 A typical Lao village home where Christian congregations would meet. Photo: Compass Direct |
Two Lao pastors arrested six months ago for holding a "secret meeting" are languishing in prison due to the harsh conditions. In early January, officials arrested Pastor Wanna along with 10 other believers and detained them for celebrating Christmas without prior approval. Within days police had released nine of the detainees. Wanna, however, and another local pastor, Yohan, remain imprisoned.
Prison authorities have repeatedly told the men that they will be freed as soon as they sign documents renouncing their faith. After a recent visit, Wanna's family members observed that he had lost weight, contracted an infection and seemed extremely weak. Both Wanna and Yohan's families are also facing hardship, as the men were the principal providers for their families. Several of Wanna's children have since left school to find work.
Pray for health and strength for Wanna. Pray that he and Yohan will continue to draw on the Lord, knowing that He can equip them with the faith and hope they need to endure their chains. Ask God to comfort and provide for their families in this time. Pray that the charges against them will be dropped and that they will be released. Pray that the Word of God will continue to be declared with clarity, boldness, love and power by all believers in Laos.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Laos, go to the Laos Country Report.
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