(Prayer information via OpenDoors)
The government views the church with suspicion, seeing Christianity as a foreign influence and Christians as Western agents. A new law introduced at the beginning of 2013 requires all churches to register at a local level, and yet this is made very difficult for them. Youth work and training of church leaders and members can be hindered or made impossible. In December 2013, a group of Christians delivering Christmas gifts to orphans was detained. The leader of the group was beaten and tortured by the village Communist party chief.
PRAY:
- For Christian leaders and pastors in the northern and central Highlands; authorities keep a close watch on their activities.
- For believers in these areas, pressured by their community to return to traditional faith.
- Thank God for Open Doors’ literacy programme, aiming to help at least 2,000 believers.
Quick Facts About Vietnam:
Leader: President Truong Tan Sang
Government: Communist state
Main Religion: Buddhism
Government: Communist state
Main Religion: Buddhism
Population: 91.6 million (9.7 million Christians)
Source of persecution: Communist oppression/Dictatorial paranoia
Source of persecution: Communist oppression/Dictatorial paranoia