Harvest NOW Inc.                            Taking the gospel to the nations..

Vietnam

Overcoming love - The story of Nam from Vienam

Vietnam is a beautiful costal country that brings an array of different emotions, memories and images just at the mention of its name. Because of the war, for many Americans there may be an image of failure imprinted on the nation.  For others, this name of Vietnam may just make you think of the ladies who do your nails.

However, I would like to give you current report of this nation including all that God is doing. 

The Vietnamese people of today are industrious and optimist. The nation is taking a big step forward in being accepted as a new member of the World Trade Organization. This will create many more jobs and open doors for commerce and communications with other nations. With an increase of economical freedom, many young people in the cities are pursuing education or are busy building their trade.

There is a great openness and a sincere hunger for God. On one side of society the professionals and the university students are responding to the Gospel thanks to local underground outreaches.  On the other side, the simple fishermen and farmers and artisans are responding thanks to local underground pastors and evangelists who are quietly traveling to reach them. 

I can certainly say that there is a vibrant church that is moving forward, with boldness in spite of restrictions.  Local Churches are diligent in training new believers; in Bible study; in prayer and fasting; in church planting; and in reaching out to the needy. 

There is presently a drive from the Government to have new churches register with the authorities. That would mean,  they would have to come under government control. According to the law, people who are not part of a registered church are only allowed to practice their religion at home. And if people abuse their ”freedom of religion“ they are sowing division and undermining Vietnam’s great national unity. 

This means that there is persecution in this nation for those who are doing the work of the Gospel. We often receive the emails with reports of imprisonments and the beatings of believers, especially among the tribal groups. Prayers go out for these precious people from the body of Christ all over the world!  And we know for sure that God is working great miracles in their midst. 

The Christians are very aware of the price that their faith may cost them, but they have already calculated this risk and are willing to go forward with the high calling that God himself has placed on their lives.  Their attitude is of victory, for they know who they are serving and refuse to be intimidated. Please pray for these precious brothers and sisters in the Lord and for true freedom to come to Vietnam.

Lisa Anderson