Christian Prisoner Transferred to Mental Hospital

30 March 2005

^{Le Thi Hong Lien}

After concerted pressure on the Vietnamese government from within the country and internationally to provide adequate treatment for a Christian prisoner suffering from a mental breakdown, we are now able to report that Le Thi Hong Lien was transferred to the Bien Hoa Mental Hospital on February 28. Ms. Lien still has not been officially transferred to the Bien Hoa Mental Hospital, though she has been there for a month. She still has guards from the distant Tong Le Chan Prison. Her parents still must use their Tong Le Chan Prison visitation papers to visit.

Despite this move, her family remains concerned, as it appears that she is still not receiving the treatment that she needs. According to a press release from the World Mennonite Conference, her father, Le Quang Du, visited her on March 12. Lien's feet were swollen and her face was covered with a skin infection. Writing the next day, he said, "… nothing has changed; her health situation is not improving, and her mental health is in no way restored…. It is irrational for them to say my daughter understands what is going on. In reality, sitting opposite her, I finally came to realize that they do not have the ability to cure my daughter." The Voice of the Martyrs has received a report from Le Quang Du's visits with his daughter last week in which he describes the inhuman treatment his daughter continues to face. To read a translation of this report, click here.

^{Lien's Father, Le Quang Du}

Lein was arrested on March 2, 2004 along with five other Christians. In November she was sentenced to one year in prison. While in custody, she was suffered unimaginable torture and abuse resulting in her mental breakdown.

Pray for healing for Lien and strength for her family during this difficult time. Pray that the authorities will release her, so that she can receive adequate treatment.

We encourage people around the world to intercede on behalf of Lien and other Christians imprisoned in Vietnam. An "Advocate's Pack" has been prepared to provide information and addresses to assist you in intervening on their behalf. This pack, along with more information on the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, is available online. The April 2005 edition of VOM's free monthly newsletter will feature the plight of Lien and the others arrested with her. Subscribe today to receive this edition. Click here for more information.

Vietnam

Current Ministry Project
By helping to provide solid Biblical teaching and training uniquely suited to the needs of a specific tribal group, VOMC is able to equip members of Vietnam’s persecuted church to stand firm in their faith and reach out to others in their communities with the powerful message of the Gospel.

Project Fund: Underground Church
Country Information
Population
104,799,174 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Kinh [Viet] (85.3), Tay (1.9), Thai (1.9), Muong (1.5), Khmer (1.5), Mong (1.4), Nung (1.1), Hoa (1), others (5.5)

Religion (%)
Catholic (6.1), Buddhist (7.9), Protestant (1), Other (0.8) none (86.3%)

Leader
President To Lam (May 2024)

Government type
Communist state

Legal system
Civil law system

Source: CIA World Factbook

Pray for Vietnam

We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.
Pray for Vietnam
We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

Vietnam News

Worship Gathering Disrupted

A village in northeastern Vietnam.
Photo: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh

While a Catholic priest was meeting with approximately 20 worshippers in a private residence on August 11th, local police abruptly cut off the power supply of the building and proceeded to raid the gathering, demanding an immediate cessation of the service. This incident occurred in Binh Khang – a village located in Vietnam's northeastern province of Thái Nguyên – at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Read more...
Pastor Arrested for Alleged Anti-State Propaganda

Police in Ho Chi Minh City

Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested a 71-year-old pastor named Nguyen Manh Hung on January 16th after he was accused of spreading anti-state propaganda through social media. If convicted, the Christian leader could face up to 20 years in prison.

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Christians Face Opposition and Violence

A village in Vietnam.

Christian workers in Vietnam are requesting urgent prayer on behalf of believers who have recently experienced situations of severe persecution. In response to the ongoing concern, VOMC's partnering ministry office in Australia has been providing the affected Christians with greatly needed financial assistance.

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New Believer Slain by Unknown Assailants

A village in Vietnam.
Photo: Flickr / Michael Mooney (cc)

In August of this year, a widower and father of two referred to as "Brother Man" came to faith in Christ. When news of the believer's conversion became known, he began to encounter intense pressure from local authorities.

In the first incident, Brother Man was ordered to leave his home. When he refused to do so, the local authorities then confiscated his land and forbade him from contacting any other Christians. Despite the opposition, the follower of Jesus remained firm in his newfound faith.

Read more...