Linh*, an elderly woman in Vietnam, had been sick with an unknown illness for many years. Desperate for a diagnosis, her family spent a lot of money at various hospitals. When nothing could be done for her there, they performed rituals. Then, they consulted fortune tellers. Still, not a single person could solve the mystery of Linh’s ailment. She continued to suffer, and her family lost hope.

Their lives eventually changed not through the power of other people, but through the power of Jesus. After Linh heard the gospel, she surrendered her life to Christ. Since that time, her body has been completely healed, and because of that miracle, the gospel began to sweep through her village, bringing her friends and neighbors to a saving faith in Jesus.

But Vietnam is a dangerous place to be a Christian. “When you believe in Christ, you lose everything and must settle in another area,” a ministry leader said. “When you are the first to believe in Christ in your family, you are persecuted. Kids must go to different schools. You suffer financially and economically.”

The Risks of Following Christ

Ethnic religions dominate the population here, and churches are required to register with the communist government. Those churches aren’t permitted to have Sunday schools, youth groups, or other gatherings apart from congregational worship. In addition, Communion and offerings are forbidden, sermons are monitored to ensure nothing is said against communism, and only one leader is allowed for each congregation. According to a Human Rights Watch report, “Highland people [ethnic minorities in the mountains] accused of religious ‘evil ways’ and politically ‘autonomous thoughts’ have been subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and mistreatment in custody.”

Intimidation is exactly what happened to Linh after her conversion. Local authorities heard of her decision to follow Jesus, and they weren’t happy about it. They visited Linh’s home and confiscated her Bible and Bible-listening tools. Because Linh was illiterate, she now had no way to listen to Scripture. But she refused to abandon her faith, and this angered the authorities even more. A month later, they returned, and this time, they fined her a large amount of money, claiming her conversion caused social disorder and insecurity in her village. Then, they forced her to sign a prepared statement that said she no longer believed in Christ.

“Ask God to grant her family the strength to overcome this difficult period.”

But Linh couldn’t read. She had no idea what she’d been forced to sign. When she showed the document to local missionaries, they were devastated to read its contents. Linh had been coerced into signing something that claimed she no longer believed in Jesus. “Ask God to grant her family the strength to overcome this difficult period,” the ministry leader said. “Remember Linh in your prayers.”

You Can Help Persecuted Believers Like Linh

Stories such as Linh’s play out across Vietnam every day. Believers are subject to arrest and fines, they are persecuted and evicted, and they are abandoned by their own families. But like Linh, they refuse to walk away from Christ. Pray for these persecuted believers, that they will trust in the Lord’s provision for their lives. And please consider a donation today to support these men and women who refuse to abandon their faith, no matter the cost.