As followers of Jesus, we are privileged to be members of one body and each one is a vital part of all that God has planned. We recently returned from Vietnam and saw how intricately the body is and how when it works together it causes a much greater outcome than if only one part of the body were trying to accomplish God's work alone. We've been raising support and awareness for building churches in Vietnam, now that the government has legally recognized Christian churches. We want to share one specific story that is dear to our hearts:
Dr. Ahn and Dr. Ngoc are our Mission Vietnam directors and interpreters in Vietnam and are very dear to us. Dr. Anh shared a story about a man who had no physical impairments, but one day he discovered he could no longer speak and became mute overnight. His wife heard about a pastor in the village and was willing to try anything to help her husband. The pastor came and explained that he could not heal him, but Jesus could. He shared for two hours and prayed with the man explaining who Jesus is and what He has done on the cross. He told him that there was no guarantee of healing, but that the man needed to have faith that Jesus could do it. At the end of two hours, the pastor ended his prayer and asked the man to say, "Amen." The man not only said amen, he spoke out loud, "In Jesus name, Amen!" But then he was mute again. The pastor prayed again and this time his voice was completely restored! The village people knew this family and knew this was a miracle. As the man shared his story week after week, he was able to bring dozens of people to Jesus every week. The problem was, that the closest church was a 15 mile bicycle ride to the ferry that cost $3. Then another bicycle ride from there to the church. The man and his wife had so little money that they couldn't afford the ferry for both, so they alternated Sundays so at least they could separately go to church. The man's cry to God was for a church to come to his village so together they could go to church. God was beginning to answer that prayer from another part of Vietnam where Dr. Anh's brother lay dying from cancer. Not long ago this brother had given his life to Jesus and his last wish was to use the funds that would come from his funeral to buy land in this village so that one day a church could be built there. The money came in and the land was purchased. In another part of the world, here in America we were able to share the need of churches to be built in Vietnam. At Gateway Church in Shreveport, LA., a family in the church was moved to help build a church in Vietnam and we were given the funds just prior to this past trip. Mission Vietnam is just one step away from finalizing the process to fund a church in this village! Other churches here in America have given funds as well and souls are being reached for Jesus Christ through the building of churches! We are all members of one body in Christ Jesus! Greg, Anna and I head to Gateway church in Shreveport in the middle of August to begin a new chapter in ministry. What an honor to be a part of this body at Gateway church.
Because of your support, Anna, Greg and I have been able to make at least one trip a year to Vietnam! This past trip was a historical youth trip, called Journey of Champions! Anna's heart was to be able to take youth back with her to experience what God is doing in this precious country. We were able to take 10 youth and some adult first timers. We are excited to continue the ministry in Vietnam and as Worship Pastors here in America. Thank you for being a part of this beautiful body and being Jesus with skin on through our ministry. We love you and want you to never forget, you are making a difference!
