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"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thess. 5:11, ESV)
The simple but powerful words of Paul to the church of Thessalonica remind us that as God’s people, we have been called to encourage each other, bringing the presence of Christ into the lives of other Christians. This is exactly what Open Doors local partners in Laos recently did for four families of new believers who refused to renounce their faith.
When their village discovered these families had left their tribal religion to follow Jesus, village authorities responded immediately. First, they demanded the families return to practicing animism (the worship of ancestors and spirits), expressing their disdain for Christians. The pressure was too much. The families temporarily stopped openly practicing their faith.
But recognizing their need for community, the families re-established a small fellowship in April 2025. Once again, they came under fire. The village chief summoned the heads of the four families to meet with the elders and villagers. In the meeting, the chief ordered the believers to renounce their faith immediately. If they refused, he warned, he would report them to the district authorities.
In the same meeting, the community agreed that if these families didn’t renounce their faith, they would pressure them until they did. Once again, the families refused.
That’s when the villagers took action, destroying the families’ houses and other possessions. Through tears, the families watched as their houses were demolished, unable to defend themselves.
“We had no words to say,” one believer said, “and we could do nothing to defend our right to follow Christ.”
With no other option but to leave—and knowing that staying would bring even greater harm— the believers left their village.
Hearing what had happened and taking seriously the admonition of I Thessalonians 5:11, Open Doors local partners stepped into these families’ lives and bring encouragement. Because of your support and prayers, they were able to take the risky journey and visit northern Laos where the families live.
Our partner Samphat* describes the journey: “Reaching their location was not easy,” he says. “It was a risky journey along steep and slippery roads. Yet for our brothers and sisters, this is simply part of daily life. The danger of [our] journey is nothing compared to the hardships of their story.”
When the partners finally reached their destination, they weren’t prepared for what they saw: only simple tents made from bamboo and grass, draped with canvas sheet “roofs” and “walls.” Clothes and other possessions laid in piles, along with the few kitchen utensils they had.
Our partners soon realized the journey was worth the risk.
“We sat with them, ate with them, provided aid, encouraged them with the Word of God and prayed for them,” Samphat says. The partners delivered urgent relief, including food, water and essential supplies. They’re also communicating with local authorities in the village and higher officials to resolve the situation for these families.
And with their visit, our partners brought hope to discouraged believers who have risked and sacrificed so much to follow Jesus. These partners brought assurance to these families that they’re not alone, no matter how alone they may feel. And they brought the truth that they are part of a worldwide Church who knows their story and is praying with them.
Because of your gifts and prayers, this ministry happened—your support means you, too, are standing with these believers. Thank you!
*Name changed for security reasons.
Please take a few minutes right now to pray for these families … your family.
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