[Field Story] Christian Persecution in Laos is Becoming More like that of China... “Doing Missions Like the Underground Churches in China”

Voice of Martyrs Korea representative Hyun Sook Poly said, “As China’s influence on the Laotian government’s religious policy increases, the method of distributing Bibles to Laotian Christians has changed from large-scale distribution to individual delivery.”

Recently, we worked together with local ministers in Laos to secretly deliver Bibles to 500 church leaders and 1,600 church members. In addition, 660 hymns were also delivered.

Representative Hyun Sook Poly said, “Laos not only shares a border with China, but also shares communist ideology, which includes strong religious restrictions.”

It is explained that “the Christian population in Laos was 400 in 1994, but has exceeded 250,000 in 2020, and is expected to exceed 400,000 by the end of 2023. “This surge in the Christian population has led to trials for the Christian community in Laos.”

The main trials that come from outside are persecution and restrictions. Most persecution of Christians in Laos is carried out by families or village officials who are worried that Christianity will anger the spirits they believe in.

The spirits are not the only ones that the villagers worry about upsetting, because Laos government officials are also monitoring the growth of unregistered churches with concern.

(Omitted)

Source: Christian Today

This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (John 18:9)

Heavenly Father who loves Laos,

We hear that our brothers and sisters in Laos are facing difficulties due to China's growing influence on the Laos government's religious policies.

Lord, we declare that neither communist ideology nor any persecution or regulation can take away our Laotian brothers and sisters who love Jesus.

Bless the 400,000 brothers and sisters in Laos who believe in Jesus at this time and anoint them abundantly. Help them overcome the world with faith until the end and may they prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

What we especially seek for is that they be filled with the heart of our Jesus who wants to save everyone without losing a single soul.

Please awaken the Laotian church that witness the gospel of life unto their own people and the ASEAN peoples!

May it lead to a holy missions movement among the young generations of Laos and ASEAN countries.

May Jesus Christ, who became life of all nations, be exalted alone!