Laos: Widow now lives on a farm after refusing to deny Christ

Pasa*, 50, is a widowed new believer from southern Laos who was forced to leave her community because of her faith.

Until this past year, Pasa lived alone in a small house in the village. When she became a Christian in 2023, villagers began to demand that she recant her newfound faith, but she was unyielding.

The persecution came to a head this past September when villagers rushed to her home and insisted that she renounce Jesus. But she refused.

Since her conversion, she noticed that her life had never been the same as before. She knew that her life is better off with Jesus.

Scared that her house would be completely ruined by the villagers, she turned to her five children for help but none of them opened their doors for her. “They are non-believers. They were unwilling to help me,” Pasa said.

She had no choice but to leave the village. Fortunately, a Christian family in a nearby village opened their home for her to live temporarily. While she was warmly welcomed there, her host family also had their struggles—they had a hard time putting food on their tables and providing for their needs.

Pasa made the choice to live alone in the middle of a rice farm. She only meant to stay there temporarily, she still desires to go back to her village and live in her own home.

Pasa tried to return to her village many times. However, when the community saw her inside her house, they would demand her to renounce her faith repeatedly. Determined to continue with her walk in the Lord, she chose to live on the farm and continues to follow God.  

Upon learning about her situation, an Open Doors local partner immediately visited and encouraged her. “No matter how difficult the situation you’re currently in, know that you are not alone. The Lord is with you and many Christians are praying for you,” the partner said.

Along with the spiritual encouragement, Pasa was provided with food and other necessities.

Laos sits at number 21 on the 2024 World Watch List, the top 50 most difficult countries in which to follow Jesus.