For the second time within the past five months, the homes belonging to a group of believers in Laos were demolished by angry villagers. The village is located in an area of the country considered a "hot spot" for persecution because of the increasing number of Christians.
In November, the homes of five Christian families had been destroyed by other community members who were intent on driving them from the village. Needing shelter, the families set up temporary tent structures in a nearby rice field. However, when the believers went to visit another village for fellowship, they returned to find the shelters destroyed, along with the barns they used for storing their rice.
According to a local source, many of the villagers and community leaders reacted in anger driven by fear over the expanding number of Christians in the area. They had been told that placing one's faith in Jesus would upset the spirits, and thus bring harm to their village. To learn more about the challenges encountered by Christian in Laos, go to our country report.
As these Laotian followers of Jesus seek answers to resolve the ongoing onslaughts perpetrated against them, may they receive His divine guidance and provision. Pray that this persecuted group of believers, as well as the many other faithful followers of Christ living in Laos, will be effective testaments of His grace, love and peace to those who have yet to receive His gift of eternal salvation. Please specifically intercede on behalf of the Christian villagers who have lost their homes and belongings because of their faith, asking God to greatly encourage them and provide for their every need.