In the presence of my enemies

Southeast Asia: Christians in Laos try to live in peace, but discover they must engage a hostile government | Paul Chesser

Lao soldiers stand in formation in front of the Lao National Assembly in Vientiane, Laos

In Laos religious freedom is constitutionally allowed, but virtually prohibited. Government officials at the local levels are unpredictable and may crack down on evangelism, turning Christians like Dao—out of necessity—from church leaders into something like an ambassador representing a foreign interest.

"It's very important to be friends with the authorities in the villages," Dao says.

That might seem counterintuitive when many local government leaders harass church members, force neighbors to track their activities, or throw them in jail. But Dao, a soft-spoken gentleman who seems incapable of anger, wants his Christian brothers and sisters to live quiet and peaceable lives, while also experiencing the freedom to share the gospel without fear. The catch: Many fellow villagers—mostly Buddhists—disturb that peace.