Appeals Denied

20 April 2005

After a hearing that lasted just over two hours on the morning of April 12, a superior court in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, upheld the prison sentences of Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and Evangelist Pham Ngoc Thach.

^{Le Thi Phu Dung
wife of Pastor Quang}

More than 200 people gathered outside the courthouse to silently pray and show their support for the prisoners of faith. It was obvious, however, that Vietnamese authorities had little intention in seeing that the legal rights of the two men would be upheld, as the court proceedings violated Vietnam's own appeal regulations. Bui Duc Truong, the lawyer who defended the Mennonite prisoners at their November 12, 2004 trial, was not allowed to participate in the appeal. Their new attorney, Nguyen Van Dai, only learned of the appeal date on April 4, contrary to Vietnamese law which requires at least 15 days' notice be given before the court date. The men's families had not been sent the legally required announcements and invitation to attend the appeal. Pastor Quang's wife and Thach's father were allowed into the courthouse only after strong advocacy from their lawyer. Neither Quang or Thach were allowed to speak in their own defense at the appeal.

The prisoners are reported to be in good health and spirits. His lawyer said that Pastor Quang had told him: "I am content until I am released. I am a pastor. I have faith. God will take care of me." Quang is reportedly ministering to fellow prisoners who are HIV-positive.

Unless granted amnesty, Quang is scheduled to be released in June 2007. Thach is to be released in March 2006.

Pray for the continued ministry of Quang and Thach as they remain in prison because of their faith. Pray for strength and an enduring peace for their families. Pray for the continued ministry of the Church in Vietnam.

VOM Canada recently released a video news report about the Mennonite Six through their multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com. This video includes testimony from former prisoners and family members, such as the wife of Pastor Quang. Registration is required, but membership is free.

Concerned Christians are encouraged to write Vietnamese authorities. An advocate's pack, along with more information on the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, is available through our website.

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

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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.

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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.

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