World evangelist and author Luis Palau joined with church leaders to help pave the way for historic Easter celebrations earlier this month in Vietnam. Joined by his son and fellow evangelist Andrew Palau, both had the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ openly on several occasions, focusing their efforts on Ho Chi Minh City (pop. 7.1 million) and Hanoi (pop. 6.5 million).
Although several of the events were met with resistance – requiring last-minute changes in Ho Chi Minh City as well as cancellation of events in Hanoi – more than 35,000 people heard the Good News in person and several thousand more watched through live Internet streaming of the historic, two-day festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 9 and 10. The executive committee reported that more than 5,500 individuals made documented decisions for Jesus Christ as a result of the campaign. Each one was given a Vietnamese New Testament as a start to their discipleship process.
In addition to the evangelistic efforts, both Palau and his son Andrew had several opportunities to preach in local churches and address local pastors. Church leaders were tremendously encouraged by the visit. They see Palau’s time in Vietnam as the beginning of a new day for unity in the Body of Christ and evangelism throughout the nation.
“Never have I seen the Church so unified,” said one church leader in Hanoi. “There is no question Dr. Palau has played a vital role in our work here in Vietnam. His involvement has brought us together in a wonderful way and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Local leadership confirmed that this effort was the first time since the reunification of the nation that an international Christian leader has been welcomed by the Vietnamese government and allowed to openly preach the Good News. It also represented the first time that the four major sectors of the evangelical church of the north had come together in a unified effort.
Palau’s visit marked the beginning of the 100-year celebration of the evangelical church in Vietnam, first established in 1911 by missionaries of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Local leaders have been planning for the events for months, working diligently with the government to find approval. Celebration events are planned through June, led by the registered and unregistered churches.
“It has been a tremendous time here in Vietnam,” said Palau. “In spite of the challenges and setbacks, the Lord accomplished a powerful work. We cannot forget what He has done. The Good News has been proclaimed, the church leaders have been encouraged, and by the grace of God, we have been used to bring a greater measure of unity throughout the Church.”
“Invitations for further events are in hand,” Palau went on to report. “We appeal to God’s people worldwide to continue to pray for the Vietnamese people and their government leaders – that the Lord would bless them spiritually and economically.”
Palau’s involvement in Vietnam is not over. With a strong commitment to the Church and a desire to see the Good News proclaimed openly throughout the nation, he will do his part to continue to encourage local church leadership, foster goodwill with the government, and offer prayerful support.
It has been a tremendous time here in Vietnam - filled with highs, lows, setbacks, and victories. The Lord is at work. The Gospel is moving forward, yet not without its challenges.
The festival scheduled for Hanoi did not move forward as we had hoped. Although the government did provide the necessary approvals and permits on Friday, several issues surrounding the venue made it impossible to pull things together in time. The local committee did all they could. Yet, in the end, it was clear the timing for the festival in Hanoi was not right. We are trusting the Lord in His wisdom that He has something greater in store.
In spite of the challenges and setbacks, the Lord did accomplish a powerful work here in Vietnam. We cannot forget what He has done, both in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Let’s rejoice:
Earlier tonight Luis had the opportunity to meet with several of the key pastors and offer his encouragement. They have put their blood, sweat, and tears into this campaign. They have wept for the lost, and they desire to see their country lifted up - for the glory of God. Now it is up to us to continue to encourage them, support them, and watch the Lord do His work.
This is not the first time Luis and the team have run into obstacles like this. In many ways it has reminded Luis of his work in several countries over the years. And at every turn, it was the start of something tremendous. We are convinced - and so are the locals - that we will look back on these events as the start of a new day for Vietnam. It is a turning point for the Gospel in this nation. Barriers are being removed, the Church is coming together, and the locals are being empowered to move forward with confidence and wisdom.
We so appreciate all your prayers. The local believers are so grateful to have our support and encouragement. We will continue to lift them up and do what we can for the nation. We still plan to return in June for further evangelistic events in Danang and Hanoi. We trust all our friends will stay committed to the cause as well, asking the Lord for great favor and continued open doors. The harvest is plentiful. We have seen it with our own eyes.
Our time in Vietnam is not over. Andrew preaches at a local church tomorrow morning. Luis returns in June. Who knows what the Lord has in store after that. Pray that the Lord continues to use us in powerful ways.
More reports to come. As for now, rejoice! The Lord is at work.
April 15, 2011: 11:00 p.m. local time
Hanoi, Vietnam
Praise the Lord! He is at work!
We received final written permission for events in Hanoi earlier this afternoon. Truly historic in and of itself. However, given the late timing – and a few key issues with the venue – it was impossible to pull the gathering together for this evening. All our efforts are now focused on tomorrow (Saturday) when we aim to share the clear Gospel message with thousands of individuals in Hanoi. We are at peace, trusting the Lord has great things in store for the entire nation.
We will continue to encourage and lift up the local believers as they humbly move forward with plans for tomorrow. We will also continue to support them as they build relations and trust with local authorities. We know the groundwork that is established here will have a direct impact on future gatherings, including events planned for June.
Please continue to lift up the local believers in prayer. Ask the Lord for wisdom, guidance, and favor . . . and for a great harvest!
We’ll report back tomorrow.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
We arrived in the north of Vietnam on Tuesday. It’s been a quiet few days. Festival leaders are working hard behind the scenes to get final approval, a venue and other specifics ironed out. We hear that the events are approved. Now we just wait for the specific location. In the meantime, Luis and Andrew have both had some great time building into the local believers and getting a better understanding of the state of current affairs throughout the nation.
