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The LCMS began work in Laos in 1998 through the joint efforts of LCMS World Relief and Human Care and One Chanh Keoouthai, an LCMS member and Laotian expatriate leader. The original mercy project support from LCMS World Relief and Human Care went toward medical care for residents of an isolated village. Other support in ensuing years went towards electrical projects and irrigation projects.
Currently, the Laotian government does not allow any new religious organizations into the country. However, it permits various religious organizations to offer humanitarian aid. Several humanitarian-aid projects have been conducted by nationals with the help of Thai and LCMS missionaries based in Thailand. These projects have opened doors for international aid and relationships between people. One project was the building and organization of a medical clinic in a remote village in the province of Sawannakhet. This clinic was dedicated in 1999 and serves the 1,900 people of Pai Village and six other nearby villages. It is staffed by local doctors and maintained by the provincial government. Additional projects included an irrigation project and an electrical project.
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