Laos, a small country in Southeast Asia, was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Lao established a socialist government with close ties to Vietnam. Since 1986, the country has moved toward greater private enterprise and free trade. Recent reports describe a steep climb in Christian persecution in Laos, but Christianity continues to spread. Becoming a Christian comes with a sharp penalty in Laos. Many believers find themselves harassed, arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. Church buildings have been destroyed and some pastors killed. In spite of this intense persecution, the believers remain strong and steadfast.

On February 14, 2008, a Khmu church was burned down in Laos. Police refused to help when called. Bravely, believers held a service in the ashes two days later. Another Christian, Boon Chan, has been held in prison for nine years. It has become common practice to evict Christians from villages. On March 18, two groups of pastors were leaving the country to attend Christian meetings in nearby Thailand. The first group made it. A second group of eight Khum pastors from Oudomxay province was followed by the Laotian police. The pastors were searched, and all of their belongings were confiscated.

The communist government is becoming increasingly paranoid and insecure. Their hatred and brutality is no longer being restrained. The registered Boukham Church is experiencing serious persecution under the supervision of the local police chief, Thao Somphet. Church elder Thao Oun is in prison (where torture is routine) and being threatened with death. New believer Thao Aom was expelled from his village because he refused to renounce Christ throughout three hours of police 'interrogation'.

The widow of a recently murdered church leader in Laos has let the people of Laos know she has forgiven the men who destroyed her church and murdered her husband. She is a shining example of the love of Christ for sinful people at their worst.

Our Church can help minister to the Lao speaking people. We are partnering with Hosanna to provide the audio recording of the Lao New Testament. Many of the Lao are illiterate. With the audio Bible they can meet in groups and listen to the Word of God. Hosanna distributes the Proclaimer, a small audio player that is loud enough for 300 people to listen to at a time. The cost to record this translation of the New Testament is $25,596. There are 27 books from Matthew to Revelation breaking the cost down to $948 per book. Our goal is to sponsor at least one book of the Audio New Testament for the Laotian people.

After presenting this ministry last Sunday, an anonymous donor offered a 3 to 1 challenge. From now until Dec. 31, 2009, this donor will give three times whatever amount is raised! For example, your $20 gift can become $80! Please prayerfully consider participating in this effort, however, we ask that you give above your regular giving. As a church, we are falling short of our operating budget and redirecting your giving further hurts the ministry here.

Please pray:
* For the Church in Laos that they would remain faithful in spite of persecution.
* That the government would grant freedom to worship without further persecution.
* That the gospel would continue to spread and that many will come to Christ, especially from among those who have been persecuting believers.
* That our church would give to sponsor at least one Bible book recording.
* That the Lao language audio Bible would be completed and distributed in Laos as soon as possible.