The government exercises tight control on all parts of society. Small independent congregations are under pressure and have been refused recognition. Local authorities regard them as enemies; Buddhist leaders and village shamans also watch them closely. Most believers are ethnic minorities. Christians from the Katin or Hmong tribes have been detained, pressured to renounce their faith or even killed, often in army clashes. In 2011, church buildings were destroyed and their possessions confiscated. At least four Hmong Christians were killed in April and several others were arrested.
Pray:
- Thank God that the church is growing! However, it is difficult for Christians to get hold of or afford a Bible – pray for miracles!
- Pray for courage and strength for persecuted believers, especially the Hmong Christians who are the most vulnerable
- Thank God for positive signs from the government: Christians have been given land, hospital treatment and education.
