"We are called to do the work for God's people. My job is to love you."

- Captain Brook Lopez

Shoulder Bags
Traditional Laotian Bag 

In Laos bags like these are used by Christians to carry a Bible while walking to church. Both men and women use these types of handmade bags.

Gift of Major Steve Kouthapanya

Photograph showing an Asian man wearing a white Salvation Army officer button down short sleeved shirt and black pants.Firsts
Major Steve Kounthapanya 

As a fourth-generation Christian from Laos, Major Steve Kounthapanya knows about firsts. His great-grandfather became the first Christian in Laos. In 1993, Steve became the first Salvationist in his family, and in 2001, he became the first Salvation Army Officer.

Born and raised in Laos, Steve grew up in the Methodist church; his dad was the pastor. When he and his family immigrated to the United States, he helped his dad start churches across the United States. He also became a member of the Loa Christian Conference of Churches, where he became well known for his musical abilities.

As a young man, he moved to Seattle seeking adventure. He met a Salvation Army officer in Seattle who knew Steve’s expert music and soccer skills and asked him to become the young people’s sergeant major. From 1993-1994, Steve attended The Salvation Army Corps in Seattle until his father asked him to take over his ministry in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

In 1997, the Campbell Soup factory closed, and Tecumseh’s population declined. Pastor Steve   sent his resume to Salvation Army in the Northern Division.  As a result, he was called to Minneapolis to tour the area and he agreed to open the first Laotian Corps in Minneapolis.

Twenty-five years later, Major Steve and his wife, Major Latdavanh, successfully opened three Laotian Corps across the Central Territory: Milwaukee, Rockford, and Minneapolis. Each corps they minister becomes a family. The corps is comprised primarily of Lao congregants, but also includes Burmese, Kachin, Thai, and English, whom Major Steve calls “the people’s corps.”

Khene Bamboo Mouth Organ 

The Khene (pronounced “can” in English) is the most beloved musical instrument in Laos, admired for its unique buzzing sound. Similar to a harmonica, which vibrates when air rushes past it, it is traditionally made of bamboo tubes and free-reed to produce the sound.

This flute was a gift from Major Steve Kouthapanya, a native of Laos. He and his wife, Latdavanh, opened the first Laotian corps in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrating the Laotian culture within The Salvation Army Corps.

Gift of Major Steve Kouthapanya

An instrument composted of long reeds bound together with reed. A carved wood piece, where you blow into to play the instrument, is in the center of the reeds.