Vietnam On The Lords Day
We worshipped the Lord this morning in our hotel room in HoChiMinh City, Vietnam. Although this country claims to not restrict religious meetings, the truth is far from reality. Russ Burcham delivered a powerful lesson from 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, on worshipping God with emotion. Gail and I along with Bill and Marie Claire McDonough sang praises and communed together with Bro. Russ.
We are in Vietnam checking on the progress of the boat construction. All three decks are completed with roughed in electrical and plumbing. We made many decisions about placement of furnishings and wall and floor coverings. We could almost begin to imagine living and working on the boat as we spent most of two days there. Gail is drawing designs for cabinets and closets and desk area for our cabin as we are flying back to Cambodia tonight. I love her more each day. How blessed I am among men!
We met several brothers in Christ this weekend in Vietnam. They held a worship service for about fifty this morning. One missionary is American, another Laotian, and the last is from Cameroon, Africa. They have been asked not to meet anymore and we are fearful that they may all be deported or worse. We were advised not to meet with them as to not draw any additional attention to their presence and to not jeopardize our work. Religious freedom is a wonderful blessing and we dare not take it for granted.
Pray for open doors in Vietnam. There are eighty-nine million who do not know Christ there. I visited a large bookstore in this town of ten million or so and inquired about any "religious material". The young clerk looked perplexed for several long moments and then she smiled from ear to ear. She then pointed to a copy of the latest Harry Potter fiction novel. She followed that up with a copy of The DaVinci Code.
We are in Vietnam checking on the progress of the boat construction. All three decks are completed with roughed in electrical and plumbing. We made many decisions about placement of furnishings and wall and floor coverings. We could almost begin to imagine living and working on the boat as we spent most of two days there. Gail is drawing designs for cabinets and closets and desk area for our cabin as we are flying back to Cambodia tonight. I love her more each day. How blessed I am among men!
We met several brothers in Christ this weekend in Vietnam. They held a worship service for about fifty this morning. One missionary is American, another Laotian, and the last is from Cameroon, Africa. They have been asked not to meet anymore and we are fearful that they may all be deported or worse. We were advised not to meet with them as to not draw any additional attention to their presence and to not jeopardize our work. Religious freedom is a wonderful blessing and we dare not take it for granted.
Pray for open doors in Vietnam. There are eighty-nine million who do not know Christ there. I visited a large bookstore in this town of ten million or so and inquired about any "religious material". The young clerk looked perplexed for several long moments and then she smiled from ear to ear. She then pointed to a copy of the latest Harry Potter fiction novel. She followed that up with a copy of The DaVinci Code.
posted by Rick Northen at 1:40 AM
2 Comments:
Rick and Gail,
You guys are doing an awesome job sharing your experiences. I am enjoying sharing in your ministry vicariously through your blog. Know that you and in our daily prayers, for strength, good health and faith. Can't wait to see you in Cambodia next fall.
In His Love, Jim, Mandy and the girls
What a wonderful way of letting us know over in the States that not everyone is as fortunate as us to have freedom of Religion.
We love you guys and admire what you ar doing. You are a great example of faith and love and service.
The Village is missing to of the great ones. Keep up the good work, and may our Lord keep blessing you in your preparation with the boat.
Much love;
Preciado's
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