Whew! What a whirlwind Vietnam has been.
So far, I’ve learned Asia is the land of spas, motor bikes and noodles. My team and I have treated ourselves to massages, manicures and plenty of fried rice after four months in less-than-ideal African living conditions. We are thanking God for air conditioning, hot water and FREE WIFI! Vietnam is still a developing country, but we have spent December in Da Nang, a highly developed tourist destination.
We spent the Christmas season on the beach front with several tourists and expats (people who reside in a country other than their native country). We’ve had the opportunity to mingle with locals as well as those traveling abroad. Sadly, the common theme among those we have encountered is they don’t know Jesus. I struggle to wrap my head around the idea that most people I’ve come in contact with this month have no concept of the true “reason for the season.”
Having an American host has allowed for many American traditions and a sense of home, which I’m ever grateful for. We have baked hundreds of cookies (for English Club Christmas parties), sang in Christmas choirs, drank hot chocolate and had White Elephant gift exchanges. But, so much is still different.
There are Christmas decorations everywhere, holiday sales promoted in nearly every storefront window and even skinny Asian Santas roaming around the city (which is seriously such a strange sight to see, haha). But, Christmas is solely a commercialized holiday with absolutely no authenticity or depth. The Vietnamese people string lights, wrap gifts and sing carols with empty meaning. There is no nativity scene in sight, no angel tree toppers and no Away in a Manger. It’s honestly hard to watch.
Many people at home (my parents included) questioned why we would travel to a closed country where missionaries aren’t allowed. “If it’s illegal to be a missionary there, why are you going? Isn’t that dangerous?” YEAH, IT IS. My hosts are threatened by the secret police if they have more than 15 people over at a time. If too many guests wonder in and out of their home, they are questioned with suspicion. Our church services have to be approved and regulated by the government or they will be shut down. Christians in Vietnam stick their necks out for the sake of the gospel. The crazy part, none of them regret it. They don’t see the immediate fruit of their works, but they persist with fiery passion regardless. I’m continuously inspired by people who risk their lives in hopes to make Jesus better known.
When you drive down the street on Christmas day and see everyone going about life as usual, you realize how much they spiritually lack. When people leave Christmas celebrations for class because school and work don’t stop on December 25, you yearn for them to know Him like you do. As World Racers, we’re not here because it’s easy or because it’s safe. We’re here because these people need to hear the truth as much as anyone else. They’re unreached and unknowing. They’re on track to a disappointing fate – eternity away from God’s Kingdom.
While our attempts may be subtle and cautious, they are honoring to the Lord. Time spent in the 10/40 window makes for a tender heart and desperation I’ve never before felt. I find myself constantly praying over places and people, hoping the Lord will reveal himself and make himself known here.
Keep Vietnam in your prayers, as well as all those who have planted themselves here to spread God’s word to those who would otherwise never hear it. They are truly the definition of Kingdom Builders.
This Christmas was different, but this Christmas was impactful.
Much love,
Carley
