In Mission Together in

Laos

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2, NIV

For the first time in more than twenty-seven years the government of Laos has allowed churches to organize and register.

Lao United Methodist congregations and faith communities need your help as they attempt to grow and reach out in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Christians in Laos have a new found freedom to teach the Good News to the people. The UMC in Laos after being underground for two years is now at work organizing and reaching out to the people. There is an urgent need for leadership training, church buildings, pastoral support, health and education ministries. There is a great need for United Methodist Congregations to join hands and hearts in meeting this critical need.

Lao United Methodist congregations and faith communities are struggling to grow and to build in a country still recovering from the war that ended in 1975. Following the war, under its socialist government, Laos became the poorest country in Indochina.

Together we can plan the future growth of the United Methodist Church in Laos.

How you can help.

Become a partner church, by committing for a period of three years to:

Support the United Methodist Church in Laos with your prayers.
Visit and communicate with your partner congregation in Laos.
Learn about the unique context for proclaiming the Gospel in Laos.
Contribute $200 per month to the support of the United Methodist Church in Laos

Individual Projects Needing Support

· Evangelization Ministries - Hymnal, Bibles, Pastoral Support

· Languages classes - (English, Hmong and Lao)

· Christian Leadership Training - Pastors and Laity

· Health and Education Training

· Vocational training

· Church building and land.

· Micro credit Small loans for small business startups.

· Volunteers in Mission Opportunities

The home of a pastor where worship services are held every Sunday.

Village: Ban Phongsoombom

District: Vientiane municipal

Province: Vientiane

The home of a layperson where worship services are held every Sunday.

Village: Ban Phongsawwang

District Mouang Feuang

Province: Vientiane

Why not make this a vital ministry of your congregation or yourself?

Take the first step to becoming a partner church today contact:

Tsuchue Vang.

P. O. Box 9386

North St. Paul, MN 55109.

Email: evergreenvang@aol.com

The General Board of Global Ministries

Congregational Mission Initiatives - Room 1525

475 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10115

email: CRabb@gbgm-umc.org

In Mission Together - Laos is a program of the Congregational Mission Initiative Program Area of the General Board of Global Ministries. This program is designed to facilitate United Methodist congregations in engaging in shared mission in the development of the new United Methodist Mission Initiative in Laos.

In Mission Together relationships are based on a commitment among congregations or faith communities in different countries and cultures to: listen to one another, understand and become sensitive to the other’s culture, suspend judgment, share resources, and be open to God’s transforming power through participation together in God’s mission. This shared ministry is intended to be holistic, with an integrated approach to the spiritual and material needs of a community. It emphasizes the development of indigenous leadership and resources. When congregations from different cultures and contexts participate with one another in common mission, there is a synergistic effect that leads to the health and vitality of all partners involved. This experience is transforming for local churches and changes the lives of individuals involved. Other Mission Initiatives supported by In Mission Together are Lithuania, Latvia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Cameroon, and Senegal.