VIETNAM: Recent Reports from the Field

The persecution of Christians is commonplace in rural regions of Vietnam, where believers encounter various threats, including the potential expulsion from their villages, the confiscation or destruction of property, and physical violence for remaining dedicated to their faith. Additionally, Christians often experience discrimination, such as exclusion from social benefits or aid programmes. Children from Christian families are particularly vulnerable, facing ridicule and exploitation in educational settings and enduring persistent harassment with minimal assistance from teachers and other school staff.

This report highlights recent instances of persecution faced by Christians in rural Vietnam.

Voice of the Martyrs Australia collaborates with front-line workers to deliver emergency physical, spiritual, and financial support to persecuted Christians.

Brother An is no stranger to persecution, having endured severe beatings and imprisonment in the past for his beliefs. Recently, local authorities imposed a ban preventing him from transporting or selling his crops on public roads due to his ongoing church gatherings at his home and his persistent evangelism. Consequently, his crops rotted, causing him to lose his entire investment in his business, ultimately leaving his family without sufficient funds for food. Furthermore, authorities damaged his motorbike and warned him that his troubles would cease, if he agreed to renounce his faith.

Brother Hy, a church planter, has recently faced significant challenges. Our front-line workers have learned that he was not only physically assaulted by local authorities but that they also seized four hectares of his land as a direct consequence of his church-planting efforts.

Brother Lin has engaged in similar evangelistic activities, leading his own house church and allowing church gatherings in his home. In response, local authorities attempted to forcibly evict his family from their residence and village. When Brother Lin resisted, they resorted to threats and physical violence against him and his wife. Recognising their inability to relocate Brother Lin and his family, the authorities began a campaign of persecution against them. They confiscated his motorbike and prohibited his family from utilising the community well, forcing them to travel to another village to collect water. Moreover, a fence was constructed to restrict their movement, and broken glass was strewn around their home, limiting their access. The authorities insisted that their difficulties would be alleviated if they renounced their faith. Despite the severity of their circumstances, Brother Lin and his family remain steadfast in their commitment to their beliefs.

Approximately three years ago, Voice of the Martyrs Australia provided financial assistance to Brother Dan to repair his home, which had been destroyed by local authorities due to his steadfast faith in God. Recently, Brother Dan was summoned to the police station for a full day of interrogation after he once again refused to renounce his faith. He was ultimately released, albeit after being subjected to threats.

Earlier this month, a team of six evangelists travelled to a nearby province to share the gospel, while on the road they were stopped by police and detained for questioning. They suffered interrogation and beatings; one of them suffered a broken finger as a result.

Please pray for the church in Vietnam and VOM Australia’s efforts to equip believers to stand firm in their faith.