Vietnam 2
February 10th

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and Vietnam will be saved!”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household(Acts 16:31,NIV).”

》 Country Profile

Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 103.8 million
Area | 331,210㎢ Located on the eastern and southern coastline of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
Capital City｜ Hanoi (5.06 million people)
Major City | Ho Chi Minh City (9.07 million people)
People Groups ｜ Total 119 Groups (Vietnamese 83%, Thai 1.9%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.4%, others 4.3%
People Groups Unreached | 68 (57.1% of the population)
Offical Language(s) ｜ Vietnamese
Total Languages ​​｜ 113
Bible translations ｜ Complete 24, New Testament 14, Partial 17
Religion ｜ Christian 8.5% (Protestant 1.1%, Catholic 7.4%), Buddhist 14.9%, Non-religious 73.7%, Ethnic religion 11.4%, Others 2.9%  Evangelical 2.4% (2.51 million people)

》 About Vietnam

Vietnam’s location has made it a target for foreign invasions throughout its history. Even though it was under Chinese rule for a long time, Vietnam built its own dynasties and unique culture, adopting things like language and systems from China. From the 10th century to the 19th century, Vietnam remained independent. However, in 1858, France began invading, and by 1884, Vietnam became a French colony. In 1945, Vietnam declared independence and formed the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, but foreign powers returned, causing political problems until 1954.
In 1954, North Vietnam, led by a communist government, defeated the French, and the country was split into North and South. A war between the two sides lasted over 20 years. The United States, worried about communism spreading in South Vietnam, joined the war in 1961, with support from countries like South Korea and the Philippines. However, North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, won the war. In 1976, the country was unified under the name Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Today, Vietnam is still ruled by the Communist Party, and in March 2023, Vo Van Thuong was elected president.

Vietnam’s economy grew rapidly after launching the “Doi Moi” (Renovation) policy in 1986, which opened up the country and shifted to a more centralized and planned market system. Oil is a major export and the country’s largest source of income. Over 60% of workers are in farming, forestry, and fishing, with rice, coffee, and pepper being important exports. The COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic slowdown badly affected the service and transportation industries, as well as retail. However, Vietnam has benefited from global companies moving their operations out of China due to U.S.-China trade issues.
Vietnam’s GDP per capita is approximately $4,649.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Many foreign missionary groups and missionaries work in Vietnam under the guise of NGOs, providing aid and teaching English. However, some foreign churches and organizations use money to attract believers, which creates negative situations. There is a great need for theological training programs for Vietnamese church leaders. Because all churches and seminaries are under government surveillance, many unofficial Bible studies and theological schools are operating. However, church leaders often manage multiple congregations and lack the time and financial resources for further education.
Let us pray that foreign missionaries and Vietnamese church workers will unite in the wisdom of the Lord. Let us also pray that the workers will be equipped to spread the gospel across the nation, make disciples, and nurture believers. Let the gospel message, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household,” come true in Vietnam.

2. Vietnam faces serious social problems such as drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and prostitution. There are around 30,000 women involved in prostitution, and an estimated 260,000 drug addicts aged 18 to 35. The country ranks fifth in Asia for HIV/AIDS, with about 220,000 people infected.
Let us pray for mercy upon Vietnam, where HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly due to drug use, homosexuality, and prostitution. Let us also pray that people will realize only the gospel can transform sinful lives and bring real solutions to these social problems. At a drug rehabilitation center in northern Vietnam, many addicts have come to faith and been transformed through the Word of God and prayer. These individuals have also shared the gospel with their families and friends, leading them to faith. With 60 Christian rehabilitation centers in Vietnam, let us pray that more people will come to Christ and find salvation.

3. In Vietnam, 54 ethnic minority groups make up about 14% of the population, and the Hmong people are the group where Christianity has grown the most. The gospel first reached the Hmong through Far East Broadcasting radio programs. Today, despite heavy persecution, about 400,000 Hmong Christians remain strong in their faith. The Hmong believers have also shared the gospel with other ethnic groups, including the Dao people, 24,000 of whom have become Protestants. The gospel continues to spread to other minority groups, as well as to the Muslim Cham people and the Buddhist Khmer people.
Let us pray that, just as the jailer’s household came to faith through Paul’s ministry, the Vietnamese church will bring this nation to believe in God and experience the joy of salvation.

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