[Today’s Prayer] Laos pastor dies after being shot by Hindu extremist

A pastor in Laos was recently shot dead by two assailants with their faces covered at his home in the northwestern town of Bang Hai.

According to the British Christian Today (CT), Pastor Thongkham Philavanh (40) was shot and killed by two assailants on a motorcycle while he was feeding his livestock.

The assailants fled, and he was rushed to a local hospital, but died on arrival. He left behind his wife and two teenage children.

Local police are investigating the incident, which occurred in Shai District, Oudomxay Province, after Pastor Seetoud of Don Keo village, Khammouan Province, central Laos, was tortured and killed in October 2022.

According to police, village officials reportedly warned him to stop all Christian gatherings and activities. This case remains unsolved and the killers are still on the run.

Pastor Tonggam was the leader and local head of the Khmu tribe of the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC). He actively preached the gospel, screened Jesus films, and provided training for pastors.

According to local Christians, the Tongan pastor was closely monitored by authorities and reportedly received several warnings to stop "Christian activities."

Christians throughout Laos mourned the deceased in shock and sorrow.

One person wrote on Facebook, “His profound wisdom, unwavering faith, and infinite compassion influenced the lives of many people.”

According to CT, Laos' law guarantees religious freedom, but persecution of Christians in Laos is steadily increasing. In Laos, Christians continue to be imprisoned, and most are detained for short periods before being released.

It is said that local officials not only drove the Christians out of the village, but also destroyed and burned their houses and rice silos, leaving them with no place to stay. However, despite being notified of these incidents, the government has left them without any prosecution.

Fear increased among Christians following the murder of the pastor. Most leaders take special precautions when traveling and stay in constant contact with colleagues.

Brother Oh, a well-known Christian leader of the Bao people in Khammouane Province, central Laos, also reportedly narrowly escaped death at the hands of government agents. According to local sources, he had been warned by his family and friends that authorities were likely to kidnap him and kill him. The Christians said, “Brother Oh and his wife fled when they saw a group of men waiting in front of their house.”

According to CT, the Laos church is growing rapidly every year despite increasing persecution, and hundreds of Khmu people are coming to the Lord.

Meanwhile, Laos ranked 21st on the Open Doors 2024 list of countries that persecute Christians.

Source: Christian Today

He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. (Mark 12:5-9)

We hear that Pastor Thongam, who served as the Khmu tribal leader of the Lao Gospel Church in Laos, was shot dead by Hindu extremists.

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We believe he is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord, having been loyal enough to share the gospel and conduct training for pastors.

Comfort the family that has been left behind, pour out your heavenly hope on the Lao church, and raise up the Lao church in the power of the gospel to conquer death in the midst of this persecution.

God's judgment on a world that has killed His servants and even Jesus, the Son of God, draws nearer every day.

At this time, Lord, we pray for your servants who are fighting the battle of faith and martyrdom in the face of persecution and persecution around the world, including in Laos, that you will be with them until your day.

He who lays down his life for what is eternal is never foolish. Let Laos and the nations be filled with Jesus youth who will rise up with this confession!