Christian Sentenced for Leading Prayer Meetings

Nay Y Blang is standing in court.
Nay Y Blang in court.
Photo: Radio Free Asia / Cong An Nhan Dan
 

Nay Y Blang is a member of the Central Highlands Evangelical Church of Christ – a religious group that is not officially recognized by the Vietnamese Communist Party. In May 2023, the Christian leader was arrested and charged with taking advantage of "democratic freedom to infringe upon the interests of the state," as well as "the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals." These accusations arose from the prayer meetings he had been holding in his home.

During the trial, at which there was no defence lawyer present, Nay admitted to hosting the prayer meetings. Yet, he did not agree with the accusatory claims that the gatherings were subversive towards the government. Pastor Aga, who started the church and now lives in the United States, insists that the organization is strictly religious. However, at the end of the trial on January 26th, Nay was sentenced to 54 months in prison.

This is not the first time that Nay has been convicted for his Christian activities. In April 2005, he was sentenced to more than five years in prison for allegedly "undermining the unity policy." In September 2022, the believer was also fined for "abusing democratic freedoms and belief freedoms."

While registered religious groups in Vietnam face restrictions, members of unregistered groups (such as those who attend Nay's church) encounter frequent harassment, abuse and criminal charges. The persecution of unregistered churches is particularly severe in rural areas and for members of ethnic minorities. Additional information on the challenges experienced by Christians in Vietnam is available at our country report.

Pray that Nay will be encouraged and strengthened by the abiding presence of God's Spirit during his time in prison. While waiting for release from custody, may he receive opportunities to reach others for Christ through the life-changing message of the Gospel. Please also prayerfully remember the many other Christians in Vietnam who regularly encounter harassment from officials, asking the Lord to remind these persecuted believers of His unfailing love and sustaining promises.

  • 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.