LAOS: PASTOR KILLED OUTSIDE HIS HOME

A pastor in Laos, who had been BRAVELY planting churches and discipling believers, has been killed after being shot at by two masked gunmen.

Thongkham Philavanh (42), a Khmu ethnic pastor in a north western province of Laos, had just returned home from a ministry visit on 23 July when the two men arrived on a motorbike outside his home. When the pastor reached out to greet whom he thought were visitors, he was shot at in front of his wife, Sengdala. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Image: Family and friends grieve at the funeral of Pastor Thongkham in Laos

Pastor Thongkham and his wife have helped plant house churches, which have grown in number in just a matter of years. The couple is known for their love for young people and holding youth group sessions in their house.

The couple have been warned on several occasions by the authorities to stop their Christian activities. They have also been summoned by the police to the village chief’s office and asked to sign a document renouncing their faith. But the chief stopped the police and defended them, saying that the couple were role models in the community.

Pastor anticipated death

Although the case remains under investigation, Sengdala and others believe that the murder is faith related. “This was a warning…” said another pastor at the funeral. “They kill the leader to scare the members.”

For the past year, Pastor Thongkham had been telling his wife to be prepared, knowing his life was in danger and he could be taken away soon.

“He did not disclose everything that was happening,” says Sengdala. “He kept most of the burdens to himself because he wanted to protect us. He sacrificed himself to protect his family.” The couple have two teenage children.

“I need to be strong for my family, but not now, not yet this time,” she adds. “I am grateful that you came here for us.”

Image: A village in rural Laos

Open Doors local partners attended the pastor’s funeral to provide support and encouragement to his family, as well as the wider Christian community which is in shock and fear following the attack. Hundreds gathered for the funeral, reflecting the immense impact Pastor Thongkham had on so many people’s lives.

The devastating loss of Pastor Thongkham reflects the growing dangers facing Christians in Laos. In the latest World Watch List, the country was one of the biggest risers, jumping ten places to 21 amid a spike in violence against believers. Please keep our Laotian family in your prayers.