Trial for Pastor Postponed

 
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Less than twenty-four hours before the General Secretary of the Full Gospel House Church in Vietnam was to stand trial on January 13 for "interfering with an officer doing his duty," his trial was postponed indefinitely because the trial judge was unable to attend. Christian leaders in Vietnam, however, suspect it was because of pressure from Vietnam's house church leaders, as well as the international attention being given to the trial.

The charges against Pastor Bui Van Ba stem from a police raid on a prayer meeting in his home on August 18, 2003. (see https://www.vomcanada.com/vn-2003-09-03.htm). While invading the home, police knocked his ailing wife to the floor. She later fainted with severe chest pains. Believers pleaded with police to let him take his wife to the hospital, but they refused. Instead, they turned on Ba and brutally beat him, hitting his head against the concrete wall. Eventually one of the believers was allowed to take his wife to the hospital, but Ba was taken to the police station where he was chained to a post and beaten. He was released the next day, but remains under house arrest.

While Vietnamese believers are rejoicing that the trial has been postponed, they realize that the trial could resume at any time. They call on Christians around the world to pray with them for justice and religious freedom.



 

  • Current Ministry Project

    By helping to provide solid Biblical teaching and training uniquely suited to the needs of a specific tribal group, VOMC is able to equip members of Vietnam’s persecuted church to stand firm in their faith and reach out to others in their communities with the powerful message of the Gospel.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Population
    104,799,174 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kinh [Viet] (85.3), Tay (1.9), Thai (1.9), Muong (1.5), Khmer (1.5), Mong (1.4), Nung (1.1), Hoa (1), others (5.5)

    Religion (%)
    Catholic (6.1), Buddhist (7.9), Protestant (1), Other (0.8) none (86.3%)

    Leader
    President To Lam (May 2024)

    Government type
    Communist state

    Legal system
    Civil law system

    Source: CIA World Factbook

    Pray for Vietnam

    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by 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 country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

  • Pray for Vietnam
    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by 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 country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

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