Vietnam stretches over 1,000 km of mountains and coastline, and is home to more than 54 distinct peoples. Yet for over 40 of those groups, the good news of Jesus remains unheard. Allen shares what God is doing – and how you can be part of it.
Historically the good news spread widely among a few minority groups living in the central mountains of Vietnam, and these people make up a large part of the national church. In the north, there was also a significant turning to the Lord among the H’mong people during the 1980s and 1990s through radio ministries. Today, there are more believers among these ethnic minority peoples than there are among the majority Vietnamese people, especially in the north of the country.
Currently, vibrant communities of Christians exist in some places, but in other areas, there may not be a single church or gathering of believers – and many have had very little opportunity, if any, to hear about Jesus.
We long to see the good news spread to the millions of people who have never had a chance to hear about the Lord’s love for them, and we sense that the Lord is opening doors to make his name known in these places. In the past it was very difficult for people to move around the country and for outsiders to live beyond the largest cities. As Vietnam modernises, this situation is changing. Many people from previously isolated communities are moving to new places to study in universities or to find jobs, and there is more opportunity to engage with them than ever before. It is now possible to move to smaller cities where many of them live, becoming neighbours who can bring the good news for the first time. Visiting villages, sharing meals, and inviting people into our homes has never been easier!
A ministry trip to a village typically involves going together with one or two local believers, picking up a couple of chickens or ducks on the way, and then going out to spend the day with a family and their neighbours. Everyone contributes to prepare a meal together using ingredients from their gardens and we enjoy the day together. Often there are openings to learn about their needs, pray for them, and share the gospel. We have seen several people learn about and trust in Jesus through these times. Because a group of Christians are involved, it is easier for them to connect with a church community and grow in Christ.
Another exciting development has been seeing the Lord begin to call more of the nearby Christians from other ethnic groups to take notice and reach out to their neighbours in need of Christ. Even though they live close by and in some cases have some cultural similarities, they also must cross cultural boundaries to share the gospel and live as ‘Christ’s ambassadors’ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Many new opportunities to work alongside them have risen recently, and there is an urgent need to help equip them for cross-cultural ministry within their own villages.
Reaching the many peoples still living without the hope of Jesus is an enormous task! We rely on the Lord in faith as he continues to open doors and call workers from many places around the world and from within Vietnam itself. Millions of people still live without the knowledge of Jesus, and have yet to have the chance to hear of the Saviour who has given himself to forgive sins and bring us into relationship with God.
Many more workers are needed who will come with a humble heart and a desire to explore the needs of the different people groups of Vietnam. The Lord is doing new things among them in recent years. Who will be willing to join a multi-national team of their brothers and sisters in Christ to invest their lives to bring the greatest news of all to those who have never had the chance to hear about him? Come and join us!
Allen
