Vietnam

Vietnam moved up on the World Watch List this year, with attacks against Christian Believers on the rise. Government forces raided churches, detained and beat Believers. Churches must register, except house churches remain illegal. Believers are sometimes forced to recant their faith. One of the last communist states in the world, Vietnam’s government demands increased power. The state enforces strict controls over political and religious forms of expression. With a soaring economy, control in the economic sphere seems tantalizing to Vietnam’s leaders. The potential loss of power restrains a free market move.

PRAISE REPORT
According to BBC News, “Vietnam has one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies and has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2020.” Praise God for Vietnam’s strong economy! Although the country is prospering, pray that the Vietnamese will see that they are poor without salvation through Jesus Christ (The Bible, Revelation 3:17).

PRAYER REQUESTS
In Vietnam, every Church is required to register with the government. However, it is a very difficult, if not impossible, process. Pray for the government to drop the registration requirement. Pray for the establishment of many Churches throughout Vietnam (The Bible, Acts 9:31).
The government keeps close watch on Christian pastors and workers. Pray for this practice to stop. Pray that these Believers would not live in fear as their everyday activities are scrutinized (The Bible, Isaiah 41:10).
After a two-month dispute over an oil rig in the South China Sea, the Vietnamese and Chinese governments are trying to reestablish ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “It is in the common interests of both countries to be friendly to each other.” Pray that both governments are sincere in their efforts to reach peace and reconciliation (The Bible, Ephesians 4:32 ESV).

Source: Win Network