The released sisters recognize the importance of prayer.
Photo: Open Doors USA
In spite of the pain inflicted on them by the very ones they love the most, two teenage girls from a small village community in Laos are standing firm in their commitment to worship God. The persecution began during the fall of last year, when Nani, 17, and her sister Nha Phong, 16, received Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. They have since faced strong opposition from members of their own family -- especially their father, whose fierce anger over the girls' decision to forsake the village's animistic religion has resulted in their need for safety.
Yet, even though the opposing family members have expressed animosity through various destructive acts of behaviour, the girls' love for the Lord remains strong and unwavering. The threats, pressure and physical abuse they've endured -- including an incident in which they were separated and tied up for four days, both Nani and Nha Phong have refused to renounce their faith.
After being freed from the ropes that enslaved them, the sisters continued attending church as they had done before. However, they soon came face-to-face with another challenge.... Together, along with seven other Christians, Nani and Nha Phong were apprehended by local village authorities. This time, after their release from detainment, the girls managed to escape to another village. There they are now able to serve God freely in a safe location while remaining in their homeland.
Please pray that as Nani and Nha Phong grow in their newfound faith, they will receive further encouragement, courage and strength to carry on fervently serving the Lord. May their unsaved family members, and others in their former village community, also come to know of God's tender -- yet transformative -- love, as evidenced in these sisters' lives and vibrant Christian witness.
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