Coming to faith while studying abroad changed Minh Anh’s life and direction. Now serving in Vietnam, she shares how God has worked through family, work and church life, and the opportunities and challenges of following Jesus there.
Can you tell us a little about how you came to know Jesus?
Growing up in Vietnam, I didn’t know any Christians and was unfamiliar with the name of Jesus. When I was 17, I moved to Canada for school and lived with a Canadian host family who took me to church and shared the love of Christ with me. After about 6 months of reading the Bible and praying, I decided to place my faith in Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, by God’s grace.
What does it look like for you as a follower of Jesus in your workplace?
In my experience, Vietnamese people are generally keen to build friendships at work. I see this as a great opportunity to get to know my colleagues and share my faith with them. When I tell my colleagues that I go to church on Sundays, I find that many of them are genuinely curious to know what church is like. I also try to be a good witness through the quality and timeliness of my work.
What does life in your local church look like?
My church, like many churches in Hanoi, was planted a few years ago and is growing fast. We seek to put God’s word at the centre of everything that we do, and desire to proclaim the gospel in Hanoi, in Vietnam, and beyond. It is a very exciting time for the church, with many people coming to faith and getting baptised. Please pray for the church to navigate this period of growing with wisdom, as well as for a larger meeting place.
How can Christians be praying for your city?
Many Christians in Hanoi are the first and the only believer in their families, and often face persecution from their own families for their faith. Please pray that God would help them to endure the opposition and soften the hearts of their family members. Please also pray for the people of Hanoi – that amid the rich traditions and family bonds that shape their lives, they would come to know God’s love and grace personally, and find in Jesus someone who meets them in the deepest places of their hearts.
