelical Lutheran Church members are newly arrived immigrants—strangers in a strange country. Although they are recent residents here in Minnesota, they make all guests and visitors feel not only welcomed, but a part of their family; they generously invite you to make yourself at home.

As I talked to their Pastor, Thiem Baccam, I came to understand that for many of the members, living as strangers is nothing new. Many of the members already felt somewhat displaced in their native land. Being Christian in a primarily Buddhist place is often cause for distrust, antagonism, and open hostility. After moving from their homeland to countries such as Thailand or the Philippines, they were again strangers. Now, here in the United States, they once again find themselves in a foreign place, often far from family, longing for their homeland. While Christians have often talked about being "Wayfaring Strangers," the Laos Evangelical Lutheran Church has a deeper understanding of being pilgrims in this world, looking for a "promised land" and a home to call their own.

Laotian Lutheranism
The Laos Evangelical Lutheran Church is supported by the Lutheran synod, and its members consider themselves to be Lutheran, but their worship service is different from most other Lutheran services I have been to. The entire service is in Laotian. An English-speaking youth group has a separate service at the church. There is no organ music. Also, there is no typical communion service. However, there is no question that this is a group of Lutherans. One belief of the Lutheran church is that congregations should be free to retain cultural practices that are in agreement with Christian morals and philosophy. There is therefore quite a high level of diversity in various Lutheran services.

Lutheranism in Laos
Another factor that makes this particular church interesting is the fact that there is not a strong Lutheran presence in Laos. In Laos, Christianity is tolerated, yet no churches may be built. Furthermore, church denominations are not allowed to proselytize under their denominational names. While there has been a presence of Catholics, Baptists, Assembly of God, and Seventh Day Adventists, Lutherans are not highly visible. For most Laotian Christians, denominational divisions are quite secondary; being a Christian is of prime importance. Through the work of several individuals, including Pastor Baccam, the congregation of Laotian Christians grew. With the support of the Lutheran synod and partnership of churches, they found a home in which to meet.

When we first visited the church, Leu Lougiu welcomed us in, and explained the background and history of the church. What struck me most was his intense desire to share with other Laotians the gospel message. He explained how difficult it is to talk to Buddhists about Christianity. He also discussed how family tensions often mount when one member of a family becomes interested in Christianity. With these seemingly insurmountable challenges it is easy to become discouraged. Both Pastor Baccam and Leu shared how they are working continually to strengthen and build up the church they so deeply love. Whether from personal experience, or their work with others, they understand the high price of Christianity. They know what it is to be ostracized by family, ridiculed by community, and scrutinized by government. They understand the struggle it is to share the gospel with other Laotians here in Minnesota. Yet they also sincerely believe that the gospel is indeed "good news," and they burn with a passion to help others find the same joy and inner peace that they believe only Jesus can offer.

"Laotian" Music
Being a student of music at the University of Minnesota, I was primarily interested in the musical diversity of the city. Thus, I was fascinated to see how different musical styles, cultures, and influences were brought together in the Laos church. The music does not make use of very many Laotian folk tunes, or traditional instruments. Indeed, the only "Laotian" instrument used was a small finger cymbal. Nonetheless, the music is authentic in the sense that it is sincere, meaningful, and a natural expression of their worship. As a student of composition where "scholarly" music must be individualistic and musically "interesting," the worship music of the Laos church was both refreshing and appealing. All of the energy of the musicians (every member of the church is a musician) is focused upon one thing: glorifying God.

For anyone interested in joining the Laos church, or in supporting the ministry to reach other Laotians in the Twin Cities, please contact Pastor Baccam at (612) 374-4632.