Laos (MNN) — Voice of the
Martyrs reports eight Khmu pastors from Udom Sai Province in Laos were arrested
two weeks ago.
They were taken into custody
entering Thailand to attend meetings. VOM
sources say two groups of pastors were traveling to leadership conferences.
The first group made it over the
Meekong with no problems. The second group of eight was followed by the Laos
police. They were searched, and two of them had Bibles. Everything the pastors
had with them was confiscated, including a cell phone.
According to VOM-Canada, the pastors
have reportedly been taken back to Laos, although since the arrests, there has
been no contact with them.
The country ranks 8th
on the Open Doors World Watch List of the top 50 countries that are the world's
worst persecutors of Christians.
The government has put extensive
restrictions on all religious groups. Recently, though, the government has worked to
improve their human rights record. There have been fewer arrests, and many of
the churches that were previously closed have now been reopened. The church,
however, is not yet free from persecution.
Please pray for these pastors and
their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage
them. Pray for their speedy release and that their testimonies will draw their
captors into fellowship with Jesus Christ.
