LAOS: ‘families expelled FROM THEIR HOMES AND VILLAGE for their faith in Jesus’

Please pray for six families that have been living together in a small safehouse after being exiled from their community in Laos. they share everything – above all their faith in Jesus, which is the reason why they’re currently all living together. 

Earlier last year, each family was expelled from their village in northern Laos for converting from their traditional practices to Christianity. Their choice immediately sparked the anger of the local authorities – even though the constitution of Laos supposedly upholds freedom of religion or belief for all. 

The families were invited by the village elders for interrogation. There, an ultimatum was given. 

“We’ll give you two options,” said the village chief. “Leave your faith or leave the village.” 

Choosing to stay faithful came with consequences. “If they stay in Christ, their houses will be demolished and they will leave the community with an empty hand.” 

Faced with a near-impossible choice, the believers decided to keep following Jesus. Thirty of them, young and old, gathered their belongings and prepared to leave their birthplace. The families now live in a rented safehouse – a tiny room to accommodate 14 adults, 4 teenagers and 10 children. It was hard to get enough food to feed them all. 

Hearing of their situation, Open Doors local partners visited the believers, bringing financial support, food and much-needed encouragement. The families hope to move out soon with what they have saved from their labour – but that hope seems distant given the high price of land. Local partners continue to stand with them, supporting them spiritually and practically. 

Stand with exiled believers in Laos 

The case of these families is a common experience for believers in Laos. Christianity is viewed as a foreign religion and a threat to the ways of traditional village life. Any freedom believers have is left to the discretion of local authorities and communities. In the face of such opposition, many followers of Christ are forced from their homes to practise their faith underground, out of sight of persecutors. 

What makes all the difference for underground believers is knowing that they aren’t alone. Your prayers and support can remind them that they share their faith with a global church family – and that their heavenly home is a treasure worth more than any home on earth. Please stand with them today. 

*Names changed for security reasons