Christianity has a certain level of acceptance in the South-East Asian tourist destination of Laos, but beneath the surface you will find deep hostility and discrimination, so what is life really like for Christians, and especially church leaders?
On a recent visit we wanted to find out what life was really like for Christians, especially church leaders.
At a conference organised by Voice of Persecuted Christians partners, pastors thought it strange when we asked to hear their stories of persecution: for them suffering was not unusual—just a normal part of following Jesus!
One pastor we met, Phouang*, has dedicated his life to reaching a minority people group in rural Laos. He has been arrested, interrogated and faced repeated harassment from the authorities, who have threatened to discredit him with false accusations.
Phouang is worried that his life is genuinely at risk and wonders if he and his wife should leave the area, but they remain committed to the work. ‘Deep down I feel like I am being used by God and will leave a good legacy among the people I am serving,’ he said.
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