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Vietnam

• Persecuted but Not Forgotten

  
  Photo: VOM Australia

  As members of the Hmong tribal group, Hien and his wife Binh were accustomed to worshipping ancestors and giving "gifts" to the village witch doctor to appease the spirits. But when one of Hien's own children became demon-possessed, he took him to visit a Christian pastor. This pastor prayed over Hien's son and he was healed. After witnessing such a miraculous event, Hien decided to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

• Pastor Punished After Reporting Abuse

  
  Photo: Flickr / M M (cc)

  Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh, a 45-year-old missionary pastor in Gia Lai province (of Vietnam's Central Highlands region), was arrested in April 2011 because of his Christian witness. In July 2012, he was sentenced to eleven years in prison for "undermining national unity."

• Kidnapped Pastors Beaten with Metal Rod

  
  The pastors were taken to a secluded
  wooded area where they were beaten.

  Two Christian pastors claim they were kidnapped, stripped of their clothes, robbed and subjected to violence after arriving at a local airport in late February. In a recent interview, Rev. Nguyen Trung Ton told sources that he and his colleague, Rev. Nguyen Viet Tu, were abducted by unknown men whom they believe were plain-clothes security officers.

  Rev. Nguyen Trung Ton, a pro-democracy activist in the Asian communist country, explained that they were on their way to meet with other activists in the Quang Binh province when they encountered a group of men who punched them and forced them into a van. Then the abductors covered the pastors' heads so they couldn't see where they were being taken. After arriving at a secluded wooded area on the Huong Khe mountain, the pastors were beaten with a metal bar, stripped and robbed.

  After the beatings, the abductors left the scene, leaving the wounded pastors to suffer without any help. Fortunately, the wounded men were discovered by local residents who came to their aid. As a result of the help they received, the victims were able to make it safely home.

  Being a pro-democracy advocate, Rev. Nguyen Trung Ton was previously arrested in 2011 and sentenced to years in prison after being charged with undermining the state and promoting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Sources report that after his release from prison, he has faced numerous instances of harassment from security officials. Rev. Nguyen Trung Ton and his family have also received death threats. Other reports on persecution in Vietnam may be reviewed at this page.

  Please uphold these two pastors who have undergone such unjust and violent treatment for their faith in God and for their peaceful advocacy of national democracy and religious freedom. Ask Him to heal them of their physical wounds, as well as the emotional trauma they experienced during the brutal attack. May conviction come upon the kidnappers and those who instigated the attack, helping them to realize that our Almighty Creator disapproves of their mistreatment of His people. Pray that the Lord's work in Vietnam will continue to touch many lives -- including those in need of salvation -- so that hearts may be changed and His name duly glorified.

• Numerous Pastors Jailed and Threatened

  More than 100 Vietnamese pastors of house churches have been imprisoned for refusing to join a central official church. The government-controlled "official church" wants to combine multiple house churches in order to control and diminish the influence of the thriving independent churches. A particular group of house churches representing a total membership of 3,000 was ordered to merge congregations and meet in a building that can hold only about 500 people.

  One of the Vietnamese ministry leaders, Pastor Su, who himself served a prison term between 1975 and 1984, expressed great concern over the new ruling: "If the pastors refuse to sign a paper saying they would combine, and that their gatherings would not go over 500 people, they will be beaten or thrown into prison."

  The latest pastors to be imprisoned (more than 60 of them) joined another 42 church leaders who are still behind bars, even though the 15-year sentences they received in 2001 for practising their faith have been completed. Despite the risks, Pastor Su and his ministry team are continuing with their Christian mission among the villages of Vietnam.

  In order for vitally needed ministry to endure, missionaries are trained secretly and Bible study groups move from village to village so they cannot be tracked down. Learn more about the challenges facing believers in Vietnam by reviewing our country report.

