The
Church in Laos
It is written: "I believe therefore
I have spoken." With the same
spirit of faith we also believe and
therefore speak..."
2 Co. 4:13
What was true for the Apostle Paul
proves true today. We see many people
expressing this same passion to communicate
God's truth to this generation.
Despite the obstacles, scores of
people from around the world are
doing their part to communicate the
gospel and make disciples in Laos.
To date, around 600 people have participated
in some form of direct evangelism
as part of an operation to flood
the land of Laos with the Good News.
These short-term missionaries have
utilised almost 500,000 pieces of
Gospel material to speak forth the
message.
To accomplish this task means that
they have faced great risk to person
and freedom in order to share the
message. We pray that more labourers
will come, as the workers are few
in comparison to the enormous needs
to reach all 127 unreached people
groups in Laos.
Laos, as a restricted country, has
no warm feelings toward the Church
of Jesus Christ. While there are
visible churches (Lao Evangelical
Church) within the country, their
existence is only out of obligation
to the international community and
the United Nations.
In Laos, Christianity, is one of
the most watched sectors of life
and society. As a result, the government
requires that all churches be registered
and regulated according to their
policies. Not surprisingly, many
churches have arisen over the past
few years and have refused to register
with the government.
These churches are characterised
and known as underground or house
churches. This church is rarely ever
seen by foreigners, but is alive
and growing. Pray for the believers.
Could it be that GOD would have
you GO to Laos?
Could you put together a team from
your church or group for hands on
ministry in Laos? Hundreds more are
needed to deliver and distribute
Christian media inside Laos. Please
get in touch if you think you can
help.
A Diary of
Persecution
Here are just some of the actions
taken by Laos authorities this year.
Many Christians have been commanded
to sign documents recanting their
faith. If they refuse they may be
forced out of their villages, losing
their land and homes.
April
Three Christian families were evicted from the parsonage of the Kengkok Church.
Authorities earlier confiscated the church building and converted it into
a pre-school.
April
Police arrested Mr. Ton and Mr. Seurn, the two leaders of the Nong-ing Church.
They also tore down the church with their hands.
March
Mr. Koy, a Christian from the Bru ethnic group, was arrested for leading a
worship service. Fourteen leaders and their wives were expelled from their
village and the church forced to close.
March
A church in Chonburi was forced to close. Believers began worshipping outside
the building but authorities stopped this also.
March
A church building in Kengkok was confiscated and turned into a government building.
January
Police arrested six Christians for holding a Christmas service in Kengkok.
They are being held in the Jampon District Prison |
