There is just something about the Body of Christ in a closed country and seeing how much they are risking to follow Christ in all they do. These people in Vietnam are doing the Lord’s work and have been faithfully obedient to His call. Being obedient to His voice is hard enough but add to this coming to a country where you can’t openly proclaim the love and name of Jesus to whomever you please. This being said our time in Vietnam has included being very careful with every word we’ve said and overly aware of who is around every second, constantly looking over your shoulder to see who is around and noticing who is in listening distance. I recall having lunch at a local’s restaurant and his head turned the entire time, like an owl, to see who was around. So I had to learn to do this every time I stepped out of our hostel room onto public streets. The reality of being arrested and deported from the country became a true reality. I had a squad leader put it to me this way: What are you willing to risk? Not only risk but also think of all the people in your life who will be affected by your decision.
We arrived to Vietnam late on a Friday night and spent the weekend getting adjusted to the new city. The first Sunday we were in Vietnam we headed to our first service in a closed country. As I mentioned in a previous blog, when I walked into this building I felt right at home. There was AC, a stage that included all the necessary instruments for a band, lines of chairs, projectors, and COFFEE! Many emotions flooded me this morning and so many reminders of attending church on Sunday mornings at home. When I am not at home, Sundays is one of the hardest days. Due to the fact I have no church family to fellowship with and share life with. This is a very BIG part of my life at home and I have really missed it. As faithful as the Lord is, He has given me 2 Sundays in this familiar atmosphere. It was so good to worship in English to songs I knew and to have conversations with individuals in English and to have the opportunity to hear their stories; to hear about where they come from, why they are in Vietnam, and their hearts full of passion for the Vietnamese people. This being said the church was full of foreigners, due rules of Vietnamese government. The Pastor has to sign a contract saying he wouldn’t allow any locals to enter the church.
Hearing these people’s stories and hearts has made very aware of the freedoms I have at home, most importantly the freedom of religion and speech. I have the ability to speak to whomever, whenever about Jesus without having to worry about being imprisoned. This being said I have a newfound appreciation for the freedom of America. Not only having this freedom but also not taking advantage of it. Seeing the people here and hearing their hearts I have seen the harvest is plentiful but there are workers needed. I pray over those who the Lord is calling or about to call to Vietnam, that their hearts are obedient. Please join me in praying for Vietnam and the many closed countries in the world. In these closed countries individuals risk their lives daily to share the name and love of Jesus.
Jesus in was all around us in Vietnam, among a closed and communist country.
