22Laos

In Laos, Communist authorities heavily monitor all religious activities, even those of registered churches. All gatherings must be reported to the administration, forcing house churches to operate secretly as they are deemed “illegal gatherings”. About 75 per cent of government-approved Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) congregations lack permanent structures and hold services in homes.

Converts to Christianity face severe rights violations. They’re seen as outsiders to the Buddhist-animist community and face pressure and violence from their families and the local authorities. In rural areas, families often consist of three generations under one roof, intensifying the pressure. Local authorities and religious leaders may incite the community against converts, leading to their expulsion from their villages.

Meet Huang

“Please pray for us that one day we can return home. Life is very tough for us, if God wills for us to live here, our conditions would need to improve.”

Huang (name changed), whose home was attacked, and family expelled from their village in northern Laos.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors provides support through local partners in Laos who offer Bibles and Christian materials, leadership training, discipleship programmes and socio-economic development. They also give practical aid and advocate for those in need.