So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

-Romans 12:5

The Story

In 2011, the Hmong Fellowship Church (HFC) in Vietnam, with over 140,000 members, invited Rev. Bounkeo Lor, a WELS pastor, to provide thorough theological training. In 2018, WELS was invited by the Vietnamese government and HFC to establish a theological education center near Hanoi. Despite pandemic-related delays, the center is now completed and includes a chapel, classrooms, and dormitory space for 60 students.

Theological education, led by full-time professors Rev. Bounkeo Lor and Rev. Joel Nitz, equips Hmong pastors to train other spiritual leaders, even launching rural training programs to reach more congregations. Plans are underway for Lor and Nitz to relocate to Hanoi to oversee the program, with paperwork finalization expected by July 2023.

Why Vietnam?

My previous work abroad brought me to Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar and through those trips I gained a deep love and appreciation for Southeast Asia. Those trips were short term projects in which I documented small scale specific elements of larger projects for various organizations. My hope for Vietnam is to build deep relationships and return as often as possible to tell a long form story. The size of the church and the momentum in Vietnam means the opportunities to find individuals to follow is huge.

The Process

  • Research and Context

    I will study the history and current status of Christianity in Vietnam, focusing on the Lutheran Church. I'll also examine the challenges, successes, unique aspects, and noteworthy events and individuals within the Vietnamese Christian community.

  • Storytelling Approach

    I'll plan the photo story's narrative structure, deciding if it's chronological, individual-focused, or diverse in content. I'll also define the key themes and messages I intend to convey through the photographs.

  • Access & Connections

    I'll locate crucial contacts within the Vietnamese Lutheran Church to aid my access to pastors, teachers, families, and villages. I'll seek local guidance to ensure cultural sensitivity and a deeper understanding of their connection with the church. Additionally, I'll identify a Vietnamese collaborator within the church to serve as a translator and fixer.

  • Ethical Considerations

    I'll consider the ethical aspects of photographing sensitive subjects, ensuring proper consent. I'll also be culturally sensitive, respecting norms and potential community impact.

The Outcomes

The outcomes of this project are multifaceted and aim to create a comprehensive narrative of the journey. Firstly, a vlog-style series will offer an engaging visual documentation, providing viewers with an immersive experience of the project's progress and the stories uncovered. A photo book will serve as a tangible keepsake and historical document, allowing readers to explore the images and narratives in a printed format.

Additionally, an online photo library will make the project accessible to a wider audience. A project blog will provide in-depth stories and insights from the field, delving into the lives and experiences of the Christian community in Vietnam. Lastly, an Instagram page dedicated to the project will offer updates, highlights, and a platform for engagement and interaction with a global audience, helping to spread the project's message and significance.

The Timeline

A long-term photography project distinguishes itself through its extended duration and in-depth exploration of a subject or theme. Unlike short-term projects that capture moments or events within a limited timeframe, long-term projects allow photographers to immerse themselves in their subject matter, fostering deeper connections and a comprehensive understanding. These projects often involve extended research, ongoing relationships with subjects, and the ability to document changes over time. This approach enables photographers to reveal multifaceted narratives and evolving stories, offering a more profound and nuanced perspective on their chosen topic. Long-term projects require dedication, patience, and the capacity to adapt to the dynamic nature of the subject, resulting in a richer, more in-depth photographic narrative.

The Team

  • Ben Lundsten

    PHOTOGRAPHER - PROJECT LEAD

  • (Seeking)

    WRITER - PRODUCER

  • (Looking For)

    FILMMAKER - BEHIND THE SCENES PRODUCER

  • (Looking For)

    VIETNAM FIXER - LOCATION PRODUCER

Let’s work together.

Interested in joining the team? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly!

How can you help?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.