Some quick statistics touching key factors in understanding Viet Nam. Thanks to OMF for putting this infographic together. They have a number of other good resources on Viet Nam that you can view on their site as well. A full half of the … [Read more...]
Path of the Khmer Krom
During my recent trip to Soc Trang, I have able to visit several Buddhist temples influenced by Khmer Krom culture. I had visited other Buddhist temples before, but I decided it was time to dig a little deeper. Specifically, I was curious how … [Read more...]
Vietnamese Catholics
Day 26 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Tu* attends weekly Catholic mass where she lifts hopeful prayers to Mary. Every morning she helps her mother kneel at the family altar to Tu’s father who has passed away. On her way to school, Tu stops by … [Read more...]
Commemorating Lost Loved Ones
Day 24 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Hao* welcomes waves of people into his home today. Friends crowd his sitting room sipping on the hot green tea his wife prepared for them. He smiles and nods at the turnout, feeling honored that so many … [Read more...]
A Culture of Idols
Day 20 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Idols and altars abound throughout the country of Vietnam. Small bowls filled with food and burning incense sit outside the entrance to most restaurants. Larger shrines with photos of deceased ancestors … [Read more...]
Spirits All Around
Day 17 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Throughout Vietnam, the fear and worship of spirits grips the hearts of many. Mirrors or strips of cloth above doorways ward off evil spirits. Sacrifices and rituals invite the spirits of trees, houses, … [Read more...]
Bones of the Dead
Day 13 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam The burial of a family member is often not a one-time process in many Vietnamese families. Because the worship of ancestors is so important, many Vietnamese people go to great lengths to preserve the bones … [Read more...]
Religious Blending
Day 10 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Common to Vietnamese religious life is the mixing of multiple religions or belief systems into one religion. This practice is often called syncretism. Syncretism is especially prevalent in Buddhism, … [Read more...]
Honoring the Dead
Day 3 of 31 Days of Prayer for Viet Nam Most Vietnamese people are very spiritual. Though about half of the people identify themselves as Buddhist, the core of Vietnamese spirituality is ancestor worship and honoring spirits of the dead. Nearly … [Read more...]
CompassionNet Ho Chi Minh City April 1, 2015
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM (HOE-chee-men) - “Everything here is a spiritual battle,” says Thanh*, a local believer who is consistent in sharing his faith with others around him. “From even before you start to share with someone, there will be … [Read more...]
