Fears grow for missing Christian in Laos
Farmer Sithong Theppavong was seized by authorities last March after starting a small church on his property
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Farmer Sithong Theppavong was seized after starting a small church in Savannakhet province. (Photo: Wikipedia)
A Christian man in Laos who was seized by local authorities last March after he refused to desist from practicing his faith remains missing nearly a year later with his whereabouts unknown, according to foreign Christian groups.
Sithong Theppavong, a farmer in the village of Ban Kaleum Vang Khi in the communist nation’s Savannakhet province, reportedly started a small church on his property, which caught the attention of local authorities who warned him to cease his ministry.
Laos Harasses Missing Lao Christian’s Wife, Takes Away Her Motorbike
02/06/2021 Laos (International Christian Concern) – A Lao Christian man who was arrested by the authorities after he refused to cease worship is still missing, while his wife continues to be harassed and had her motorbike taken away from her.
In early 2020, Sithong Theppavong started a small church on his farm in Ban Kaleum Vang Khi, Sinakbouly District, Savannakhet Province. His ministry caught the local authorities’ attention and soon he faced opposition and received warnings several times to cease his ministry. He did not comply.
According to Voice of Martyrs Canada, on March 15th, he was approached by the authorities and given an agreement to sign to desist. When he refused, Sithong was arrested. At last report, he remains in detention and is not allowed any visitation. The Lao government has not provided further information about his whereabouts.