Laotian Baptist Fellowship Hosts Record Gathering in Oklahoma
The United Lao Southern Baptist Fellowship marked its largest gathering to date as more than 340 Laotian believers and guests from 34 churches across 12 states convened for the fourth annual meeting at Southern Nazarene University from June 27 to 29.
Led by Fellowship President Patrick Sookaserm, the event emphasized unity, spiritual growth, and leadership training. “One of the key things for us is fellowship,” Sookaserm noted. “Everyone looks forward to this conference—to share, learn, and strengthen the body of Christ.”
Southern Baptist engagement with Laotian communities dates back to 1971, with churches emerging in the U.S. following increased immigration after the 1975 political shift in Southeast Asia. While Laotian Southern Baptist churches began forming in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a unified national structure wasn’t established until 2019, when the Lao Southern and Eastern Baptist fellowships merged into one.
The COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person meetings for two years, intensifying the desire to reconnect. “This is why we are willing to drive such long distances,” Sookaserm said. “We want the fellowship.”
The 2025 gathering centered on the theme “Love God; Serve Others,” inspired by Matthew 22:37-39. Worship services were led by teams from Lao Liberty Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Lao Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama. English-language sessions were guided by the Lao-English-Adult-Fellowship (LEAF) and Lao Baptist Youth (LBY).
Guest speakers included several pastors from Laotian congregations nationwide, sharing messages and experiences to encourage spiritual growth and community outreach. Speakers included Boon Vongsurith from Amarillo, Texas; Houmphan Vongsurith from Dallas; Soulin Xaiyarath from Toledo, Ohio; and Jacob Sisombath, a youth advisor in Dallas.
Workshops catered to a wide range of church roles and needs, covering topics such as church health, new believers, preaching, Sunday School, marriage, and family. Separate youth sessions explored the importance of evangelism and discipleship, while children participated in tailored activities and joined general services at select times. The Lao Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) also led sessions on missions, prayer, and giving.
According to its mission, the fellowship exists to strengthen Laotian Baptist churches across the U.S. and beyond, equipping leaders and members to share the Gospel with Laotian communities around the world. Ezra Bae, Asian Network Strategist for the International Mission Board, addressed attendees on expanding mission efforts both domestically and internationally.
The fellowship’s business session confirmed organizational bylaws and leadership elections. Sookaserm, who also pastors First Lao Baptist Church in Tomball, Texas, was re-elected as president for a second three-year term. Other elected officers included Vice President (West) Henry Chan of Oklahoma City; Vice President (East) Vanpet Saysombath of Salisbury, North Carolina; Secretary Sassy Sabchareum of Nashville, Tennessee; Treasurer Phayboun Siluangkhot of Tomball, Texas; and Assistant Treasurer Vien Paphanchith of Lima, Ohio.
The next annual meeting is scheduled for June 12–14, 2026, at the Tennessee Baptist conference center in Newport, Tennessee, marking the first time the event will take place in the eastern U.S.
As the fellowship continues to grow, it seeks collaboration with other Southern Baptist churches and associations to reach Laotians across North America and around the globe. “We are one in Christ,” Sookaserm said. “We are working in cooperation with one another and with Southern Baptists to help each other grow and impact the whole world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.”