Places that Seem Spiritually Hopeless

(One of the schools in Vietnam)

It has already been about three months since our trip to Vietnam. Now I am reading and hearing about it more than I ever remember (mostly because now I am listening for it). Recently, I learned something new about Vietnam that took me by surprise.

      I follow many global Christian organizations. One of these organizations, Open Doors, publishes the World Watch List every year. This list ranks the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. (To learn more about how the ranking is determined you can read about it on the Open Doors website: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/about-wwl-ranking/). As I was reading through the list, I was surprised to read that Vietnam was ranked 20th on it (to see the countries on the 2016 World Watch List, visit https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/wwl-downloads/).

      Sometimes when I read the stats on Christianity in different countries and among different people groups I get discouraged. My prayers become desperate (as though the Christians there are to be pitied). I do not deny that the situation is difficult and sometimes tragic, however, in Vietnam (and other countries) there is so much beauty in the Christian community's faith. They have counted the cost and decided that God was worth it. Jobs can be lost, families can be evicted, believers can be hurt (physically, emotionally, and mentally), their families can turn away from them. These are just a few of the costs of being a Christian in this (and other countries). In fact, Christians around the world face different levels of persecution. Some are murdered, raped, starved, imprisoned, or mutilated without hope of being protected by the judicial system. It is no light decision to follow Christ. In fact, it never should be.

      In Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV), Jesus tells his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Denying Christ in these countries or places holds many rewards: safety, acceptance, reputation, money, favor, etc. Unfortunately, these rewards are only temporary. They ensure security in this life, but at what cost?

      These Christians know that God is real and are willing to put their lives on the line for it (even their family's lives). I stood among Christians in Vietnam whose faith was evident, love for God was deep, and worship was sincere. They had a passion to serve God and see others saved. These Christians still need our prayers to remain encouraged and steadfast in their faith, but let's not just think of them as though they are hiding helplessly. Their witness is more powerful because of the risk they are taking to stand for God. 

      We need to be careful when writing off what God can do in different countries, cities, towns, villages, or neighborhoods. A small presence is not the same as a lack of presence. When reading the stats on believers in Vietnam, I was initially a bit discouraged (especially knowing that I would only be there for such a short time). After having been there, though, and witnessing the life of the Church, my perspective is different. They may not have the numbers that astound but they have the trueness of faith that does. Many Christians aren't hiding their faith and keeping it to themselves; they are sharing it and other people are seeing it. 

      Is there caution in sharing? Yes, but they have not allowed that to keep them from sharing the treasure they have found in Christ. The next time you pray for a place (or person) that seems spiritually hopeless, keep in mind what God has been doing in the places (and people) we have written off. Look up stories of Christians in these areas if you need more encouragement to speak bold prayers on their behalf. These Christians don't just want safety, they want a more effective witness. They want others to know God. They are often more spiritually hopeful than many Christians in more open countries (to Christianity) are.

(Vietnam is filled with people who have yet to hear the Gospel, but it is also filled with people who are willing and ready to share where their faith lies.)