Andrew spent last night at one of the largest house churches in the area. It is mainly made up of new converts - many of them saved out of serious drug addiction. They’ve seen increased freedom in their work over the past few years, much in part to the clear positive impact they are having on the community. It was so encouraging to be with them and see their passion.
Luis also met with a top official from the U.S. Embassy today. His focus is religious affairs, and his insight was tremendously helpful. Luis was pleased to spend some time with him and glean some wisdom for the future. His report only confirmed our thoughts, that things in Vietnam are headed in a very positive direction, especially for the Church. We are excited to see how we are allowed to take part.
Tomorrow night is the festival. Pray for a great time of outreach and encouragement -- that many would come to know Christ.
We’ll be sure to report back. Thanks again for your prayers. You are such a blessing.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Read Luis’ latest prayer request >>
Read the media buzz surrounding the campaigns in Vietnam >>
The Lord is at work in Vietnam. The team just returned to the hotel from the last day of activities in Ho Chi Minh City. As the night before, Andrew and Luis both had the opportunity to share the Good News openly with thousands of individuals from across Vietnam.
The soccer stadium was nearly packed as Andrew (at right) gave his testimony and Luis gave a powerful Gospel presentation. They were both great messages - clearly speaking to the crowd. Hundreds of people came forward at the invitation, flooding the stage and overflowing in front. It truly was a powerful sight.
The Good News also went out live via web streaming on Vietnam’s most popular Christian website. It helped reach thousands more across the nation, as well as the rest of the world.
Now we move on to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Plans include two more days of festival evangelism this coming Friday and Saturday (April 15 and 16). We are confident that we’ll receive final government approval for the events, just as we did here.
Thanks for your prayers. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more reports and encouragement.
Praise the Lord!
"In you, Lord my God, I put my trust" (Psalm 25:1).
At 4:00 p.m. we received word from local believers that the Vietnamese government had granted full permission for the evangelistic events in Ho Chi Minh City (3 hours before the program was to start). Within minutes, the locals were at work outfitting the festival site -- a beautiful soccer stadium (below)
just outside of downtown -- with a first-rate sound system, stage, and lighting. By 9 p.m., the site was up and running and the Good News was going out clearly.
Thousands from throughout the region turned out for the historic event, which included music by Don Moen, testimonies from Andrew Palau and Rick Coulson, and a clear Gospel presentation from Luis. Festival participants throughout the stadium were overjoyed; several confirming the fact that this was the first time a non-Vietnamese leader has been allowed to openly proclaim the Good News Gospel in Vietnam since 1975.
Reports on attendance numbers and decisions are still coming in. Details will be reported as soon as they are made available.
Now with the festival site prepared and the first day under our belt, we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for tomorrow. After that, Luis and the team are headed to Hanoi where preparations are being made for two more days of evangelistic events.
Please join us as we pray for the individuals who responded to the Gospel at the festival this evening. Also, join us as we pray for the local leaders who are working overtime to see these campaigns succeed.
From Luis: At a stadium, not the open field that was preferred. But approved! Changes at the last minute. But approved! Pray for all the hustling, buses diverted, some other confusion, etc. But spread the word everywhere. It is approved for the two days in Ho Chi Minh City. The next week is up for God’s will and prayer. Tonight and tomorrow are approved. It was even said "as many days as you please."
Nevertheless, do continue to intercede. Pressure is high. We all need peace. Meeting to start at 7:00 p.m.
Sound, lights, toilets, platform need to be set up. Re-directing hundreds of buses, motorbikes, and cars ... with 3 hours to go!
Thanks for praying. Rejoice. Praise the Lord. Pass the word along. To God be all the glory! Ask for anointing, joy, order, protection from all sides and for all sides. And above all else that our Lord and Savior be lifted high, well spoken of, and praised. With perhaps thousands of souls saved and into eternal life. Here we go in Jesus’ name!
Here is a photo that has just come in of the overwhelming response during tonight’s invitation. More updates to come after tonight’s festival.
Key church leaders in Vietnam continue to work with government officials on final plans and permits for unified, area-wide evangelistic events this Saturday and Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City (population 7.1 million).
Given certain indicators, although we are still awaiting official approval, festival leaders feel confident that events will take place as planned and are moving forward with great faith. As they await final approval, believers throughout the city have been gathering for nightly prayer meetings.
In addition to preparing for the festival, Luis had the opportunity to break away earlier today and meet with Sue and Rick Prosser from Newcastle, Australia. Sue committed her life to the Lord as a young girl during Luis’ campaign in Newcastle in 1978. She and her husband, Rick, are now playing a key role in bringing Luis and the team back to their area. They are helping to gather leaders in Newcastle and cast a vision for a possible region-wide festival in 2012. Flying up specifically for the events in Ho Chi Minh City this weekend, Sue and Rick had the joy of sharing their story with Luis and talking strategically about plans for continued evangelistic efforts in Australia.
Please join us in continuing to pray for all that is going on over the next several days (prayer meeting photo, at right). We are confident your prayers are being heard and that God has great things in store.
Keep on praying for us here! Please get as many people as possible to do likewise. We need intercession. Very much so. Spiritual warfare is real. Vietnam needs our prayers!
10:30 a.m. PDT
Luis and the team have arrived in Vietnam safely, soundly, and to none other than a parade that was awaiting their arrival. Luis was excited to see all the bikes and people eager to meet them. With all of the noise and such, it was thrilling!
Please pray for the weeks ahead as Luis and the team encourage, bless, and challenge the local believers. It’s exciting to see what the Lord has in store. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as often as possible.
Thank you so very much for your prayers.
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