Anny in Laos

Anny’s family lives in the mountains of Laos. They were Buddhist for much of her life growing up, but when her aunt became sick, a local Christian was called to pray for her. Everything changed. Anny’s aunt was miraculously healed, and Anny’s mother began attending a gathering of Christians in a house church. Soon after, Anny saw a change in her mother and she too began attending church.  

Anny’s father was very opposed to his wife and daughter attending church. He forbade them to go, and out of respect they submitted. However, he often had to travel due to work, and when he was out of town Anny and her mother would attend the house church. Anny asked her mother why they went if her father had told them not to. Her mother responded saying, “Just don’t tell him. He doesn’t need to know.”

Not long after Anny and her mother surrendered to Christ, Anny’s father became ill. As he was dying, others brought monks to do their ceremonies and offer alms to the spirits on his behalf. The spiritual practices made Anny very uncomfortable, but how was she to oppose her dying father? She did not participate in the ceremonies, but her heart was conflicted.

After her father passed away, Anny and her mother had freedom to attend church regularly and became very involved in their fellowship. Despite the heartbreak of losing their husband and father, they have clearly seen the contrast of the healing power of Christ and the futility of Buddhist rituals.  

Anny recently got married, and she and her husband are now embarking on the journey of building a family and Christian heritage in a majority-Buddhist nation. The challenges are undeniable, but they are committed to following Christ no matter the cost.