Photo: VOMC
On March 8th, the body of Pastor Y Bum Bya was found hanging from a tree at a cemetery near his home in the Dak Lak Province of Vietnam. Though local authorities declared the Christian leader's death a suicide, reports indicate that his body showed signs of torture. The believer's death happened shortly after he had been summoned to meet with police.
Pastor Y Bum Bya, who served as the leader of an unregistered evangelical church, was experiencing severe persecution because of his Christian activities. Prior to the fatal incident, he had been publicly humiliated and charged with trying to "destroy the great national unity." Additionally, in December of 2023, he was beaten and forced to renounce his association with the church. Also during that time, the pastor's cell phone was confiscated.
On the day of his death, local police contacted the targeted church leader, allegedly to arrange a meeting with him in order to return his cell phone. However, about the time the officers were scheduled to be at his home, they sent word to him requesting that the meeting take place at the nearby cemetery instead. When Pastor Y Bum Bya did not return home from the meeting, his relatives began searching for him – only to discover his body hanging by a rope.
Calling for an investigation into his death, local Christian leaders organized a petition, which has been signed by 31 associated congregations. In doing so, the leaders of these unregistered churches have placed themselves and their congregations at risk of retribution from the authorities. For additional reports on the persecution of believers in Vietnam, and/or to view formerly videotaped documentaries, go to our country report.
Pray that our Heavenly Father will intervene in this situation, ensuring that justice prevails and that those responsible for Pastor Y Bum Bya's death are held accountable for their wrongful actions. May God's comfort, peace and strength rest on the slain church leader's family and congregation members as they now mourn this unexpected loss. Please also pray that the Lord will provide for the physical and spiritual needs of all those who are facing danger or imprisonment because of their Christian activities, asking that these persecuted followers of Jesus will be reassured of His unfailing presence and sustaining promises during difficult times.
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