Pastor Henrik Lidman
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Pastor Henrik Lidman is Mason County’s newest American citizen. After 28 years of legally living in the United States, Lidman was sworn in as a citizen on Thursday, July 17. The delay in earning his citizenship was a result of several factors, but his love for the U.S. has been deep.
Henrik, 57, is senior pastor of Prayer & Praise Assembly of God, a position he has held since 2009. He was born and raised in Sweden where his parents owned a bakery.
He first visited the United States in 1989 where, at 23, he served with the international Christian organization Youth with a Mission in Tyler, Texas. There, he met Dawn Thompson of Ludington. Two years later, they were married and moved back to Sweden. While in Sweden, in 1995, he applied for and received a United States Permanent Resident Card, also known as a “green card.” Being married to an American qualified him for permanent residency, but it wasn’t simple.
“They actual put us in two separate rooms and scrutinized us,” Henrik said. “They wanted to make sure we were actually married for legitimate reasons not just so I could live in America.”
In 1997, the Lidmans moved to Ludington where Henrik became the associate pastor of Dawn’s home church, Prayer & Praise Assembly of God, serving under senior pastor Robert Wrasse.
Life happened. The Lidmans raised their three children in Ludington. Eventually, Henrik became senior pastor of the church. The kids each got married. Grandkids came along.
Additionally, Henrik wanted to retain his Swedish citizenship.
“I had always wanted to have dual citizenship,” he said. “This was mostly because I had never thought we would stay in Ludington. I had always envisioned myself getting into the international missionary field. Sweden has traditionally been a more neutral country and therefore there is less hassle using a Swedish passport in certain nations. Over the last few years Sweden has taken a little stronger stance on national defense and its role on the world stage. I was never assured prior that I could maintain dual citizenship, but that has been resolved.”
Henrik said he has been proud to be a resident of the United States.
“I’ve often called myself the most patriotic non-citizen in Mason County,” he laughed.
However, this new American citizen has been an integral part of the Ludington community. For the past several years he has served as chaplain of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. He has led many efforts to unite area church leaders and worshippers during his tenure as senior pastor. He served as president of Covenant Christian School.
The events that led up to Thursday were a little anti-climatic but certainly have a story he can tell his grandchildren.
“There are basically five steps you have to go through to become a citizen,” Henrik said. “This starts with the application process and background checks. Then there’s a citizenship examination, which is what I had to take on Thursday in Troy.”
When he completed the exam, the examiner printed his completion form (step 4) and then said he would need to set up an appointment for a swearing-in ceremony, which typically take place in Grand Rapids or Detroit.
“My mother, who lives in Sweden, isn’t in the best of health. During this whole application process, you’re not allowed to leave the country. So, I just made the comment that I was wondering how quickly I could get sworn in, due to my mother’s health.”
The examiner then excused herself. She shortly returned and asked Henrik to raise his hand.
“It was kind of surreal. It was happening right then and there,” Henrik said.
His wife, Dawn, wasn’t allowed in the testing facility, so she was waiting in the parking lot.
“I came walking out with tears in my eyes, clutching a little flag and certificate,” Henrik said. “Dawn came rushing up wondering what had happened. It just is incredible. I can’t even describe what it feels like. To actually become an American citizen.”
Henrik was so excited that on Friday morning he went to the Michigan Secretary of State office to register to vote.
“They were very nice there but kindly explained that my citizenship information hadn’t gone through the system yet. But, they took my information and said that it should happen with in about 10 days. I then went to the Social Security office. Same thing. They were very happy for me, but had to wait a little bit.”
Regardless, Mason County’s newest American citizen is ready to perform his patriotic duties. Lidman also gave credit to attorney Carlos Alvarado for his help in the process.
“I just love this country and all it stands for. I am so proud to be a part of it.”
Congratulations, Pastor Henrik!
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