Since their arrest in March 2004, The Voice of the Martyrs has been following the account of six Mennonites arrested by the Vietnamese government. We are now able to release the news that two were freed from prison in early December. Translations of their eye-witness accounts of the torture and suffering in prison are available online (click here).
In November, the two brothers, Nguyen Huu Nghia (24) and Nguyen Thanh Nhan (22) were sentenced to nine months in prison, most of which they had already served. While in prison awaiting their trial, the brothers recount the torture they suffered, resulting in permanent damage to their nervous systems. Nhan said, "And now, as I return to life I must carry a withered body. My left leg is partly paralysed and I can stand and walk only with difficulty. My nervous system is badly damaged as it was assaulted by clubs and switches and it will take a very long time to heal." According to Nghia, "The doctor says my heart arteries have been affected and my nervous system is disturbed and that these conditions are potentially life threatening." Both end their reports with a testimony to the grace and strengthening hand of God, who will enable them to continue serving Him.
Pray for healing for these two young men. Pray for those still suffering in prison, that they will be released and that they will find the emotional and physical strength to endure their sufferings for the name of Christ.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in Vietnam, as well as more background on the arrests of these six servants of God, click here.
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