Pastor Punished After Reporting Abuse

A woman in Vietnam riding in a boat
Photo: Flickr / M M (cc)

Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh, a 45-year-old missionary pastor in Gia Lai province (of Vietnam's Central Highlands region), was arrested in April 2011 because of his Christian witness. In July 2012, he was sentenced to eleven years in prison for "undermining national unity."

On May 25th, a delegation from the U.S. Consulate visited Pastor Nguyen in prison. Despite having been warned in advance not to say anything negative against the state of Vietnam, Pastor Nguyen spoke honestly to the U.S. delegation about the tortures, threats and mistreatment he has endured in prison. The treatment included regular beatings, having shards of glass mixed in with his food, being held in stocks, and having to endure long periods in solitary confinement. Now he is being punished for disclosing this information and his wife, Tran Thi Hong, fears for his health and safety.

During Tran's visit in May of this year, she reported that Nguyen's health had deteriorated to a potentially life-threatening degree due to ongoing physical and psychological abuse in prison. She explains that although Nguyen has suffered from acute sinusitis, joint inflammation, gastritis, and high blood pressure, he was denied medical treatment. Additionally, Tran was not allowed to bring him any medicine.

Not only has Pastor Nguyen been suffering for his faith in prison, Tran also experiences persecution because of her religious liberty advocacy. (A previous VOM Canada report includes information on the mistreatment Tran and her son have endured at the hands of opposing authorities.)

Pray that Pastor Nguyen will receive protection and healing while awaiting release from imprisonment. In the meantime, may God use him mightily to bring words of encouragement and eternal life to many in prison. Intercede on behalf of his wife Tran and their son who are also in need of protection and provision. Ask the Lord to minister in wonderful ways to this persecuted family and their congregation, giving His people the strength and renewed hope to carry on. In addition, pray that the hearts and minds of those in authority will be softened as they witness the Godly conduct of the believers being interrogated so that the laws of the land will be administered with true justice and compassion.

  • 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 view from above a valley in northeastern Vietnam.
    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.

  • Pastor Arrested for Alleged Anti-State Propaganda
    Two police vehicles are parked along a curb.
    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.

  • Christians Face Opposition and Violence
    Several houses sit over or near a body of water.
    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.

  • New Believer Slain by Unknown Assailants
    Several homes are surrounded by trees on a hillside.
    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.