The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule.

Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986,

Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests.

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 sincere hunger for God among the people. 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.

In Vietnam 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.

At presently there is a drive from the Government to have new churches register with the authorities. That would mean that they would 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.

There is great 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.

Read the story of Nam from Vietnam