A 38-year-old recent Christian convert, Mr. Vanxay*, lived with his wife and three children in central Laos. After they embraced Christianity, local authorities arrested him, detained him for five days, and expelled him from their village.
On the morning of July 11, 2025, local police and the village chief went to Vanxay’s house and called him to a meeting in front of it. They gathered in a circle with his relatives, fellow villagers, and elders.
“In this village, we do not allow any Christians,” the police said. They insulted him, accusing him of abandoning the village’s traditions.
“In the past, Christian families who believed in this religion left the village. No one here welcomes your new faith.”
One elder added, “You and your wife must also leave our community now.” Moments later, the local authorities arrested Vanxay and took him to prison.
On July 16, 2025, Bounma*, an Open Doors partner in the area, provided an update on Vanxay’s situation.
“Five days after Vanxay’s arrest, the local authorities interrogated him about his faith, trying to find fault with his beliefs,” Bounma said. “The situation got worse when they assaulted him during his detention. Thankfully, a local leader in the area coordinated with the authorities to negotiate his release. By God’s grace, he was finally freed.”
After his release, Vanxay and his family had no choice but to leave the village. They relocated to a nearby district and began living temporarily in a rental house.
Bounma and other OD local partners have been working hard to support Vanxay’s family.
“We immediately delivered support and basic goods to Vanxay and his family,” Bounma shared. They also received a food allowance to meet urgent needs. “The ministry also helped cover their house rent for a short time while waiting for the situation to be resolved,” he added.
Currently, Vanxay is still staying at the rental house with his family. Local pastors and leaders have been visiting to encourage him after what happened. Please continue to pray for the Vanxay family, that they may soon be able to return to their home or find a more permanent place.
*Names changed for security reasons.
Pray
- Pray for strength and wisdom for Vanxay and his family as they seek a peaceful resolution with local authorities and hope to return home.
- Pray for Vanxay’s spiritual growth and trust in God’s plan, that he will remain steadfast in his faith and serve as a witness to others in the area.
- Please pray for other Christian families in Laos who are facing the same struggles. May they remain steadfast in their faith, trusting Jesus during these difficult and uncertain times, and continue to be the salt and light in their communities.
Pray also for the local authorities and non-Christians, that their hearts may be softened toward the believers around them. May they one day come to know and receive the gift of salvation that only Jesus can give.
