Discovering Christ in Laos was a difficult journey for Alani*. She had looked into the traditional religions of her ancestors, but never found the support and guidance she was searching for.

She had even experienced Christianity earlier in life when she heard the Gospel at her university, but Alani doubted the answers she needed would be found in the Bible.

It is no surprise that many Lao people view God’s Word with skepticism or outright hostility. Christians who are open about their faith routinely suffer persecution.

It’s difficult to find Bibles in Lao bookstores, and even when Lao Christians do find Bibles and a safe place to worship, they still frequently face hostility from family members and tribal leaders who fear offending their traditional deities.

But Bible Society donors enable continued production and distribution of Bibles and other Bible study tools that the Lao church needs, and because of this Alani was able to experience the Gospel again. This time, she was curious and knew she needed to learn more.

Alani went to a local church, where she received her first Bible — a Bible that was provided thanks to friends like you.

“After reading my Bible, the Holy Spirit helped me understand that Jesus is real,” Alani says. “The Bible gives guidance in my daily life. When there is a problem, I turn to the Bible and find help there.”

When our financial partners support American Bible Society, they are helping hurting souls all over Southeast Asia, and the world, experience the love found in Scripture, and we are so thankful.

*Name changed for privacy