IDOP ‘07 - Laos
In the days leading up to this Sunday which is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, I plan to make a few posts about countries that are persecuting Christians. May these posts help show you ways to pray in the days leading up to Sunday and that we will be in prayer throughout the day on Sunday.
Laos stood on the brink of economic disaster in the 90’s and they had to reach out to others to be noticed. They started a tourism campaign and also capitalize on exports that consist of rice, coffee, opium and timber.
Over all how they are governed remains unchecked, and although the Laos constitution provides for freedom of religion this is not true. Like Bhutan Laotian Christians are severely restricted. Proselytizing by foreigners is not permitted. These are a few of the mild restrictions, but this has developed into full scale persecution.
Christianity has been labeled the number one enemy of the state. Christians are being commanded to recant their faith or lose both their homes and land. Churches have been confiscated and pastors have been murdered.
Let’s pray that God will open the hearts and minds of the Laotian leaders, and that Laos would not consider Christianity “an enemy of the state.” Let’s pray that Laos would acknowledge religious rights of their people and allow them to worship the Lord free of the thoughts of persecution.Let’s also pray that brave men and women who are seeking to enter Laos to equip the Christians there can do so without any hindrances and that ultimately the will of the Lord will be done.
[Facts from this post came from the Christian Solidarity Worldwide website]
