Laos

Answer to Prayer

Rapid church growth, despite restrictions and persecution. Almost all of the evangelism (and the churches that result) is led by indigenous Laotians. Growth is happening among several different peoples, in rural and urban areas, and throughout the country.

Challenge for Prayer

The suffering Church has recognized that persecution is one factor in its growth – persecution keeps them praying and relying on God. The situation has improved very slightly; but at the local and village levels, Christians still find themselves to be targets. Persistent social pressure and the prevention of building new church buildings are two primary opposition strategies. Persecution takes personal forms as well, with strong spiritual opposition compounding family and social pressures to continue practicing traditions. Pray for:

a) Perseverance and grace for those who must endure, especially those singled out by persecutors. Property has been seized, and ministers arrested and even killed.

b) Increased openness to evangelism, church planting and building – not illegal, yet still obstructed by the government. Much growth, by necessity, takes place “underground” in house groups, since the more formal congregations are watched and must be cautious. Pray for continued boldness to share the gospel.

c) Discipleship, teaching and biblical literacy for all who respond to Christ. Pray that believers will grow strong in faith and not fall away. Pray also that they become salt and light in their own society, and in a way that is truly Lao.

d) A cross-cultural missions vision in the church to reach the many ethnic minorities.

     For an additional 5 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.