The Full Gospel Church in Thieu Vien in the Vietnamese province of Thanh Hoa has been active since 1999 without any apparent opposition. Starting in April 2006, however, Public Security Police have been consistently harassing the church members. The harassment turned to violence this month, according to Jubilee Campaign.
On June 4, the congregation was meeting for prayer in the home of Ms. Minh when security police broke in. Some of the members were assaulted as they were taken to the police station where they were warned to stop meeting at Ms. Minh's home. On June 18, security police again raided Ms. Minh's home, detaining Nguyen Trung Ton, Hac Ngoc Si, Ms. Nhan, and Mrs. Lan. Ton and Si were seriously beaten while under interrogation. All were forced to sign a statement that they would not meet at the home again for Bible study.
Pray that Lord will protect this congregation and enable them to meeting. Pray that they will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4). Ask God to strengthen and heal those who have been assaulted.
For more information Vietnam and the persecution facing Christians there, click here.