Please join us in praying for all those affected by the devastating loss of a pastor in Laos. Please note that you might find some of the details below distressing.
A pastor in Laos, who had been courageously active in planting churches and discipling believers, has been killed after being shot at by two masked gunmen.
Thongkham Philavanh (42), a Khmu ethnic pastor in a north western province of Laos, had just returned home from a ministry visit on 23 July when the two men arrived on a motorbike outside their home. When the pastor reached out to greet whom he thought
were visitors, he was shot at in front of his wife, Sengdala. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Pastor Thongkham succeeded his father-in-law, Dok*, in leading their church in the province (Dok was imprisoned for 13 years because of his faith). He and his wife have also helped plant house churches, which have grown exponentially in just a matter
of few years. The couple is known for their love for young people, many of whom call them mum and dad. They would usually gather young people at church or in their house for discipleship or Bible studies.
The couple have been warned on several occasions by the authorities to stop their Christian activities. They have also been summoned by the police to the village chief’s office and asked to sign a document renouncing their faith. But the chief stopped
the police and defended them, saying that the couple were role models in the community.
Pastor anticipated death
Although the case remains under investigation, Sengdala and others believe that the murder is faith related. “This was as if a warning from whoever,” said a pastor at the funeral. “They kill the leader to scare the members.”
For the past year, Pastor Thongkham had been telling his wife to be prepared, knowing his life was in danger and he could be taken away soon. “He did not disclose everything that was happening,” says Sengdala. “He kept most of the burdens to himself because
he wanted to protect us. He sacrificed himself to protect his family.” The couple have two teenage children.
“I need to be strong for my family, but not now, not yet this time.”
Sengdala
“I need to be strong for my family, but not now, not yet this time,” she adds. “I am grateful that you came here for us.”
Open Doors local partners attended the pastor’s funeral to provide support and encouragement to his family, as well as the wider Christian community which is in shock and fear following the attack. Hundreds gathered for the funeral, reflecting the immense
impact Pastor Thongkham had on so many people’s lives.
The devastating loss of Pastor Thongkham reflects the growing dangers facing Christians in Laos. In the latest World Watch List, the country was one of the biggest risers, jumping ten places to 21 amid a spike in violence against believers. Please keep
our Laotian family in your prayers.
*Name has been changed for security purposes
please pray
- For comfort, peace and hope for Sengdala and the couple’s two teenage children, and all those grieving the pastor’s death
- That those responsible for Pastor Thongkham’s death will be brought to justice, and that they will encounter Jesus for themselves
- That ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding’ will guard the hearts and minds of those fearful following this incident (Philippians 4:7)
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