Laotion Corps Christmas

Christmas is a very special time at the Hamilton Laotian Corps.  Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle were on hand to participate in the annual Christmas celebration that is a mainstay in the Corps calendar.  Auxiliary Captains Phoungern and Oudaovanh Sombounkhanh, Corps Officers, hosted the Territorial Leaders who were accompanied by Ontario Great Lakes Divisional Leaders Lieutenant-Colonels Lee and Debbie Graves and Area Commander for the Lake Ontario Region, Lieutenant-Colonel Alf Richardson (R).

The service was shared in both English and Lao and featured the Corps band, songsters, worship team, youth ministry and cultural dance.  Highlights also included the testimony of Salvationist Bouaphanh Kinkhath, a former Buddhist monk who encouraged all to seek the peace of God and find the joy that he experiences in Christ.

In his message, Commissioner Peddle recognized that regardless of our backgrounds and culture, together we are The Salvation Army with a message and a gift to share with the world.  “It is a simple message,” he said.  “A story of giving where God is the Giver.  We must open our hearts to God to receive the gift of His Son, Jesus.”    Commissioner Peddle challenged the congregation to take that gift and give it to others.

At the conclusion of the service a fellowship meal, including many traditional Lao dishes was enjoyed together.

Photos courtesy of Natasa Djermanovic, vivideye.ca