International Church in Vietnam Closed

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On August 27, Vietnamese police ordered the immediate closure of a 500-member international church that has been meeting for the past eight months in the Windsor Plaza Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.  According to an August 30 report from Compass Direct, the New Life Fellowship was closed because they did not have a permit.  The church has, however, made concerted efforts to obtain such a permit since its inception eight years ago.  Pastor Eric Dooley believes the closure ordered originated with local officials and is not an action against the church by the federal government.

The church will continue meeting in small groups.  The church's website, www.nlfvietnam.com, has posted the following message: "Due to police action, until further notice NLF will not hold corporate worship services. Church members should stay in contact with their Lifenet group leaders. Jesus is Lord! Please keep praying."

Pray for the continued ministry of the New Life Fellowship in Ho Chi Minh City.  Pray for wisdom and direction for the church as they consider future plans.

For more information on the persecution of 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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