Vietnam.... a land of poverty and persecution

Vietnam is reaping the devastating effects of multiple wars and years of communistic control. With the back-to-back Indochina and Vietnam wars and failed socialist economic policies, the people of Vietnam have been left in deep poverty. With an average annual income of less than $200.00, and even less in the rural tribal areas, extreme poverty is an unfortunate way of life.

Coupled with the terrible poverty is an extremely oppressive government regime that viciously persecutes Christians. Despite laws decreeing religious freedom designed to appease the international community, the government's actions are quite contrary.

"For a report on human and religious rights violations as reported by International Christian Concern from a March, 2002 trip with Vietnam For Christ staff, CLICK HERE."

"For a report on human and religious rights violations as reported by Human Rights Watch in an April, 2002 report, CLICK HERE."

Tribal People Group

The majority of the Vietnamese people live in small, rural villages. There are approximately 54 different tribal groups, each with their own dialect. Most of these people live off the land, as there is little commerce allowed. The economic duress is most pronounced in these areas, as most live well under the poverty threshold. The basic necessities of life are not available to these people, and they commonly die from such easily treatable illnesses as diarrhea and infections. The government does little to ease this poverty, as this makes it much easier to control these people.

As with poverty, the religious persecution is focused on these people. The government strictly controls access to these areas, not allowing the media to expose the oppressive actions taken against these people. Christians are regularly beaten, imprisoned, forced to leave their villages, and even killed for their faith. Despite this persecution, God has raised up many small tribal churches that are winning people to Christ. The fire of persecution has fueled a great movement toward Christianity. The desperate situation the government has put these people in is driving them to the only place for real hope; Jesus Christ. These people are the focus of our ministry.