World Watch List 2010:

#9. Laos

The church is relatively small but continues to grow (about 200,000 believers, mostly belonging to ethnic minorities). There was no improvement in religious liberty in the reporting period.

Persecution in Laos includes a few restrictions in legislation. The government's attitude is very negative and restrictive towards Christians, and all believers are under strict surveillance because they are regarded as agents for the USA to bring political change in Laos towards "democracy." The church cannot operate freely and its activities in society are limited.

Christians are restricted in their roles in the family and in the village. Christian converts who renounce evil spirit worship come under great societal pressure. From time to time believers are arrested, and many of them experience extreme physical and emotional pressure (torture) to renounce their faith.

In the reporting period, two Christians were killed; two Christians were in jail while at least another 21 were arrested and held without trial. Christians were physically harassed on a regular basis and a small number of churches were destroyed or damaged. Despite the high level of persecution in Laos, there are many unregistered activities and the church seems to be growing.

About the Church (Persecution: Severe limitations)

  • Believers in Laos are under rigid surveillance and are episodically arrested in order to intimidate them from their faith.
  • Christians are considered to be U.S.A. agents, and their patriotism is doubted.
  • Hmong Christians experience more persecutions.
  • The amount of Christian appears to be growing, however 80% of them experience intimidation, discrimination and suffering for their faith.
  • The current church congregation need training ad discipleship
  • There is a shortage of Khmu bibles
  • The communist government still believes to an extent that the church is a tool of the U.S. government to uproot their political system.
  • Buddhism is the primary religion, so Christians are considered a minority group, and obtain little loyalty from their neighbors.

Examples of Persecution:

  1. Timothy* was arrested for preaching in 2001, and was shot in 1994 by unidentified suspects that he thinks must've been people who hate Christians. LA - God at Work (16 Oct 09)
  2. Local authorities tore down a church, with help of some of the villagers. They do not believe that Christians should have a place to worship. SEA: Laos (Level 2)--Christian Church Torn Down (16 Oct 09)

Quote:

  • "I have been serving the Lord for 20 years now. I've experienced many trials because of my faith. Once, I was shot while I was on my way to preach to a church. I was also imprisoned, and then, my wife got very sick. People in my village said that these 'bad things' were happening to me because of my faith in Christ... God granted me peace in midst of my trials, because I know that the Holy Spirit is at work in me," said Kaleb. SEA: Laos - God at Work (16 Oct 09)

Prayer Points:

  • For the Christians - around 150 - who were arrested last year, some of whom are still in jail
  • For unity, integrity and godly leadership in the Church
  • That church members, mostly in rural areas where poverty and lack of healthcare is common, will know God's strength and provision for their needs.
 
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