Approaching the runway to land in Saigon seemed a little different after a six-year hiatus. The familiar bunkers were missing from the airport, an ugly scar of the wars of the past. Immigration was easier, friendlier. Still, some things were the same. Our old friend Minh was waiting and smiling just like always, right outside the terminal in the “meeting friends” section. The weather was as hot as we remembered and the bed was just as welcoming after our 26 hours of travel.
To say we are grateful for your prayers sounds much too trite. In truth, we were surrounded and lifted by your intercession each moment of the 10-day mission. The promise of God’s presence with us was realized. The team experienced a divine unity and flow that only comes from heaven touching earth. Thank you for going with us in prayer. Your prayers and God’s gracious answers made this trip impactful and joyful. We were kept by the power of God and given unity of purpose by the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God!
Children’s workers training
We had the joy of meeting for two full days with humble and dedicated young disciples preparing for a 90-day mission to take Vacation Bible School training to the uttermost parts of Vietnam and some areas yet unreached by the good news of Jesus. They will sleep on the ground and take their own food when needed. We found them to be shy but very receptive to us as we shared what the Lord had put on our hearts for them.
The Lord’s presence broke down the barriers between us just as He had promised. Together, we experienced a calling of “deep unto deep,” an invitation to renewed intimacy with Jesus in worship and “letting our hair down” with Him, like Mary did with Jesus at Bethany. As God moved among us, leaders reported being strengthened and renewed for their monumental task ahead. Please keep them in prayer as they seek to impact thousands of children this summer.
Football, football, football!
We had an enjoyable Sunday late afternoon and evening gathering of eight teams of football players and many onlookers at a large and lovely facility just outside the city.
For Jim and me, it was delightful watching Pastor David take in the event. He was like a kid in a candy store, eyeing the potential of touching lives with the love of Jesus through sport outreach and discipleship. Matches were lively and a grand time was had by everyone, thanks to your prayers for us. The Lord even quickened David’s wife Diim te to stop a thief who was attempting to grab her husband’s small bag containing documents and money as we sat together chatting during one of the matches. She was as bold as a lioness in protecting her own! The thief was caught and reported to the owner of the facility, who marched him off the promises and reported him to the authorities. Thank you, prayer partners! The event went on without a hitch.
The next day, Pastor David and Philip trained pastors, youth leaders and sport leaders in essentials for effective sport ministry and blessing of the local communities. Relationships were established which will continue to be fostered by internet connection and hopefully team competitions between the two nations in the future, God willing.
Marriage renewal
We traveled to a lovely beach community for three days of fun, fellowship and focus on our marriages. These couples pastor among minority people groups in the nation and are bi-vocational. These leaders are loved by Minh and Blessing, who instruct them about healthy marriages and family life as often as they can.
Pastor David and Diim te brought powerful teaching and testimonies about the foundation for effective marriage, family and ministry. The Lord was in our midst, breaking down barriers and healing wounds from past hurts. One older pastor exclaimed “We can have a new marriage?” with laughter and joyful epiphany as the Holy Spirit answered his query. Our three days together closed with a powerful time of prayer as couples held hands or embraced and prayed for the restoration of their own marriages and families.
Once again, we saw the Holy Spirit accomplish something we could never do. Thank you for praying, thank you for sending us out. Please continue to pray for these couples, that they will continue to walk in restoration God gave them, through continued communion with God and their mate.
As we rest up from the jetlag, our hearts are overflowing with thanks to the Lord and to you who send and sustain us by your giving and prayer support.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-8
With love and gratitude,
Jim, Nancy and Vietnam Team
