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You are here: Home / Learn / About Viet Nam / Spirituality

Spirituality

famcandle

‘Father,’ he said, ‘then I beg you to send him to my father’s house—because I have five brothers—to warn them, so they won’t also come to this place of torment.’  Luke 16:27-28 (HCSB)

Perhaps the most pervasive aspect of spirituality or religion among the Vietnamese people is their reverence to and worship of spirits, particularly the spirits of the dead.  This has roots both in the historic indigenous animism and spirit worship of the region and later augmented significantly by the introduction of venerating ancestors via Confucianism.  Such worship placed Vietnam squarely in the middle of the “Rites Controversy” of Catholicism and eventually resulted in the Catholic Church’s official acquiescence to allow the veneration of ancestors by Vietnamese Catholics.  It is difficult to understate how extensively this spiritual darkness covers the peoples of Vietnam.

In Vietnam, traditionally people did not celebrate birthdays (before Western influence), but the death anniversary of a loved one was always an important occasion. Besides an essential gathering of family members for a banquet in memory of the deceased, incense sticks are burned along with hell notes, and great platters of food are made as offerings on the ancestor altar, which usually has pictures or plaques with the names of the deceased.

These offerings and practices are done frequently during important traditional or religious celebrations, the starting of a new business, or even when a family member needs guidance or counsel and is a hallmark of the emphasis Vietnamese culture places on filial duty.

Beyond the veneration of ancestors, there are six religions that are formally recognized by the Vietnamese government including Buddhism, Catholicism, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Protestant Christianity and Islam.  The 2009 Census reported that slightly more than 18% (>15,650,000) of the population of Vietnam reported a religious preference.  Of that number some 6,800,000 plus of the population (around 8% of the total) are listed as Buddhist.  Another approximate 7% of the population or around 5,700,000 plus of the population are listed as Catholic.  Fewer than 1.5 million are listed as followers of Hoa Hao (a Vietnamese variant similar to Buddhism) and around 800,000 are listed as Cao Dai (a Vietnamese indigenous religion that borrows components from Christianity and Buddhism).

According to the most recent census, 734,168 people, or less than 1% of the total population of the country are listed as followers of Protestant Christianity.  Even with liberal estimates, it is doubtful that as many as 2% of the Vietnamese peoples in the country of Vietnam have a personal relationship with God through saving faith in Jesus Christ.

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Ha sets up on the sidewalk selling young coconuts Ha sets up on the sidewalk selling young coconuts to quench thirsts of customers passing by on hot days. More people are likely to buy from her if she makes eye contact and smiles. Our actions can have a great impact on people each day. 

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 
Colossians 3:17 and later in verse 23, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men”

Our task is to do our work wholeheartedly as if we were working for Jesus. If we are Christ-followers, how we treat others and how diligently and faithfully we do our work reflects on our Lord.

Jesus, show me how to honor You in my work today. Amen. Pray for Vietnamese to do their day's work in pursuit of goals that honor God. #pray4vietnam
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#work #focus #smallbusiness #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
Delivery drivers in Saigon search their phone apps Delivery drivers in Saigon search their phone apps to vie for the next work order. Our workplaces offer unlimited opportunities for selfish ambition---but God desires us to strive for the direct opposite. 

1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God's fellow workers...." we have a part and God has a part. We can't do God's part and God has chosen not to do our part. We are privileged to be invited into the work God is doing.

Ask the Holy Spirit to enable Vietnamese believers to speak God's truth to colleagues and be about activities that would offer introductions to God to fellow workers.

Jesus, in my work today, let my thoughts be on how you would react and let my actions follow. When opportunities arise to share Your faithfulness in my life, let words give you credit and glory. #pray4vietnam
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#work #focus #delivery #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
Xanh multi-tasks watching over several pots and pa Xanh multi-tasks watching over several pots and pans to serve her customers ban xeo, a savory dish somewhere between a crepe and an omelet made with rice flour and coconut milk.

At the beginning of the chapter in Acts 6, concern over widows receiving food was increasing. Verse 3 records that a group of men were appointed to take care of food distribution. "Therefore, brothers, selection from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.

