Eight Lao Christians in Prison for Christmas

Persecution against Christians never stops,  especially during the Christmas season.  Sadly, AsiaNews.it is reporting that eight Lao Christians have been arrested and detained for organizing a worship service. 

Vientiane (AsiaNews) – Eight Lao Christian leaders arrested on 16 December for “organising” a Christmas visit with 200 Church members are still in jail, this according to human rights activists who say that police travelled on Boukham village in Savannakhet Province, site of the incident, to meet local officials in order to decide what to do with the detainees.

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However, village security forces entered the building, isolated the eight leaders, blindfolded and handcuffed some before marching them off to Boukham government headquarters, where they were detained without charge. “It is quite clear that they were arrested for gathering people for worship," an HRWLRF spokesman told Compass.

On Sunday, Lao Evangelical Church representatives managed to negotiate the release of one of the detainees, who goes by the name of Kingnamosorn, after paying a fine of 1 million kip (US$ 123) to the village chief. By comparison, the average monthly wage for an unskilled labourer in the province is close to US $40.

Please remember Christians in communist countries this year and pray for them daily.  We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Please pray for the persecutors of Christians to come to a saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ is and to repent of their sins against Christians.  Pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering to stand firm in their faith and to not deny Christ.