Shirley and I have returned from our Vietnam weekend. Our purpose was to meet Christians there and find if there were ways to help them within the parameters of my work with SIBI. It was an adventure, to say the least. First a six hour bus ride on Cambodian and Vietnamese hiways…whew!!! We got to see the countryside and rode a ferry (bus and all) across the Mekong River. We arrived safely even after a bus breakdown and being picked up by the next one coming along.
Our bus deposited us near the Ben Thanh Market (more or less the center of the city). We found a taxi to our hotel and rested for a bit before venturing over to the market (pictured above). We were mauled by a sea of vendors trying to sell us almost anything. It was uncomfortable and not like the markets in Cambodia. We didn’t stay very long and walked back through a beautiful park and rested until meeting up with brethren.
Brother Minh Ho and Brother Trung met us at the hotel and we took another taxi ride to Minh Ho’s home. Minh in the father of Nha Ca Ho who is a student of at the Singapore International Bible Institute. It was Nha Ca who put us in touch with his father who preaches for the Ho Chi Minh City church. We met with several members at Minh’s home including his wife Kim Chi, Nha Ca’s girlfriend Ngoc Tu, and Sister Thanh Yeu. We had a lovely meal sandwiched between the drums and flutes of a Buddhist funeral next door and a thundering rainstorm. The fellowship was beautiful and Bro Trung, who speaks six languages including English and Vietnamese. was able to translate for us.
After a ride back to the city we got a great nights sleep anticipating the worship on Sunday with many others of the church. When Sunday morning arrived we had to leave early as a protest regarding Chinese policies in Vietnam were anticipated. We arrived at the worship place, Sister Yen’s home, after about an hours travel. We were rushed into her home and the door closed swiftly behind us. No one wanted to cause any difficulty for Sister Yen who has generously offered her home for worship. We met with 30 saints in a little room that squeezed us together pretty good. After a Bible class I preached on Romans 8 and the spiritual blessing we have in Christ. I was honored to be there and honored to be bringing the words of life to these sweet and faithful brothers and sisters. After much singing and the Lord’s supper, we took pictures and then Shirley and I took all who could come to lunch. We ate well (noodles and beef), and drank Coke, coffees, and tea…lunch for 20 — $50 — PRICELESS. We were introduced to the rest of the brethren and Shirley and I sat next to Brother and Sister Number 10.
After lunch we said our goodbyes and were taken back to the meeting place for the bus. I am planning a follow-up trip and trying to line up some teachers from our Cambodian Bible Institute alumni to go and help them with some more in-depth learning.
Our trip home was eventful, seeing a moto accident and having to pay an additional $50 for a visa. We forgot we only had a single entry visa to Cambodia and had to apply for another one. Instantly granted, but I only had $42. The bus attendant paid the other 8 until we got back to Phnom Penh.
All in all it was a wonderfully fulfilling weekend. I am so glad that Shirley shared it with me. I am anxious to begin more help for these wonderful brothers and sisters. Will you be praying with me on their behalf?
