Photo: VOM USA
Thongkham Philavanh was a pastor among the Khmu people of northern Laos, where he also served as the provincial head of the Lao Evangelical Church. Actively involved in ministry throughout the province of Oudomxai, he was closely monitored by authorities and had been repeatedly warned to stop his Christian activities.
On the evening of July 22nd, two masked gunmen came to Pastor Thongkham's home in Chang Village. After a brief altercation, the church leader was shot twice. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he died on arrival. The 40-year-old Christian leaves behind a wife and two children, along with numerous foster children who received refuge in their loving home.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on Christians in Laos, including the unsolved murder of Pastor Sy Seng Manee in October 2022 (read more), along with numerous other acts of violence. For more details about Christian persecution in this Southeast Asian nation, go to our country report.
As the Lord brings them to your mind, please remember to pray for the families of Pastor Thongkham and Pastor Sy as they mourn the loss of these dear Christian leaders, asking our Heavenly Father to minister His abounding comfort, love and peace to each one. Also pray for Pastor Thongkham's church and community members who are deeply missing their leader who was known for his "profound wisdom, unwavering faith and boundless compassion." Pray for the ongoing ministry efforts of our Christian brothers and sisters in Laos, asking for increased opportunities to spread the hope of the Gospel message throughout this Communist nation.
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