Our ministry opportunities in Vietnam were amazing. We went to an AIDS hospital and visited with patients. It’s so easy to think AIDS and immediately associate it with sex and drugs, but that is not always the case. Some appeared to be at the end stage while others appeared healthier. We talked to people and prayed with them. I met a lady who was sitting on a mat outside of the rooms. She said she didn’t have enough money to be placed in one of the rooms. I had no idea that would even occur. I was surprised that different levels existed. If you can afford it you are in a room, if not, you have to lie on a mat outside the room. She was so beautiful and had such joy in her eyes. I prayed for her that God would show her His love and power and provide the money that would give her a bed in a room. Then I felt God say be bold, ask for it. I knew what He meant. Ask and proclaim His healing over her. It is possible that God can heal AIDS. So I prayed. I have not yet seen a miracle of healing take place. I have heard. I am beginning to see the possibilities of our God and His kingdom. Jesus healed, His disciples healed and He says WE will do even GREATER things. I have had a few experiences where my hands and body become hot and I felt impressed to pray for healing and I know that is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit leading me to pray for healing. I am beginning to see. I stepped out and did what I felt led to do, I have no way of knowing the results, but what I do know is He loves that lady and I am so grateful I got to be His messenger to her.
We also met a Vietnamese man who helped set up a few ministry opportunities for us. He is quite an inspiration. He is you
nger and felt God leading Him towards a more mountainous area out in the village. He left his family and followed God. He says God began to really give him a heart and a love for these people. I believe that is so important, without love and compassion, ministry becomes a duty and you can get burned out. He said out of that place, of having the love and compassion in his heart for them, he knew this was God’s calling and purposes for him. He has to wear a disguise when he goes so that he blends in as a village person and does not appear to be from the city. He has been arrested and persecuted. He was only supposed to be kept one night, but they kept him two and threatened him with ever returning and continuing to preach what he is preaching. I have read and heard stories about persecution, but never met anyone. Hearing his story was amazing. He has such a testimony of faith, obedience and love. He continues to go and live there because he knows this is God’s calling for him. He loves the people and wants them to know God like he does and he trusts God with his life. His story reminds me of the apostles in Acts, who even after being jailed and physically punished are released,threatened again to not preach the name of Jesus, and yet they continue to. They are compelled, they KNOW. And they must tell others. I pray that kind of fire and zeal, birthed from a place of intimacy with Him, consumes me, our squad.
We went to the mountains to a village and met a man who has started a church. We listened to his heart, ate dinner with his family and a few church members, visited the pig farm they have to raise money and then went along with them to dig up small trees, which also provide substinence for the family. He and his family are dedicating their lives to reaching out to this village. The government normally gives money to families, but not him because he is Christian and the government is aware of that. The government is not the answer. God is, and He will provide exactly what they need. God is bigger than the government and even when man appears to be a roadblock, God is the remover of roadblocks. The apostles were
put into prison, but God came and broke the prison doors free and they walked out. Man tried to stop them, but God was bigger and literally opened doors for them to continue. God will provide for this family what they need despite the lack of funds from the government. We also went to an AIDS home (hospital as well), which is funded by a church. The hospital was funded by the government, and the difference is amazing. At the hospital you have to have a certain amount of money as mentioned to receive a bed, and then to receive the right medicine. At the home, medicine and beds are available to all. I pray the Church arises even more and becomes what it’s supposed to be fully for the people.
In Vietnam church is allowed. It is not illegal to be a Christian there. The above ground church is regulated by the government. The government tells them what songs to sing, what to preach on, etc. The Spirit is limited. There is the underground church. What I have seen, what I believe is that what is hidden will be exposed, will come out, what is underground will come above. I see an upside down tree that will turn right side up and that will be what’s on top reigning down in Vietnam. He is growing and birthing something huge underneath and the power of it will be too much to stay hidden, it will overflow and break through the ground and burst forth.
God showed me more about the power of spirits and what is floating around where I’m walking. I am realizing I sense and carry things. But, the problem is, I often think it’s me. I was becoming angry and frustrated easily. One day I asked God to give me discernment, and as I walked outside our hotel three fights happened within 100 feet of each other. People yelled at each other in frustration and anger. I realized, oh, I get it now, that’s what I’m feeling and God is allowing me to feel that so that I can pray. He is burdening me so I can be an intercessor and carry it to Him. Carry it by praying.
Vietnam was challenging. He is laying foundation for me and our team.
