“God sent you to help us” – resilient faith in Vietnam

Life for Christians in Vietnam comes with challenges from inside and outside the home. But with the help of your support, believers are holding on. Please continue to pray for them.

Growing up in southern Vietnam, all Nhat Binh* knew was his family’s Buddhist practice – rhythms of life akin to many of his friends’ and neighbours’ lives. It was only when he started attending college that he encountered another possibility.  

In his second year of study, Nhat Binh discovered Jesus and decided to give his life to Him. That decision was the starting point of a difficult journey of choosing faith again and again in the face of very personal persecution. 

When Nhat’s strictly Buddhist family learned of his conversion, the shift in their treatment of him was sharp and painful – especially that of his mother, who was already controlling and harsh towards Nhat. His supposed betrayal of their ways was merely a catalyst for her.  

Criticism and scolding were like rocks placed accumulatively on Nhat’s shoulders, worsening his mental and emotional stability until he was forced to halt his studies. Then, earlier this year, the situation escalated – Nhat’s mother took all his Christian books and set them ablaze, reducing everything to ashes. Her words were burned in his mind – “Anything related to Buddha stays; anything related to God, throw it in and burn it all!” she had said. “Go on, tell your God to come and save you!” 

The Father’s comfort 

Then, a chilling promise. After Vietnamese New Year, Nhat’s mother assured him that she would report him to the police, saying, “Once you’re in jail, let those pastors bring you food!” 

Nhat felt helpless, weakened by the onslaught of months and years. Meanwhile, his mother continued her threats, ordering him to leave and warning that she would disinherit him, her youngest son.  

In the midst of a child’s deep pain, God brought comfort through Nhat’s pastor, Sang*, who sought him out in his suffering.  

“I have spoken with Nhat Binh several times, listened to his situation with empathy and provided spiritual guidance,” Sang says. “As a result, Nhat Binh decided to return home, remain with his family and continue to submit to them. I believe that God is his only comfort during this difficult time.” 

In many parts of Vietnam and other countries, such stories are not unique when an individual chooses Christ over their family. But with such stories come glimmers of hope, too. 

“If I die, I will be with Him” 

Vang A Thau* lives in a different part of Vietnam that was devastated by huge floods and landslides in June 2025. Homes, crops and livelihoods – the products of years of labour – were washed away in moments, leaving families utterly destitute. 

Among those struck was Vang’s family. In the aftermath of the heavy rains, nothing was left for him, his wife and their two children, and they were forced to survive in the meagre shelter of a tent made from torn plastic sheets for some time. 

In response to the crisis, local authorities began distributing emergency relief to households. But when they got to Vang, they reportedly gave an ultimatum instead: “Since you believe in God, let your God and your church take care of you. If you want help, you must abandon your faith and return to worshiping the ancestral spirits.” 

Vang and his family had nothing but their faith – the most precious thing they owned. He had made up his mind. 

“My faith is in the Lord. Even if we starve, I will not deny Christ,” Vang declared. “If I die, I will go be with Him. This life is only temporary. My family and I will continue to trust in the Lord.” 

“Because of your love and prayers” 

When Open Doors partners heard about Vang and his family’s situation, they stepped in to provide food, clothing and means of building a new home. Their lives began to be restored. 

“With your practical support, together with our church and the family’s savings, the house was completed,” says Vang’s local church leader. “It now provides A Thau’s family with a secure place to live. This new home has become more than just a shelter – it stands as a tangible answer to prayer and a testimony of God’s provision through the global body of Christ. It also strengthens their faith as they continue walking with God through difficult situations.” 

Vang and his family share their thanks, too. “I thank the Lord for His mercy and for remembering my family in our darkest time. When everything was lost, God sent brothers and sisters to help us. Because of your love and prayers, my family now has a safe place to live again. We will always remember this kindness and continue to trust in the Lord.” 

Despite the difficulties that both Nhat and Vang have faced and continue to experience, their lives testify to the provision of the Lord and the importance of your prayers. Thank you for standing with them – your support helps them to endure amidst the joys and hardships they carry. 

*Names changed for security reasons