More than a dozen Christians were driven from their homes in Laos. “Three days after forcing the families out,” one source says, “the village chief and other officials burned down the fences around the believers’ rice paddies and farmlands. Dykes were destroyed and water drained from rice paddies. Officials trampled through the crops, destroying all seedlings to prevent a winter harvest.”
The new wave of persecution intensified in November 2011 as police arrested members of a house church and charged them with “conducting secret meetings.” At last report 20 Christians had been arrested.
“The arrests are just the latest in a series of violations of religious freedom.” Several Christians were imprisoned, threatened with death, and forced to sign documents renouncing their faith.
Persecution of Christians in Laos has been ongoing since the communists took over in 1975. Yet the Church in this nation is growing – now estimated to consist of about 200,000 Christian Believers. At least 150 were arrested in 2010.
Laos is number 10 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2011 of worst persecutors of Christians in the world. WIN partners pray for Laos on Day 11 of the Window International Network Praying Through the Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar.
PRAY FOR:
the salvation of key members of the communist government. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4)
the Lord to arise and scatter the satanic forces causing persecution. Petition the Lord to contend with those who are mistreating and murdering Christian Believers. (The Bible, Psalm 10:12; 35:1-3)
greater religious freedom. Pray for Christians to find favor with the government and for the Gospel to be preached throughout Laos. (The Bible, Romans 10:13,14)
Christians to remain strong and not be intimidated. Pray for the Lord to encourage them as they face opposition. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3-5)
the Lord to be present with all those who are imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to empower them to love their enemies. (The Bible, Matthew 5:43,44)
the Church in Laos to continue to grow. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation.
the salvation of key members of the communist government. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4)
the Lord to arise and scatter the satanic forces causing persecution. Petition the Lord to contend with those who are mistreating and murdering Christian Believers. (The Bible, Psalm 10:12; 35:1-3)
greater religious freedom. Pray for Christians to find favor with the government and for the Gospel to be preached throughout Laos. (The Bible, Romans 10:13,14)
Christians to remain strong and not be intimidated. Pray for the Lord to encourage them as they face opposition. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3-5)
the Lord to be present with all those who are imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to empower them to love their enemies. (The Bible, Matthew 5:43,44)
the Church in Laos to continue to grow. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation.
