At least thirteen Christian villagers who were falsely accused of stirring rebel dissent have been killed by authorities in Laos over the past month, according to an August 7 report from Compass Direct. The report also states that approximately 200 Christians in the village of Sai Jerern have been arrested and imprisoned. The majority of the Christians attacked were Hmong refugees that fled persecution in Vietnam. They strongly deny any association with anti-government forces.
One of those killed was Neng Mua, who had been in hiding from the police. On July 7, he returned to his native village in search of food and was shot dead by a a one-time friend who suspected that he was member of the "liberation army." On July 8, Seng Wue was shot to death by police after he and other Christians suffering fatigue and hunger came out of hiding and surrendered. Authorities are reportedly searching the rice fields and mountains for Christians and shooting them on sight. On July 13, eight to ten Christians were shot by soldiers searching for leaders of the Ban Sawan church. The identities of those killed are unknown.
Pray for peace for Christians in Laos in the midst of this violence. Pray that believers will be able to stand firm in their faith, despite the difficulties they face. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Laos, go to the Laos Country Report.
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