Laos

Laos

Click to enlarge
In 1975 the Communist Pathet Lao took over this land and established a one-party state under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the socialist government's slow reforms. Eighty-five percent of the poLaos was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the government’s slow reforms.

Religion: Buddhist 61.05%, Traditional ethnic 31.20%, non-Religious/other 4.20%, Christian 1.85%, Muslim 1.10%, Chinese 0.50%, and Baha’i 0.10%

Ideological Influence: Communism

Head of State: President Gen. Khamtai Siphandon

Persecution: The three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. House-church meetings are raided, and Lao Christians are arrested, while foreign Christians are expelled. Communist leaders in some districts have implemented a program called “New Mechanism,” in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Christian villagers also have been forced to sign a document renouncing their faith. If they refuse, they are forced to leave their homes, and their property is either seized or destroyed.

Missionary Opportunity: The church has grown despite persecution and restrictions. There have been reports of entire villages turning to Christ. There has been a significant turning to Christ among the Hmong and Khmu people. pulation are subsistence farmers. Today, the three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. Communist leaders in some districts have recently implemented a program called "New Mechanism," in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Pray for salvation among Communist Party members.

1 Peter 5:8-10
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin