"All Scripture is breathed out by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, equipped for every good work."
~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Vietnam is one of the few remaining Communist nations in the world. Christians are considered a threat to the country's traditional religious practices and cultural identity. A backlash of discrimination, intimidation, property destruction, detentions, beatings, and forced renunciations of faith, are deployed as a means to diminish the church in Vietnam.
Christian activity outside of the church is met with stiff opposition, making evangelism difficult. There is also a shortage of Bibles in Vietnam, leaving many rural believers without direct access to God's Word. The rise of cult leaders throughout the country has been a considerable challenge for the church, as many are led astray by their false teachings. Despite these trials, the church continues to grow as it proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing
worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered
the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may
gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of
my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through
faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith --
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and
may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by
any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."
~ Philippians 3:8-11 ESV
The Christian's acknowledgment of Jesus' Lordship, and the working out of His commandments, marshals the world's animosity. While this hatred is manifested in alarming ways, the ultimate testimony shining through is God's faithfulness amid great suffering. So, while our persecuted brothers and sisters may not fully grasp the motives behind their persecution, they do find comfort and reassurance that they are worthy of sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada has established seven purposes that guide our ministry activities. One purpose we seek to attain is giving a voice to those Christians whose cries of pain and proclamation of praise go unheard. We accomplish this by sharing their testimonies of suffering and worship.
A Somali Christian ministry recently emailed me a poem which poignantly demonstrates the heart-wrenching troubles a convert to Christianity bears at the hands of those who are closest to them. Here is the poem sent by that particular ministry for the encouragement of a Somali convert:
By Levi MacGregor, VOMC's International Ministry
"I felt in my heart that he should be invited to the camp and I heard
the words, 'Do not stop the children from coming to Me.'"
~ Youth Camp Leader
Last July, a group of 25 Christian young adults in Central Asia led three separate youth camps, featuring English as a second language and sports training, with the intention of sharing the Gospel. The overnight camps provided a loving, safe environment for children from as young as 10 years old, to young people up to the age of 22, so they can enjoy sports, improve their English, and learn about Jesus.
"In love I designed you, all of the details,
Woven from My heart, I will not forget you.
Don't think the dark could hide you where I can't get to you
So know you are... Seen."1
Lyrics by Anastasya Laverdiere
Worship leader for Alberta's Olympic Faith retreat
You and I, and our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe, were not meant to feel at home in this world. Not really. Not completely. For we don't really belong here. Even though we are purposely planted in our various delegated and different 'soils and toils,' fulfilling ministries and roles that are intentionally chosen for us before the foundation of the world, this world is not our real home.
