As you might know by now, I had the chance to take a quick trip to Laos to film a few things and go a few places to meet a few people [yeah, vagueness is intended]. Well, that was all thrown off when we had our passports and video camera confiscated by the police.
We spent days sitting at the local police station playing Botchi and having some Pink Panther-esqe interrogations from the local cops. On and on it went. Harmless, meaningless, silly questions.
When we finally made it back to the capitol city (without our things), we found out that there was a rumor about our arrest. Although we were stopped and questioned by the police, we were free to travel around, but not free to leave Laos! Finally, after 7 days of waiting and phone calls to our embassies and the local police, our documents and camera was returned to us. We were also.. how can I say nicely… emphatically encouraged to leave that same night. Which we did.
Sadly though, our Lao contact and host has since disappeared. We are also hearing that a number of local pastors have been arrested… quite possibly in retaliation for our visit there.
All this brings to mind the sick and deplorable treatment that is handed out to Christians, and other minority groups, in many developing nations around the world. In nations such as China, North Korea, Laos, and Vietnam Christians are regularly intimidated, discriminated against, and often arrested and subjugated to torture for their faith. And yet they go on. Sharing their faith. Training new believers. All because who they believe in is worth to them the cost they have to pay for their faith.
And while I am free and safe and doing fine here in Thailand, just 100 miles away, across the Mekong river, an incredible perseverance sustains the persecuted Lao church. I stand amazed. I will not forget.
Hello! We are the Brays. And we love Muslims.