Information regarding Lao government officials in Vientiane--

         His Excellency Mr. Khamthay Siphandone
         President, Lao P.D.R.
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
          Fax:  011-856-21-214208 
                telephone first to this number to announce fax


         His Excellency Mr. Sisavath Keobunphanh
         Prime Minister
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
          Fax:  011-856-21-21-36-50 
                telephone first to 011-856-21-21-37-22 to announce fax


         His Excellency Mr. Kham Ouane Boupha
         Minister of Justice
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
          Fax:  011-856-21-414102

If you have questions, please write to Jerry Canfield <DailyWoods@aol.com>, Ken Fox <seasiafox@juno.com>, or the Webminister <webminister@westarkchurchofchrist.org>.

This letter is written on behalf of Lao Christians who were arrested on January 30, 1998, while attending a Bible study at a private home in Vientiane. We are thankful that all but thirteen of the arrested Christians were released two weeks after the arrests. We are also thankful that three of the thirteen Christians sentenced on March 25, 1998, were released after spending 60 days in prison. We are thankful that two Christians were released on November 28, 1998. We continue to be greatly concerned for the eight Christians who remain in prison as their sentences are appealed to the Supreme Court of the Lao P.D.R.

It is our sincere belief that the imprisoned Christians pose no threat to the national security interests of the Lao P.D.R. The eight imprisoned Christians have no political interests, are not associated with human rights groups and are good citizens of your country. As Christians, the eight are non-violent and are dedicated to meeting their duties as citizens of the Lao P.D.R. We respectfully request the showing of mercy to the eight Christians by their release from imprisonment now after more than ten months of separation from their families.

Individually, there are good reasons for the Lao government to extend mercy by releasing the eight Christians. Mr. Si Yilatchai is an older, age 62, Lao citizen whose health is at risk due to his confinement. Mr. Kuu (Gaaw) Galgaruensuk is a farmer from a village north of Vientiane, and his family is severely hampered in raising crops and caring for their children due to the imprisonment. Mr. Bounlert Yilatchai, Mr. Kongmany Soukaseum, Mr. Gaet Inthavong, Mr. Khamsaweang Wassanasong, Mr. Phengxay Sayjalern, and Mr. Chane Yilatchai are the young husbands in families who greatly need the companionship and instruction of the imprisoned husbands and fathers. Most have young children in their families, and Mr. Bounlert Yalitchai's first child was born shortly after his arrest on January 30.

Extending mercy to the eight Christians would demonstrate to the rest of the world the gentleness of the Lao people. Additionally, five of the eight are employees of Partners in Progress, an NGO under contract with the Ministry of Health to assist in a UNICEF funded public health program in Naxaythong District. In 1997, due to the efforts of the five Lao now in prison, the program produced clean water, latrines and health education training for ten primary schools in Naxaythong District. As indicated in the press release of the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 1998, Partners in Progress has been invited by the Lao government to continue the project at ten additional primary schools. The release of the imprisoned Christians will achieve a needed health project for the school children in ten Naxaythong District primary schools.

For all these reasons, we respectfully ask that the eight Christians be released.

Sincerely,