Xong B Thong and his family of 13 came to know Jesus through a radio program, but their conversion immediately set off alarms with local government officials. The family, which also includes his parents, were soon expelled from their community in North-Central Vietnam.
Vietnam's Law on Belief and Religion, adopted in 2018, gives the Thong family freedom to believe what they want. But the law is unevenly implemented across the country. Communist rule in Vietnam has encouraged the suspicion among local authorities that Christianity is a western influence rife with troublemakers. And because of this suspicion, the Thong family's freedom to follow Jesus is under threat.
"The day I met the district delegation, I read the law on belief and religion to them all and showed them all, but they said the law has no effect in the district, this province," said Thong to Radio Free Asia. "They said no on (in the community) followed a religion....They also said that by following Protestantism we have greatly affected national unity."
"This happens a lot, and has happened for many years," a Hmong Protestant Pastor who fled to Thailand told RFA. "Commune or village authorities do not understand the law or the constitution about religion."
Before expelling the family, the community first confiscated Thong's plow and cut off the electricity, undermining their ability to make a living. Then the community voted on June 4 to expel them, so they no longer have access to public services, and can't obtain vital identity documents such as birth certificates. The family is in crisis and needs your prayers today.
Father God, this family is in crisis. They need Your Guidance to help them know where to go and what to do. Help them hold firm to the fact that they do know Who to turn to. Bring other believers alongside them to help them relocate, find a place to worship, and be part of a loving community of faithful people. Meet their material needs as they transition to somewhere else, and fill them with hope as they step out and follow You.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
Vietnam's Law on Belief and Religion, adopted in 2018, gives the Thong family freedom to believe what they want. But the law is unevenly implemented across the country. Communist rule in Vietnam has encouraged the suspicion among local authorities that Christianity is a western influence rife with troublemakers. And because of this suspicion, the Thong family's freedom to follow Jesus is under threat.
"The day I met the district delegation, I read the law on belief and religion to them all and showed them all, but they said the law has no effect in the district, this province," said Thong to Radio Free Asia. "They said no on (in the community) followed a religion....They also said that by following Protestantism we have greatly affected national unity."
"This happens a lot, and has happened for many years," a Hmong Protestant Pastor who fled to Thailand told RFA. "Commune or village authorities do not understand the law or the constitution about religion."
Before expelling the family, the community first confiscated Thong's plow and cut off the electricity, undermining their ability to make a living. Then the community voted on June 4 to expel them, so they no longer have access to public services, and can't obtain vital identity documents such as birth certificates. The family is in crisis and needs your prayers today.
Father God, this family is in crisis. They need Your Guidance to help them know where to go and what to do. Help them hold firm to the fact that they do know Who to turn to. Bring other believers alongside them to help them relocate, find a place to worship, and be part of a loving community of faithful people. Meet their material needs as they transition to somewhere else, and fill them with hope as they step out and follow You.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
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