Church Faces Shutdown Order

Vietnamese woman in the rice fields with her little boys - Photo: Pixabay - Huỳnh Mai Nguyễn
Pray for boldness and wisdom on behalf of Montagnard believers.

As believers met for worship on the morning of October 7th in Cuor Dang Commune, Daklak Province, local authorities entered the home where they were meeting, demanding that they stop all religious activities. Those present refused to leave, saying that any action would have to wait until after they were finished. Because the home was crowded, the officials were forced to wait outside.

As the congregants dispersed, orders were given that the church leader, Ama Sim, was to go with them for questioning. The church refused, fearing that he might disappear. The officers finally relented and told them, "We are giving you a warning this time; but next Sunday if you still gather, we will bring more crowds to shut you down."

The Christians who were at the gathering are members of the Montagnard people, an ethnic minority that frequently faces persecution because of their ethnicity and Christian faith. The government in Vietnam is also nervous about large gatherings, fearing "subversive activities."

Praise God for the strength and bravery of these believers in the face of threats. Pray for their continued endurance and protection, despite ongoing opposition. Intercede for the local authorities that they too will experience the Lord's transformative power in their lives. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, may the Gospel spread throughout Vietnam.

  • 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.

Vietnam News