Two Lao Christians, Mr. K and Mr. V, arrested March 27th, have been sentenced to three years in prison on charges of possessing illegal weapons. The man who actually did possess the weapons, which were used to accuse the two men, confessed his guilt to authorities, yet Christian Aid's contact says "officials refused to listen because they desire to keep K and V in prison."

 

It is thought that Mr. K may have been targeted because he had been a village chief and member of the local Communist Party before he became a Christian. When he confessed his faith in Christ one year ago, he was fired from Communist Party leadership.

 

Christian leaders in S were approached recently by authorities from both the Lao central and S provincial governments. Apparently, officials tried to convince local Christians to help them cover up the wave of arrests of Christians that took place in March. The believers refused to cooperate.

 

• Pray Jesus will draw near to Mr. K and Mr. V as they suffer in prison.
• Pray God will protect and embolden the hundreds of Laotian Christians who face physical and psychological persecution from their local authorities.
• Pray the officials who witness the loving faith of these Christians will be drawn to seek their Lord and Savior.