At only 17 years old, Mala* has already endured unimaginable hardships. She grew up in a broken home where her stepfather despises her faith, and her mother mocks her for going to church, calling it a waste of time. Mala's younger sister is also a believer, and together they endured hostility everyday for their belief in Christ.

Mala’s dream is to study English, but instead of supporting her education, her mother pressures both her and her sister to quit school and turn to prostitution to earn money for the family. Even under such pressures, Mala and her sister continue to trust in God and hold fast to their faith. They encouraged one another and cling to Christ as their source of strength and courage.

Life at home became even more dangerous when their brother-in-law, a drug addict, began threatening and insulting them for believing in “a foreign religion”. One day, when they returned from attending church, his anger turned violent as he pulled out a gun and fired twice into the air. He then threw the sisters and their belongings out of the house.

Mala and her sister eventually found refuge with distant relatives who are also believers. A local Christian leader visits them weekly to encourage them and remind them of God’s unfailing love.

Even within the midst of danger and rejection, Mala and her sister’s hearts remain steadfast. They continue to trust that God has a purpose for their lives. Their faith - and their courage to live it out - is a shining light to others among the Khmu who are still searching for purpose and hope.

Although they are from Laos, both Mala and Sunya are faithful listeners of FEBC Thailand’s daily broadcasts, which are the only Christian broadcasts available in the local Khmu language. Both Mala and Sunya were overjoyed to have had the opportunity to meet Samuel’s father, the producer of the FEBC program. Through these broadcasts, FEBC continues to encourage young Khmu listeners to pursue their education and better opportunities, while also planting seeds of faith and hope. The local FEBC staff also host youth camps to reach disadvantaged children like Mala and Sunya, introducing them to the life-changing message of the Gospel.

“Our vision has always been to encourage and plant a seed of hope for this new generation of Khmu believers,” Samuel said. “All of our staff want them to be proud of being identified as Khmu—to love their culture and speak the language.”

Reflecting on the impact of these programs, Samuel shared, “I remember our first youth camp about 15 years ago. Out of 100 young people, only four finished grade 12. More than half of the people who attended dropped out of school. This year, every youth is on track to finish high school, and nearly twenty are attending college!”

“When Mala and Sunya shared their stories, I was moved to tears,” Samuel said. “I know I cannot remove Mala and Sunya from their difficult situations, but the key thing is; I reminded them to stay strong in their faith, and encouraged them to finish school so they could leave their dysfunctional homes for a better future.”

Through the faithful partnership of local pastors and FEBC staff, these young believers are receiving ongoing discipleship, support, and prayer. Please continue to lift up ethnic Khmu listeners like Sunya and Mala, and pray for FEBC staff serving in this region – many of whom face persecution for boldly sharing the Gospel.

*Names changed to protect identities

Please continue to pray for the FEBC team; for their broadcasters, counselors and volunteers as they continue to serve the next generation of believers.