Easter In Vietnam
“This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead
on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached
in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47
This month I am living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vietnam is a ‘closed country’ meaning I am not allowed to evangelize in public or I run the risk of being deported. Living here during the month of April, I wasn’t sure what the Easter Holiday would look like this year. To my surprise, it ended up being a wonderful day!
My team and I were able to visit a local and legal Christian International Church where we were immediately welcomed with open arms. This Church has had race teams come through before, so it was a place where we could speak openly about what we are doing here. The people were so friendly and the atmosphere was very light and uplifting. After services we were invited to stay for a potluck (how can we turn down free food) and enjoyed visiting with the members. In the afternoon we returned to the hostel where we are living, and they invited us to paint some eggs. I was also able to FaceTime with some of my family. In the evening for dinner some team mates and I went out to the Hard Rock Cafe and had a great dinner, shared stories, and listened to some live music.
This Easter reminded me of what a special celebration it is. It’s an important time of remembering that He is risen, and we can look forward to His return. Being in a closed country, it also made me realize how lucky we are in other parts of the world to be able to speak about and express our faith openly. I was also pleased to see there are Churches here that despite the governmental obstacles, are still meeting and bringing light into the dark places of this world.
He Is Risen!
