Six Christians in Laos who spent more than a month in jail for celebrating Christmas have now been set free.
Release contacts say the Christians in Vientiane province were taken into custody because they had not sought official permission to hold a Christmas party.
Most were ethnic Hmong and new believers. As part of their celebrations, they invited the whole village to watch the Jesus film.
Praise God that these Christians have now been reunited with their families.
The six were detained in late December and released on January 31 – after each paid a fine of £355. Release contacts have helped the families pay their fines and supported them while their loved ones were in jail.
They have also been supporting a group of Christians in Savannakhet province, southern Laos, who were also detained for being involved in Christmas celebrations. They too were only released when they paid a fine. Nineteen families involved in the same celebrations were also reportedly fined.
- Praise God for the release of all our Lao friends. Ask Him to provide for them financially and strengthen their faith.
- Thank God for the boldness of Christians in Vientiane in sharing the gospel: pray that many more in their village will come to know Christ.
- Pray for the Lao officials who detained Christians for celebrating the birth of their Saviour: pray that these very officials will celebrate Christmas this year! See #Pray50 below.
(Source: Release contacts)