Laos

OVERVIEW

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia; bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma).The total area is 236,800 square kilometres with only 6,000 square kilometres of water within.Its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 2,818 metres, with some plains and plateaux such as Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end.Laos can be considered to consist of three geographical areas: north, central, and south.The current population of Laos is 7,741,735 as of July 19, 2024, based on interpolation of the latest United Nations data.

NATIONAL IDENTITY

The ethnic and linguistic diversity of the country has played a significant role in shaping contemporary Laos. Throughout Lao history, ethnic diversity has produced, at times, a turbulent relationship among ethnic groups. These complex relations remain a crucial part of the national identity of Laos.

Furthermore, the political history of Laos has been complicated by frequent warfare and colonial conquests by European and regional rivals. As a result, Laos today has cultural influence from France, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia. The history of Laos is unique with a national character defined by its diversity in both culture and customs. Such as the perception of time as flexible. Reflected in the Lao expression, “koi koi pai” (meaning ‘slowly, slowly’). In turn, the pace of life in Laos is much slower. For example, people may arrive late to events, and invitations to weddings and parties are often given a day before the event.

EVANGELISM

The Communist government, in conjunction with Buddhist monks, persecutes Christians, with the exception of the government-controlled Lao Evangelical Church. Poverty, lack of infrastructure and mountainous terrain make evangelistic outreach challenging. Thanks to bold evangelists, churches continue to grow even as they experience ongoing persecution.

MAJOR RELIGION

60 percent of Laotians consider themselves to be Buddhists, but most practice a syncretistic version of Buddhism mixed with tribal animism. 4% are Christians.

PERSECUTION

Most believers are persecuted by family members or village authorities concerned that Christians offend the spirits, and the central government restricts Christian activity.

WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST

Some in Laos, particularly those in government leadership, view Christianity as a foreign religion and a tool used by the West to undermine the Communist Laotian regime. There are many house churches and some church buildings, but the vast majority do not have a trained pastor. Laotian authorities sometimes arrest Christians and detain them for up to a week in attempts to control Christian activity. Christians are commonly denied medical treatment as well as educational and other social services.

ACCESS TO BIBLES

Bibles are not sold in bookstores. Government-sanctioned churches sell Bibles, and other organizations are able to bring Bibles in with legal permission. But the government restricts and opposes Bible and Christian literature distribution of any significant size.

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for more labourers into this field.
Pray for the wisdom of front-line workers who boldly witness for Christ.
Pray for the 200 ethnic subgroups in Laos.
Pray for unity among the new generation of Christian leaders despite their differing ethnicities.
Pray that training disciples will encourage and strengthen new believers.
Pray for the spread of the gospel among Buddhists.

Pray that village leaders will follow the law that allows people the right to become Christians.
Pray for the wisdom of Christian workers, who are often at great risk.
Pray for young Christian leaders who are studying to serve in churches.
Pray for Christian leaders who oversee outreaches to other people groups.
Pray for Christian leaders who will be godly examples to their families, churches and community.
Pray that the 60 unreached people groups will hear the gospel.