Loas

Laos 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 Siphadon

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. Significant numbers are turning to Christ among the Hmong and Khmu people.

Something not often known is that the Hmong people came from the mountains of Loas. Their young men were recruited by the Americans to help in the Vietnam War and as refugees have come to America. Many of them have settled in WI and MN. Loas is a very diverse country in a influential part of the world. There are christians in Loas who need our prayers.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.... By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Hebrews 11:1, 5-6 NASB).

God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin