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GlobalPrayerGuide

Laos
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Overview:

The Communist government, in conjunction with Buddhist monks, persecutes Christians, with the exception of the government-controlled Lao Evangelical Church. Poverty, lack of infrastructure and mountainous terrain make evangelistic outreach challenging. Thanks to bold evangelists, churches continue to grow even as they experience ongoing persecution.

Major Religion:

60 percent of Laotians consider themselves to be Buddhists, but most practice a syncretistic version of Buddhism mixed with tribal animism. 4 percent are Christians.

Persecutor:

Most believers are persecuted by family members or village authorities concerned that Christians offend the spirits, and the central government restricts Christian activity.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Laos

Some in Laos, particularly those in government leadership, view Christianity as a foreign religion and a tool used by the West to undermine the Communist Laotian regime. There are many house churches and some church buildings, but the vast majority do not have a trained pastor. Laotian authorities sometimes arrest Christians and detain them for up to a week in attempts to control Christian activity. Christians are commonly denied medical treatment as well as educational and other social services.

Access To Bibles

Bibles are not sold in bookstores. Government-sanctioned churches sell Bibles, and other organizations are able to bring Bibles in with legal permission. But the government restricts and opposes Bible and Christian literature distribution of any significant size. Give Bibles

VOM Work

VOM distributes Bibles, prints Christian literature and provides audio devices containing Scripture and discipleship resources. VOM also responds to persecution incidents by relocating families inside Laos and providing food and other needs. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for training designed to help tribal Christians persevere through persecution and boldly share the gospel.
  • Ask the Lord to comfort and strengthen the family of Pastor Thongkham Philavanh, who was martyred in 2024.
  • Pray for those like Somanid, Xing, Dong and Kaew who have been rejected by families and villages because of their faith.
  • Praise the Lord that Laotian churches continue to grow even as they suffer persecution.
  • Pray that Bibles and Christian literature will reach every Christian in Laos, despite government restrictions.
  • Pray the blessings of Psalm 103 for our Laotian brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring persecution.