When Mala* and Noy*, sisters from Laos, gave their testimonies during a local ministry’s youth conference, the ministry leader was deeply saddened by the trials they had suffered. But he was also in awe of their perseverance. Despite constant pressure from their family to renounce their faith, the sisters always refused. And when their mother insisted they prostitute themselves to help support the family, they chose to go to church instead.

But life for the sisters grew difficult when their father passed away and their mother married another man. Their new stepbrother mocked them for their faith, and they were frequently locked out of their home. Perhaps the worst result of this new marriage was the physical abuse they now suffered at their mother’s hand. And, eventually, she did manage to force her daughters into prostitution.

Comforted By an MP3 Player

The ministry leader knew the sisters needed encouragement, and he made sure that ministry workers regularly met with the girls to disciple them. He also provided them with an MP3 player filled with Christian resources. It became a lifeline for the sisters, a way to deepen their faith and draw comfort from the Lord despite their circumstances.

A Hope-Filled Future

Fast forward several months. Mala graduated from school, moved away, and began studying to become a barista. Noy, however, remained at home, and persecution against her increased every day. Most recently, her mother invited three men to their home to see if Noy would marry one of them. When the teen refused all three, her mother was angry because she would have received money in exchange for her daughter.

Then, while Mala was visiting home one weekend, the girls were in a motorcycle accident. They were unharmed and, because the other driver was at fault, they were compensated for the accident. But when their mother learned they’d received money, she took it from them. Noy asked that she return it, but her mother refused. Instead, she cursed Noy, hit her on the head with the teen’s own MP3 player, and screamed that she was foolish and stupid for believing in the Christian teachings she listened to on the device.

You Can Assist Believers Like Mala and Noy

Christians across Southeast Asia suffer persecution every day, and ministry leaders urgently request your prayers for their safety. “Please uphold Noy in your prayers—that she will remain true to her faith and be able to leave the hostile environment of her home to live with her older sister once she finishes high school later this year,” the ministry leader said.

Please also consider a donation today to assist local ministries as they come alongside persecuted believers such as these sisters, providing them with the comfort, encouragement, and prayer that sustains them through in difficult times.

*Names changed for security.