42-year-old pastor in northwest Laos was shot and killed for how he courageously shared and lived out the gospel. (October, 2022)
Pastor Thongkham Philavanh was a husband and a father of two teenagers. He and his wife Sengdala were also known as “Dad” and “Mom” by local young people who gathered at church or their house for discipleship and Bible study. The couple also helped plant house churches in their area and watched them grow exponentially in just a few years.
At around 8 pm on Tuesday, July 23, two men on a motorbike pulled up in front of the pastor’s home.
His murder has shaken the Christian community in Laos where persecution incidents against Christians have increased since the beginning of this year. The senseless death of Pastor Thongkham and the increased suffering of Christians throughout the country is a reminder of the deep pain and risk that our brothers and sisters in Laos face every day.
Christians must endure daily pressure, discrimination, attacks and government raids. Converts are at risk of losing their homes, families and communities. This year shows just how dangerous this Southeast Asian country is for Christians.
Excerpts with permission from:
https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/killed-his-faithfulness-pray-pastors-family-Laos/
Please continue to pray …
- Please pray for comfort and strength for Sengdala, his children and all who love Pastor Thongkham.
- Pray for the Lord’s justice and for the Christian community in Laos, especially pastors and church workers who are anxious.
- Ask God to quiet their fears and bring His peace that transcends our human understanding.
Excerpts with permission from:
https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/killed-his-faithfulness-pray-pastors-family-Laos/
A PRAYER for Laos
Dear God, we are heartbroken by the amount of violence our brothers and sisters in Laos have endured this year. We mourn with all of those who have lost a loved one or endured the hatred of a community, or seen a loved one put in jail just because they follow Jesus. We ask that You would be with Your people and comfort them. We ask that You would bring peace and help Your people. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Excerpts with permission from:
https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/killed-his-faithfulness-pray-pastors-family-Laos/
What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Laos?
Open Doors' local partners strengthen persecuted believers in Laos by providing Christian materials, leadership and discipleship training, socio-economic development programs, advocacy support and emergency relief.
Excerpts with permission from:
https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/killed-his-faithfulness-pray-pastors-family-Laos/