  We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May these church leaders and their congregation members not be intimidated by the governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God -- relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the Communist leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

• Wife of Imprisoned Pastor Beaten

  While Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh remains imprisoned in Vietnam, his wife Tran Thi Hong has been suffering ongoing persecution in a different manner. On April 14th, Tran was taken from her home and brought to the office of the People's Committee of Hoa Lu Ward where she was interrogated for three hours and beaten by plainclothes agents, resulting in injuries to her head, knees, legs, hands and feet.

  Before these beatings, officials tried to prevent her from attending a scheduled meeting with David Saperstein, the U.S. Ambassador at Large on International Religious Freedom. The meeting was able to proceed after Tran informed the ambassador's delegation that she had been seized and forced to return home.

  In May, Tran was detained and violently interrogated an additional three times. During one of these interrogations, Tran's 18-year-old son tried to intervene in an effort to protect his mother, but was then grabbed and choked by police who had him bound and arrested. Thankfully, he was released later that same day.

  Pastor Nguyen, 45, continues to suffer physical and psychological abuse in a Vietnamese prison because of his faith and advocacy for religious liberty. In 2012, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for allegedly "undermining national unity." Additional information on persecution in Vietnam is available here.

  Join us in praying that the unwarranted attacks against Pastor Nguyen and his family will cease, and that he will be released from prison prior to his sentenced term. In the meantime, as this family awaits a favourable outcome, ask the Lord to grant them renewed courage and strength. May those who witness their courage wonder at its source and also come to faith in Him. Intercede for the Vietnamese authorities that they may uphold true justice on behalf of the country's Christian believers and, therefore, act with compassion toward them.

• Human Rights Campaigner Freed!

  
  Father Nguyen Van Ly

  Human rights campaigner Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, who was jailed by Vietnamese authorities, was recently released. Thankfully, after having spent most of the past two decades in detention due to his relentless pursuit of democracy and religious freedom, the elderly church leader (born August 31, 1947) was finally released from a prison in central Hue province after his fourth stint behind bars.

  During long periods of incarceration, sometimes in solitary confinement, he suffered numerous health problems, including strokes and partial paralysis. His long-awaited release took place three months before the end of an eight-year prison sentence for "anti-state propaganda," which comes under a section of the criminal code that human rights groups say is vaguely worded and used to punish outspoken critics.

  The human rights activist has been on the receiving end of some of the country's harshest verdicts, stemming from his opposition to the political monopoly of the Communist party and his stand against the government confiscation of church property. Over the years, he set up a pro-democracy movement, campaigning for democracy and freedom of speech. You can review a previous report on his case by going to this page.

• Draft of New Religion Law Raises Alarm

  Lawmakers in Vietnam are expected to pass a new law on religion that will likely worsen oppression, according to many alarmed religious leaders and human rights' groups. As a result, 27 organizations -- including VOM Canada -- have called on Vietnam's government to make necessary changes to the new law draft before it's passed in order to prevent further abuse of religious minorities from taking place.

  In a statement issued on November 3rd, dozens of reputable international organizations have urged the government to heavily revise its law: "While the draft purports to acknowledge 'the right to freedom of religion and belief' and proclaims that the 'government respects and protects the freedom of religion and belief of everyone,' the provisions of the draft law, if passed, would act as a powerful instrument of control, placing sweeping, overly broad limitations on the practice of religion or belief within Vietnam, perpetuating the already repressive situation." Examples of this repression can be found at the Vietnam Country Report.

  Among the concerns listed in the joint statement are onerous registration requirements, excessive state control, and ambiguous wording that "could be used to perpetuate discrimination." In a ten-point recommendation, the groups urged a redraft that is in line with international law and recommendations from the U.N. special rapporteur on freedom of religion. To review the submitted statement, which includes these important recommendations, please click here.

  Pray that God will oversee the mediation process of this new law as it's being negotiated and reworked, speaking through those who represent Him and His statutes, to ensure the fairness and freedoms of the Vietnamese people -- including the professing followers of Christ. Instead of feeling threatened by Christianity, may the country's leaders recognize the benefits of having God-honouring and upright citizens who will work diligently as unto Him and operate with honesty and integrity in all situations -- qualities that hopefully these leaders themselves will personally embrace and aspire to achieve for the governance of Vietnam.

