Many of you know that Laos is one of The Voice of the Martyrs restricted nations and because it's a nation that is restricted, we can expect stories like the one I'm going to share with you today.
Laos is about 3.5 percent Christian, almost 60 percent Buddhist and 35 percent indigenous religions.
Laos is also a communist country and one of the most volatile areas for Christians to live. Even though Laos allows Christianity, the reality is that Christians are routinely tortured, harassed, and discriminated against in housing and education.
Compass Direct, Worthy Christian News and Eurasia Review have all reported on the arrests of at least five Christians who were taken into custody over the weekend while they were at a worship service and praying.
There were two men arrested and three women. The two men were Phosee and Viengsai who are from Phosai village and the women are Alee from Phosai village, Poon from Pone village and Narm from Natoo village.
The Christians were arrested and held on charges of "leading religious movements without official approval" according to Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom.
The government of Laos frowns on small house churches and targets those who worship in these fellowships, because they are seen as a threat and deviate from the government-approved Lao Evangelical Church.
Please pray for Christians in Laos today.