Every day, someone feels unseen, overlooked, though we are looking right at them. Ask God to open eyes to see what He sees and for us to respond with His Spirit and wisdom. Pray for unbelieving Vietnamese to know God sees them. #pray4vietnam
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#work #focus #crepe #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
In the New Testament, Paul wrote to Timothy as an In the New Testament, Paul wrote to Timothy as an encouragement to the young church leader to better help him understand his duties.

2 Timothy 4:5 - "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

In our world, darkness is a temptation and distraction to many. What seems like good is really not.

You have seen and heard it, and sometimes it passes over without a struggle. Pray right now for clear understanding and victory in lives that are being led away from what is True. Ask God to make His presence known as the One True God. #pray4vietnam
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#evangelism #focus #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
Labor continues on restoring Notre Dame Cathedral Labor continues on restoring Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. 

In the Book of Nehemiah (chapter 2:7-8) Nehemiah faced a building project that would require resources far above what he had, and because he had planned ahead to know what preparations would be needed, he was able to ask the king and his requests were granted.
 
Costs in time and money must be considered for projects.

Jesus said, “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down, and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28

Praise God for His provisions for projects beginning in the next few weeks. Pray for Vietnamese Believers to be committed to see several projects to the finish. #pray4vietnam
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#construction #work #building #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
Loc works in the evening time selling drinks to br Loc works in the evening time selling drinks to bring in additional monies for her children and husband. Mother's Day is days away and thanks be to God for mothers who work long and tireless hours for the good of their family. [second photo - Cảm ơn Mẹ = Thank you Mom]

The book of Judges from the Old Testament recognizes a woman judge named Deborah. She was known as a supreme commander by military hierarchy. Her governance was so good that “the land had rest for forty years” Judges 5:31, a rare occurrence at any point in Israel's history.

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of the rest, ---yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10

Praise God for His ever-present strength in mother's hearts to care and especially lead their families according to His will. Pray for Vietnamese mothers to be encouraged and blessed. #pray4vietnam
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#mothers #work #thankyou #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
In the Old Testament, the book of Joshua records c In the Old Testament, the book of Joshua records celebrating the Passover in chapter 5 with produce from the land they worked in Canaan. The very next day, the manna that God had provided to the Israelites for the previous 40 years stopped. No more free food.

God had no intention of making the divine gift of manna a permanent solution to the problem of provision. The land was to be worked.

While God may provide miraculously at times for our physical needs, the norm is for us to subsist on the fruit of our labors.

1 Corinthians 15:51 - The apostle Paul exhorted the believers in Corinth, "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Where are you called to produce? What ‘land' do you need to work? 

Thank you, God, for miraculous provisions, thank you for our daily food and work that you give us. Meet needs of Vietnamese Believers that they may know you are the God of provision as they work. #pray4vietnam
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#labor #construction #building #prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #salvation #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
Even these days masks are required to enter Tortoi Even these days masks are required to enter Tortoise Pagoda and many who come are seeking wishes and answers to prayers. Married couples will come to the temple and set ‘free' tortoises into the pool for a small price and hope their wishes will come true. 

Whether it is turtles or birds set free to give false hope---imitation hope, our One True God is not pleased.

“Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: I am against your magic bands that you ensnare people with like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. I will free the people you have ensnared.” Ezekiel 13:20

God deliver Vietnamese people from these false practices and then they will know you are Yahweh. #pray4vietnam
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#prayerchangesthings #verseoftheday #Jesusloves #believers #bibleverse #blessed #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #missions #saved #pray #vietnam
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“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3LzN53i 2 days ago

test Twitter Media - “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 #pray4vietnam https://t.co/p6F3BrBGBP https://t.co/VpqYcfNb1N

Pray for the Laha peoples of Vietnam this week that they might be reached with the Gospel! bit.ly/3MSWST3 4 days ago

1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God's fellow workers...." we have a part and God has a part. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/39sNTZQ 7 days ago

test Twitter Media - 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God's fellow workers...." we have a part and God has a part. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/R9TtPqtyDV https://t.co/nsG8eIFUEq

At the beginning of the chapter in Acts 6, concern over widows receiving food was increasing. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3vMGSdC 1 week ago

test Twitter Media - At the beginning of the chapter in Acts 6, concern over widows receiving food was increasing. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/poRjsr9NNX https://t.co/pz60e1gzLh

Please pray this week for the Gospel to multiply among the Pathen and Red Tai peoples of Vietnam! bit.ly/3weaUIH 2 weeks ago

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