• Authorities Crushing Christian Minorities

  

  A new report from Human Rights Watch announces that the oppression of Vietnam's Christian "Montagnards" (meaning "mountain people") has reached a critical state. The report, Persecuting "Evil Way" Religion: Abuses against Montagnards in Vietnam, claims government authorities have arrested Christians, detaining them sometimes for days or even months at a time. Many of the detainees, who follow a form of evangelical Protestantism not recognized by the government, were also beaten.

  Periodic bouts of persecution are nothing new among Vietnam's Christian minorities. Such treatment has been especially harsh in the Central Highlands, an area where Protestant missionaries worked both before and during the Vietnam War. Today, many of the ethnic minority tribes there still practise evangelical Christianity.

  While Vietnam's constitution contains a guarantee of religious freedom, it only extends as far as the government allows. According to the Human Rights Watch report, persecution of the evangelical Christian minority became official policy in January 2013 when the communist Vietnamese government passed "Decree 92." The new law clamped down on religious groups not registered with the government, prohibited the "manipulation of freedom of belief and religion," and outlined "propaganda against the state" and threats to "national unity." To learn more about persecution in Vietnam, click here.

  Pray that the Lord will greatly strengthen the resolve of His people in Vietnam, enabling them to persevere in spite of severe opposition. May they have the reassurance of His peace and protection as they endeavour to love and serve Him with joy. Ask that He pour out His Spirit upon these faithful Christ followers so they may be mightily used to reach those who have yet to know Him personally as Saviour -- including those in governing authority.

• Pastor and Son Brutally Attacked Again

  Pastor Quang

  Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and his son Nguyen Quang Trieu were recently attacked by a group of seven young men while uniformed police looked on and did nothing to prevent the assault from happening. An additional 20 thugs joined the original attackers in the beating which took place at the church of the victimized Christians. Two other pastors tried to intervene by helping the victims but were also hurt in the process. Pastor Quang suffered several injuries, including a broken finger, a cut eyelid, as well as wounds to his face. His son also sustained various injuries.

  Earlier this year, Pastor Quang and a colleague experienced a brutal assault in broad daylight near their Bible college. The institution has been the target of several serious attacks which sources believe is part of a strategic plan by Communist security forces to oppose their freedom of religion. (For more information on this incident, visit our website.)

  Please bring this injured pastor and his son to our Lord Jesus in prayer, asking Him to surround them both with His peace and comfort as they recover from this brutal assault. May their hearts not be consumed by fear but instead with an even greater faith so they can continue entrusting their very lives to Him. Also pray that religious freedom will be upheld for Christians and other minorities in Vietnam.

  To learn more about the persecuted church in Vietnam, visit our website.

• Pastors Violently Attacked in Broad Daylight

  Pastor Quangin the hospital after the attack.

  Two pastors were brutally attacked by five men near their Bible college on the afternoon of January 18th. Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and his associate pastor were assaulted with bricks and rocks and, after collapsing to the ground, were kicked relentlessly. Both men were taken to the emergency department of the hospital. Pastor Quang sustained broken ribs, as well as facial wounds, including a broken nose and injuries to his teeth and jaw. He was later transferred to a local hospital for further treatment and observation. Thankfully, VOM Australia has provided the necessary funds to cover his treatment costs. At last report, no arrests have yet been made.

  Pastor Quang and his Bible college have been targeted multiple times within recent years. In an attack that took place just this past November, nearly 300 assailants threw stones and other objects at the school building. (For more information on that previous attack, visit our website.)

  Please pray that the Lord will completely heal and restore both of these pastors. In particular, pray that the symptoms of Pastor Quang's more serious injuries will quickly abate. As these men recover, ask God to strengthen their resolve to fully commit themselves to their ministry work, granting them and all those affiliated with the Bible college divine protection from any potential further attack. Let us also remember the perpetrators of this crime, asking the Lord to extend His mercy and bring them to sincere repentance.

  To learn more about the difficulties that our Christian brothers and sisters are enduring in Vietnam, go to the Vietnam Country Report.