Pastor Nam’s* life in Vietnam has been transformed: he used to spy on God’s people, and now he disciples them. He faithfully serves in his ministry, as the Vietnamese authorities continue to oppress Christians.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Pastor Nam* – name changed for security reasons.
Sometimes I ask myself why God didn’t choose someone else to serve him instead of me. Someone who has one leg and who most people reject. But God said, I choose you.
When Naam served in the Vietnamese army in the 1980s his leg was injured by a landmine and he struggled for a long time to find work.
In 2000, the local authorities discovered a group of Christians and offered Nam a job. But God ultimately had another job for him.
Since the authorities were keen people who didn’t understand the Khmer language, they sent me as a spy to report on the believers activities. Each month I reported their activities to my superiors.
However, after 3 or 4 months, I stopped reporting. I realized that the followers of Christ were not doing anything wrong.
The authorities summoned Nam to find out if he would keep working for them.
I replied. I lost one of my legs in Cambodia while serving this government.
The rest of my life will be dedicated to serving God. Although I was afraid, I told my wife, If God is real, he will help us. Then I destroyed our family altar.
In Vietnam it is not illegal to become a Christian, but those who turn away from ancestral worship often face persecution.
This is how it is from the past until now. Khmer people follow Buddhism and they go to the pagoda on the 15th and 30th of each lunar month. If Christians don’t follow this traditional worship, it feels like they’re going against their culture. There’s even a Khmer saying the crocodile goes to the wrong pond, meaning they will be discriminated against for following another religion. I’m in particular, local authorities often remove believers names from the list of those who are poor, denying them social benefits.
I believe the authorities are still sending spies to monitor and report on Christian activities.
Nam is now a pastor of a house church. Although his church is registered the local authorities often visit and check on them. But in partnership with Open Doors, his congregation has been strengthened through persecution, preparedness, training.
These lessons are powerful because they transform lives and help people to understand who they are and what they can do for their communities, and especially for God. I’m truly grateful for your prayers and support. I promise before God and you, I won’t give up. I will continue praying and sharing the gospel for the rest of my life, especially with the Khmer people.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Pastor Nam – name changed for security reasons.
Recording Location
Vietnam
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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