We went to Viet Nam, spending just over a day in the country (and a full day of traveling). I prayed before I went, asking the Lord that I might be a light to the people of this country that has limited access for the Gospel. But I never anticipated the spiritual heaviness and extent of the a spiritual struggle during my brief visit.
Late Thursday afternoon, we arrived in Ho Chi Manh, found a guest house for lodging, and quickly self-toured the city. We stopped by a travel agent. The thought of touring the infamous war-tunnels intrigued me. Several of us booked tickets for the next day.
Immediately upon stepping on the grounds near the tunnels, I felt a spirit of heaviness in my heart. 
I felt like there was a spiritual battle raging in my presence, that my soul was witnessing something that was going on around me. Evil spirits of bitterness, anger, and frustration fought for control on those grounds. I was overwhelmed with the unseen. I began to pray to God in Jesus’ Name, quoting and reading Scripture throughout the battlefields. The Holy Spirit (Who is always with and in me–Romans 8:26-28) fought these evil spirits. After about two hours of this battle, I received peace from God. It was at that point in the tour that we reached the actual tunnels. I was able to walk through them with peace, knowing that Jesus has the ultimate victory and that He grants peace in all nations. I John 4: 4– “He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Later that evening, I found a cute little bakery near the guest house. Actually, it kind of found me. That morning as I was walking to load the bus for the tunnel tour, a random lady handed me a brochure, which talked about western-style cookies. Yummy. 🙂 Then I read the brochure more closely. They had an English Corner where locals would practice their English. I was really drawn to this concept! I could help the locals with their English. Sarah said she would join me that evening.
Even though I was exhausted when we returned from the tour, I still felt drawn to go to the bakery. As Sarah, Mark, and I headed toward the bakery, I read the brochure a little closer: The English Corners were at the local university, which was not near the guest house. But we charge on toward the bakery. Mark asked, “So what is the name of this bakery?”… And when we answered him Sozo, he proceeded to tell us the Greek meaning of this name–Salvation.
When we arrived, the bakery was amazing. The food was delicious (I recommend the cookies and cheesecake). The people were super friendly. I was able to pray with some of the workers after chatting with them and sharing Scripture with them. We had some blessed fellowship and time in the Word.
Although Viet Nam was spiritually heavy, it also had amazing high point. It taught me never to take a “vacation” lightly. That closed countries should be prayed over heavily before entering. This lesson I’m still being taught as I arrived yesterday in my current closed country. Prayer is a strong spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:18-20), and powerful and effective in Christ Jesus (James 5:16) as we resist the devil and draw near to God (James 4:7-8).
ps- This wheeled transportation is powered by a man peddling on a bicycle — it’s called a Tin-Tin.
