World Prayer Today

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Praying in one of the world’s last communist nations

July 23, 2024

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. -Ephesians 6:18-20

Buddhism mixed with animism is the religion of over one half of the population in Laos. Welcome, World Prayer Team. As we pray our way through Vientiane, the capital city, keep in mind:

  • Laos is one of the last communist nations left in the world.
  • It is one of Asia’s poorest and most underdeveloped nations.
  • Poverty is prevalent where 75% of the 6.6 million Laotians live and depend on agriculture and natural resources.
  • Following the communist takeover, Christianity was declared an enemy of the state. Two thirds of Laos’s Christian believers fled the nation, and those who remained had to meet in secret. 
  • Today Christianity is one of four government-approved religions, but open churches are closely scrutinized, and intense persecution and restrictions still occur, mostly at the local level. 

Thank God for those who follow Jesus Christ in Laos (roughly 3.5%of the population) despite the restrictions. As His Word is taught, pray they continue to grow in number and unashamedly proclaim the gospel to their friends, neighbors, and all those they come into contact with. As they do, may more Laotians throw aside the social pressure to practice Buddhism and come to faith in the Living God who stands ready to save them.

God’s Light is dawning in Vietnam. Pray with us tomorrow.