Hey everyone, I’m updating this from an internet cafe across from where we are staying.  I think I will have trouble uploading pictures, so for the time being I’ll just have to update on what we’ve been up too.

Day 1
For the most part was pretty relaxed.  We got to hangout with MS (Pastor) Hai for the day and just grabbed dinner with him.  I’ve never met him before but he seems like an amazing man with such a passion for this part of the world.  His wife and children are equally a blessing to be around.  So far, our team meets in the morning and at night to debrief about the day.  Its been a tremendous blessing to just pray and reflect on the day.

Day 2
Our official day of VBS and work in the city.  The kids here are so sweet and really know their bible stories.  We had about 20 kids and we did VBS-ish type of work this morning until 1 pm.  I guess its hard to describe but the love and gift of Christ is enough for me to feel at home.  It made me really pray for these kids here when I was working with them.  I hope that they would just grow up with Christ in their hearts.

I think it goes to say that people here are simply devoid of any exposure to Christianity but the weak sense of morality, lack of opportunity, and crippling social structure are things that caught my eye.  I was talking to MS Hai and he said that crime is a part of life.  Calling the police is more of a hassle and actually nothing gets done.  We passed by an area of town and he said that it was an area where prostitution of Vietnamese refugee woman had taken place.  I really can go on, but the main thing I’m constantly praying for is the hopeless and dark road that these people must face. 

Facing the Hopeless
The ongoing work of the gospel is relevant today.  The crippling structure of how things are done over here can lead many (in my opinion) to feel completely stuck or handcuff to their role in life.  If you never felt this way, its not surprise.  I haven’t.  America is the land of opportunity, but image for a second what it would be like to have no hope.  It sucks.  This however is anti-gospel.  The power of the gospel is the ability to save us from our sin and to make us rich in Christ.  The first 3 chapters of Ephesians constantly reverberates in my head.  I’m not sure what to post except the things we’ve been doing, but here are a few of the things we’ve been doing and some of my reflections.  I’ll close with this.

This is my prayer- Lord, with all my soul, help me point your love to these people.  I thank you for Christ and for all that he is to us on the cross.  Help us discern and have wisdom to encourage and empower the local church.  Will your spirit, mightily change and convict those who you are calling, allowing us to be a part of your sovereign plan.  With everything said and done, help me be obedient.

For God’s glory!
Vinh