Thao and his wife are the first believers in Jesus in their village in south central Vietnam. They decided to move with their 5 children out of Thao's parents' house, since they are not Christians. As a temporary measure, Thao built a makeshift tent for his family on his parent's property.
Before he could start on a more permanent house, local authorites arrived and told him he was no allowed to do so. Thao bought a small piece of land next to his parents' and started building his house. Again, authorities arrived and stopped him, saying he was building in a "no-build" zone.
"you will never be able to erect a house in this area," they said. "Build it where your 'God' is!" They told Thao if he did not tear down what he'd already started, they would bring in workers to do it - and Thao would have to pay their wages. Thao spent all his money on the land and materials. now the family are back living in the tent.
"Because Thao is less educated and they know he won't retaliate, the local authorities say and do what they please," said Sam, Thao's pastor. "If Thao has really violated the 'no-build zone' law, more than half the houses in the village should also be demolished. They are doing this because Thao's family became Christians."
Sam worries for the family. "It burdens my heart. I have contacted many people in the provincial government but there is no response yet. I will keep raising my voice until their case is resolved. They rainy season is coming, and they would not survive well in that tent."
When Thao was called in by the police and threatened, Sam said "I was worried they might give up their newfound faith. But when I called, they said 'We are willing to die and never renounce Jesus!"
Please pray with Thao and his wife as they try to construct a safe home for their family before the rainy season comes.
Please pray the Lord will continue to strengthen and nurture the faith of Thao, his wife and his children in this trying time.
Pray for provision for Thao and his family for their daily needs. Pray also that the local church will stand with the family as a witness to Jesus' love.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from an Open Doors USA text alert
Before he could start on a more permanent house, local authorites arrived and told him he was no allowed to do so. Thao bought a small piece of land next to his parents' and started building his house. Again, authorities arrived and stopped him, saying he was building in a "no-build" zone.
"you will never be able to erect a house in this area," they said. "Build it where your 'God' is!" They told Thao if he did not tear down what he'd already started, they would bring in workers to do it - and Thao would have to pay their wages. Thao spent all his money on the land and materials. now the family are back living in the tent.
"Because Thao is less educated and they know he won't retaliate, the local authorities say and do what they please," said Sam, Thao's pastor. "If Thao has really violated the 'no-build zone' law, more than half the houses in the village should also be demolished. They are doing this because Thao's family became Christians."
Sam worries for the family. "It burdens my heart. I have contacted many people in the provincial government but there is no response yet. I will keep raising my voice until their case is resolved. They rainy season is coming, and they would not survive well in that tent."
When Thao was called in by the police and threatened, Sam said "I was worried they might give up their newfound faith. But when I called, they said 'We are willing to die and never renounce Jesus!"
Please pray with Thao and his wife as they try to construct a safe home for their family before the rainy season comes.
Please pray the Lord will continue to strengthen and nurture the faith of Thao, his wife and his children in this trying time.
Pray for provision for Thao and his family for their daily needs. Pray also that the local church will stand with the family as a witness to Jesus' love.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from an Open Doors USA text alert