Christian Prisoner Suffers Mental Breakdown

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On November 24, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that Le Thi Hong Lien had been admitted to hospital, reportedly suffering from mental illness. Lien had been arrested in March 2004 and was the only woman of the six Mennonite workers imprisoned along with Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang.  In November, she was sentenced to one year in prison (for more information, click here).

Since the November report, more information on her condition has come to light, including a report from her father.  Many of the details of Lien's abuse are extremely disturbing.  When Le Quang Du was able to visit his daughter on December 14, she had to be dragged into the room. She clung to him, weeping.  According to the prison authorities, she has suffered a complete mental breakdown and has to be bound hand and feet in order to control her.  She has lost control of her bodily functions and is beaten when she soils her clothing.  Despite Lien's condition, the authorities refuse to release her and continue to mistreat and abuse her.  She is denied any treatment.  Her condition is reportedly deteriorating and she needs help immediately.

Le Quang Du

To read a translation of Le Quang Du's report on his daughter, click here.

We urge people from around the world to intervene with the Vietnamese authorities, calling on them to release her so that she can have the treatment she so desperately requires.  Glenn Penner, Communications Director for Voice of the Martyrs, has written an editorial weblog appealing for your help in this case entitled, "Weep and Get Angry."  You can read it here.

Contact information is available below.  We also urge you to write the Vietnamese embassies in your local country.  Contact information is available through our website.

His Excellency Phan Van Khai
Office of the Prime Minister
Hoang Hoa Tham
Ha Noi
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

President Tran Duc Luong
Office of the President
35 Ngo Quyen
Ha Noi
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Phone Number for Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi:
+844-845-8201
+844-845-9205

Fax numbers for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi:
+ 844-199-2682
+ 844-823-4137

Please mark your appeals: "For the attention of President Tran Duc Luong" or "For the attention of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai"

Contact your operator if necessary for the international prefix needed in your country.  In North America, add 011 before international phone numbers.  Other contact information is available on an Advocate's Pack that you can download (click here).

For more information on the terrible situation facing Christians in Vietnam, click here.

  • Current Ministry Project

    By helping to provide solid Biblical teaching and training uniquely suited to the needs of a specific tribal group, VOMC is able to equip members of Vietnam’s persecuted church to stand firm in their faith and reach out to others in their communities with the powerful message of the Gospel.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Population
    104,799,174 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kinh [Viet] (85.3), Tay (1.9), Thai (1.9), Muong (1.5), Khmer (1.5), Mong (1.4), Nung (1.1), Hoa (1), others (5.5)

    Religion (%)
    Catholic (6.1), Buddhist (7.9), Protestant (1), Other (0.8) none (86.3%)

    Leader
    President To Lam (May 2024)

    Government type
    Communist state

    Legal system
    Civil law system

    Source: CIA World Factbook

    Pray for Vietnam

    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

  • Pray for Vietnam
    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

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    Vietnamese police detained three members of an independent house church on March 6th. After being held for three days, the detained Christian men were eventually released. Although the three believers are from Dak Lak province, they had been arrested while working for a furniture manufacturer in Dong Xoai, which is located several hours away from their hometown.

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