VIENTIANE

Laos is a landlocked country in mainland Southeast Asia. Vientiane is the largest city and capital of Laos. The geologically diverse landscape of the country, with its forested mountains, upland plateaus, and lowland plains, supports an equally diverse population that is united mainly through agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice.

Interactions with the neighboring Cambodian, Thai, and Burmese kingdoms between the 5th and the mid-19th century indirectly infused Laos with elements of Indian culture, including Buddhism, the religion now practiced by most of the population. However, many indigenous and minority peoples of the remote highland slopes and mountainous regions have maintained their spiritual rituals and artistic traditions.

Christian freedom in Laos is severely curtailed by the intense monitoring of the Communist authorities. House churches that do not have administrative approval are considered "illegal gatherings" and must operate underground. The brunt of persecution is reserved for converts to Christianity, who are deemed guilty of betraying the Buddhist-animist traditions of their community. This is the hour for the Church to stand in prayer with believers in Laos to advance the Gospel amongst the 96 unreached tribes in the nation.