Vietnam is a vibrant country of over 100 million people, but the church is relatively small, particularly among the ethnic Vietnamese and in the cities. Among the 53 ethnic minority groups there are a few where the number of Christians is much higher, but their strength tends to be in rural areas – a challenge in a country that is urbanising.
We long to see more churches in Vietnam, especially in the North and Centre and among the Viet Kinh people, the ethnic Vietnamese. Churches are needed in both cities and rural areas, and among all the ethnic groups and every sector of society. Much of that work needs to be taken forward by local Christians, with OMF workers and other foreigners investing incarnationally in relationships and sharing vision. Prayer is vital as opportunities are sought to equip and encourage brothers and sisters with a heart and passion for this kind of ministry.
There is huge scope for God’s word to be applied in the local context. We long to see the Lord raising up Vietnamese theologians and preachers with a passion to ‘feed their sheep’, grappling with God’s word and the issues their people are facing. This is an area where members could model and encourage engagement with God’s word, walking alongside those God is calling to this kind of ministry. Some are already working with Langham in taking this kind of work forward. Many Christians in the country are first-generation believers and are hungry for help in applying biblical principles to marriage, family life and many other areas of life.
God has used social media to start at least one church in Hanoi, but there is so much potential to develop media ministries. Who will come and use their skills in this area in partnership with local brothers and sisters?
God loves all the peoples of Vietnam: young and old, rural and urban. Who will bring the skills and experience God has given them to work alongside local brothers and sisters, as well as those from other nations in seeing the good news shared in all its fullness, and churches established? This is the future of ministry in Vietnam. Come and be part of it!
Anne-Marie Prescott
Beyond Borders worker
With co-authors
