During the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of refugees came to
America from Southeast Asia, a result of the Viet Nam war. Congregations
all over were asked to help sponsor families or individuals, and my
congregation sponsored a family of eleven from the
country of Laos.
Ly and Chanh Keohavong stepped off the plane in Fargo with their
nine children one cold February day, and the children immediately
wanted to know what the cold white stuff was under their feet. The
following months were filled with many “firsts”: snow,
first big house, big car (station wagon), English school, first
shopping for groceries and warm clothes.
One of the firsts for me was the baptism of ten in one service.
Chanh soon had a baby whom I was asked to name. I named her Sarah, and
later found that they had hoped my wife and I would adopt her, a custom
among larger Lao families.
They eventually moved to New Orleans, and I heard little of them
until recently when Sarah, now mother of two, emailed me. She and I are
in contact now and have renewed our special relationship. Sarah means
“mother of nations,” (Genesis 17:16). She is the only child I have named other than my own.
In Isaiah 43:1 God says, “I have called you by name; you are mine.”
In Baptism, God gives us the name of His Son, CHRISTian. Our new name
has the promise of a special relationship with God forever. What
wonderful news for all nations!
Thank You, O Christ, for giving us Your holy name.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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