Unfaithfulness in marriage is common in Laos, but especially in Lao Buddhist culture. Many young women report they are fearful of getting married because they can't be sure their husbands will be faithful to them. Even in the church it is common for men who are professing Christians to visit prostititutes or have extramarital affairs.

Recently Mrs. Na, a long time Christian, came to some close friends with a problem. "Friends tell me my husband has a mistress again. He denies it, as usual, but he told me just this week, 'I'm tired of being in this family. I want to take a rest.' He's done this five times before in our married life. Each time he takes things from our household like pots, plans, dishes, and blankets. He takes them, goes off, has his affair, and when he's done comes back with nothing but the clothes on his back. I'm tired; it's dragging me down. What should I do?"

Mrs. Na's friends said would be best if her husband would repent, but Mrs. Na didn't think that was possible, saying "He's never admitted in all these years to even one affair. He refuses to go to the pastors of the church to talk about it even now." " Her friends prayed with her, "Lord, help us find someone to talk to this man and explain his biblical responsibility toward his family. Convict Mr. Na to change and take responsibility for his family as he ought to."

That very night, God sent his answer. The younger brother of Mr. Na came to visit and said, "Did I hear correctly you're going to leave your family again? What is wrong with you?" He proceeded to scold Mr. Na thoroughly saying, "You have told me about Jesus for years, but you don't live it. You're 52 years old. People are supposed to look up to you and give you honor but you're acting like a fool. You're wife is too mild mannered to make you do what's right, or beat you upside the head with a stick, but I'm not a Christian. I would have no hesitation to hit you good and hard with a 2 X 4. I tell you the truth, if you leave your wife I'm going to take you to our mother's house where I will call all our relatives together. There in front of them all I will to denounce you and tell them to never receive you again. You teach all of us about God, but look in the mirror."

Mrs. Na was stunned. Mr. Na was stunned too. The next day he said, "I've been wrong. I don't know how to live my life."

• Ask God to send a godly Christian man who can disciple Mr. Na now while he is still teachable. Pray Mr. Na will learn from the Bible and will take seriously his responsibilities as a husband and father. Pray he will become someone others can look up to.

• Pray for all the Lao Christian men who have been or are currently are involved in extra marital affairs. Ask the Lord to bring deep conviction, godly sorrow, repentance, and changed lives which result in holiness and a vibrant testimony.