Persecution Blog

More Persecution in Vietnam

A Ho Chi Minh City Bible school that has often been the target of police activity in recent years was attacked and destroyed for the seventh time on Wednesday, Nov. 12 by hired thugs accompanied by the police. The thugs used hammers and metal cutters to destroy doors, walls, and furniture. Police then raided the college and arrested nine Christians who did not have proper paperwork — documents that had been confiscated by police in earlier raids. The Bible school leader, Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang, said this was the seventh attack on the college since June 2014.

On the Nov. 12 attack, hired men along with scantily-clad prostitutes gathered outside the school and begin shouting and screaming in the streets. Witnesses saw police filming the events just as the mob began damaging the school property. The thugs broke doors and gates that were broken three days earlier and had just been repaired that day. Police then arrested nine people inside, including Pastor Quang’s son and two Mennonite pastors.

The nine Christians were taken to the local police station. After being interrogated for two hours, all nine were released but were charged for not having ID cards or temporary residence papers. These documents were confiscated in earlier raids and never returned, according to church leaders. Without these documents, all nine will face further police harassment and complications with employment and school registration.

The Ho Chi Minh Bible college trains young Christians, mostly from minority tribal groups and has been the subject of frequent attacks. After large scale attacks in June, the water and electricity for the school were cut off, and in October, all roads to the school were barricaded.

READ MORE, including a timeline of past persecution of Pastor Quang, at www.Persecution.com.

“obeDIEnce”

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

One of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had was with a Vietnamese pastor. This experienced leader shared several nuggets which revealed insights into his ability to boldly follow Christ for many years in an incredibly restricted context.

As we talked after dinner, I asked him how we can learn to stand strong for God. He quickly pointed to his watch, and said: “If this watch is on my arm, I have to take care of it and protect it.”

Picture him beginning to unlatch his watch, and then continuing: “But if I give it to you, then you have to take care of it and protect it.”

With a smile, he concluded: “If we give our lives to God we don’t have to worry about it. He is the One who will take care of us.”

Take a minute to reread his statement and let that concept settle in…

It’s a profound insight.

If I am willing to give my life to God, then I can serve Him, and others, in absolute freedom. I can release my ambitions, my comfort, my desires…MY everything!

Paul reminded that Galatians that obedience involves death to self. I have seen obedience spelled with an emphasis on the critically important, three-letter word that it contains:  “obeDIEnce.”

Are we willing to “die” to ourselves, so that we can “live” for Jesus? That is the path to true life that produces fruit which will outlast our temporal lives! As Jesus said in John 12:24: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

How can we get involved in this type of “fruit” production? What kind of difference can we make from our homes? My brother from Vietnam has an encouraging response for us all.  He says, “When you pray in America, you are working in Vietnam.”

Learn more about life as a Christian in Vietnam, and watch a 2:40 trailer to see how a group of teenager’s lives were radically changed by their visit: “Underground Reality: Vietnam”

Dr. Jason Peters serves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. He lived overseas for five years and has ministered in 35 countries as diverse as Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Iraq, Nigeria, and Indonesia. He and his wife, Kimberly, along with their five children, count it a great honor to serve with the persecuted church.

He Has A Love for People Who Do Bad Things

Today I'd like to share with you a short video of Celso, who is a brave Christian who was once kidnapped by the FARC in Colombia. Now he goes to minister in these areas that are controlled by guerrilla's because he has a heart for people who do bad things.

You can watch more about how teams have gone into Colombia and Vietnam in our two Underground Reality DVD's. Click here to order through our bookstore.