When he and his family accepted Jesus, Vanxay quickly encountered dire consequences.
“In this village, we do not allow any Christians.”
That’s what police told Vanxay*, a recent Christian convert who lived in a community in Central Laos. He and his family embraced Christianity, and it wasn’t long before his faith put him in the target.
On the morning of July 11, 2025, local police and the village chief went to Vanxay's house and called him to a meeting in front of it. They gathered in a circle with his relatives, fellow villagers and elders. The police told him that Christianity wasn’t allowed in the village, and the crowd insulted him, accusing him of abandoning the village’s traditions.
Elders shouted at him. “In the past, Christian families who believed in this religion left the village,” they yelled. “No one here welcomes your new faith.”
One elder added: “You and your wife must also leave our community now.” Moments later, the local authorities arrested Vanxay and took him to prison.
Fortunately, he wasn’t there long. But the damage was done. Five days after Vanxay’s arrest, the local authorities interrogated him about his faith, trying to find fault with his beliefs, explains Bounma*, an Open Doors local partner. “The situation got worse when they assaulted him during his detention.
Thankfully, a local leader in the area coordinated with the authorities to negotiate his release. By God’s grace, he was finally freed.”
However, even after his release, Vanxay and his family had no choice but to leave the village. They relocated to a nearby district and began living in a temporary rental house.
The next day, Bounma and other Open Doors local partners visited to bring urgent support to Vanxay and his family.
“We immediately delivered support and basic goods to Vanxay and his family,” Bounma shares. The family also received a food allowance to meet urgent needs. “The ministry also helped cover their house rent for a short time while waiting for the situation to be resolved.”
Currently, Vanxay is still staying at the rental house with his family. Local pastors and leaders have been visiting to encourage him after what happened. Please continue to pray for Vanxay and his family, that they may soon be able to return to their home or find a more permanent place.
*Names changed for security reasons.
*Top image: representative only
please pray
Please pray with them:
- Pray for strength and wisdom for Vanxay and his family as they seek a peaceful resolution with local authorities and hope to return home.
- Pray for Vanxay’s spiritual growth and trust in God’s plan, that he will remain steadfast in his faith and serve as a witness to others in the area.
- Please pray for other Christian families in Laos who are facing the same struggles. May they remain steadfast in their faith, trusting Jesus during these difficult and uncertain times, and continue to be the salt and light in their communities.
- Pray also for the local authorities and non-Christians, that their hearts may be softened toward the believers around them. May they one day come to know and receive the gift of salvation that only Jesus can give.
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